Brynn Hansen

“I learned how difficult teaching can be, and I learned how rewarding teaching can be. Teachers are very special people."

-Brynn Hansen

Brynn Hansen aims to become an elementary school teacher after graduation. When she isn’t studying, Brynn enjoys hanging out with her friends, reading, baking, and watching Netflix.

Brynn Hansen advances toward achieving lifelong dream of teaching

Brynn Hansen has only ever had one answer to the age-old question, “What do you want to do in the future?”

Since Brynn was a little girl, she has wanted to be a teacher. Now, she’s combining her high school experiences with the content she’s learning as an elementary education major and a learning community peer mentor to continue on the path of fulfilling her dream.

“I just always knew, ever since kindergarten. I love school and I love working with kids,” Brynn said.

Brynn’s mother works with kids, and being immersed in that atmosphere growing up helped Brynn make the decision that she wanted to go into elementary education long before she came to Iowa State University.

The practicum she completed during high school also influenced her decision. Brynn described the teaching experience at Maple Grove Elementary School in West Des Moines, Iowa, as extremely eye opening.

“I learned how difficult teaching can be, and I learned how rewarding teaching can be. Teachers are very special people,” she said.

Brynn utilizes her minor in learning technologies to prepare for her future in the classroom; she is heavily involved in technology with her position as a technology intern at the Gilbert Intermediate School in Gilbert, Iowa. She assists in repairing students’ Chromebooks and learns about new technology implementation in the classroom.

“With elementary education, everything is so technology based,” she said.

Brynn’s involvement as a Preparing Tomorrow’s Teachers Learning Community peer mentor further supports her preparation in becoming an educator. In this role, she leads a group of 11 students who are also passionate about elementary education, and acts as a resource for them as they adjust to college life. Brynn guides freshman elementary education majors, as well as undecided students who are interested in becoming educators, through advice, mini pedagogic lessons, and professional development activities. Her extra curricular work has deepened her lifelong appreciation for education and mentorship, and brought her closer to the goal she’s had since childhood.

“Get involved in anything that you can on campus, [especially] major-specific opportunities,” Brynn said.