Ms. Jennie Huff, a student teacher in Mr. Hanlon’s physics classes, is surviving this challenging semester at Beaver Area High School. But it’s not just learning the ropes teaching during a pandemic; she has achieved much in her life. Never met her? Here is a chance to get to know Ms. Huff!

What college are you currently attending?

I am currently attending Geneva College.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Linesville, Pennsylvania. (Editor’s note: We guess that means Linesville is a real place and not the imaginary land which spawned Sr. Hank.)

Did where you grow up affect your choice of occupation?

I always knew I wanted to be a teacher; I just did not know what subject I was interested in. I grew up in a very rural area in Northwest Pennsylvania. When I was in eighth grade the schools combined in my district and I ended up going to Conneautville, Pennsylvania for middle school. It was there I had a teacher tell me that I should consider teaching physics—and that has been my goal since.

Where did you go to high school?

I attended Conneaut Area Senior High School and graduated in 2017.

How long have you been student teaching?

I have been student teaching since January 20 and will complete it April 30.

Where are you considering teaching once you graduate college?

I currently am looking to get hired around the local area, but this is all subject to change.

What are some of your hobbies?

Some of my main hobbies include riding our two horses (Bob and Midnight) on our family farm, playing with my 2 year old daughter (Gracelyn), singing in the Genevans choir, and playing my flute and piccolo as first chair in the symphonic band and marching band at Geneva College.

Why did you choose to teach physics?

I chose to teach physics because I have always enjoyed math and I wanted to work with science. My eighth grade teacher, Mr. Thompson, told me one day that I should really consider teaching physic and that has been my path ever since.

If you could teach any other subject, what would it be and why?

If I could teach any other subject I would probably choose math because I currently have a math minor and I am going to be double-certified in physics and math. Another subject I would possibly teach would be music because I have always loved being in the Erie Junior Philharmonic, jazz band, marching band, symphonic band, and choir.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

My daughter Gracelyn is my biggest inspiration because I want to be able to provide her with a happy life!

What is one thing that you would like your students to take away from you?

The main item I want my students to take away from my class is that it is okay to make mistakes, because that is how we learn, especially in the inquiry-based field of science.

What is the hardest part about student teaching?

The hardest part of student teaching is going to be leaving behind the students I have taught.