Lansing USD469 Employee Spotlight: Ian Hodges, Social Sciences Teacher
Our "Employee Spotlight" series aims to showcase the unique personalities, talents, and stories that contribute to the success of our district. This section celebrates the incredible individuals who make our Lansing USD469 community thrive.
Ian Hodges, Social Sciences Teacher
Question: How long have you worked for Lansing USD469?
Answer: This is my 4th year at Lansing High School
Question: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the role you have within the school district?
Answer: I began at Lansing a few years ago working as a paraeducator for the High School and working credit recovery classes in the summer. Since finishing my degree in Education, I have been fortunate enough to take on a role as a Social Science teacher at the high school teaching Civics, Geography, Psychology, and Sociology this year. I have also been an assistant coach for the boys basketball team the past 3 seasons.
Question: What do you enjoy most about your role and the work you do in the school district?
Answer: I enjoy being able to help students find success in what they enjoy as well as helping them find new interests and passions. In elective classes like Psychology and Sociology, many topics covered are completely new to students. Being able to see students make connections from their own lives, knowledge they have learned in other classes, and take the initiative to ask questions for the sake of their own curiosity and understanding makes my job all the more enjoyable.
Question: What is something unusual about you that most people don't know?
Answer: I am from a small town in Central Kansas and worked on our family farm during harvest season in the summers.
Question: When you're not working, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy?
Answer: Basketball, reading, disc golf, spending time outdoors with my wife and friends.
Question: What piece of advice would you like to offer to students to help them succeed and make the most of their educational journey?
Answer: Put yourself out there and try new things! Take advantage of as many opportunities as you can, you never know when you will find something new that you love!