After more than 20 years as a band director for grades 5-12, Jens found himself working in a big box store until his daughter, a previous tutor, encouraged him to apply for Reading Corps. Now, he spends his days helping preschoolers get ready for Kindergarten. Using the Reading Corps interventions has made a marked difference, he said. One student began with no knowledge of letter names; with plenty of practice, she’s now meeting the spring target in letter naming. An added bonus of serving in a preschool classroom is that Jens can share his love of music. “I introduced music with the literacy skills,” he said, “having students singing transition songs as I accompany them on the guitar.” Jens has also introduced the students to the trumpet, trombone, and baritone, and helped direct the school music program.
Jens Jensen
“I wake up every morning looking forward to the day, knowing that I’ll be contributing. I am preparing the children for Kindergarten and for their years in school after that. I love what I am doing.”