Jeremiah LeTourneau
Began at Teachwell:
2023
Why did you choose this field?
I personally struggled with school but had incredible teachers that heard and saw me. These teachers helped me realize that just because something is hard doesn't mean that you are not good at it. I wanted to continue this same compassion to students through teaching mathematics.
What did you think you were going to be when you grew up?
What I thought I was going to be when I grew up was either between being a math teacher and being a pastor on a horse. You can guess which one won.
What or who most inspires you?
The thing that inspires me most is when "ordinary" people realize that they can also do great things when they apply themselves and decide they are willing to put in the effort that is needed. There is no level of education, training, natural talent, qualification needed that should prevent you from knowing that you can achieve "It."
Why Teachwell?
After working in a great school system for many years I realized how easy it is for underserved individuals to slip through the cracks in the public education sector. I wanted to be able to take what I learned and apply it to ALL students. I believe in serving ALL students because everyone deserves a quality education and have someone to tell them that they care for them. Your past does not dictate your self-worth.
What are you proudest of?
Early on in my rock climbing career, I was drawn to the hardest forms of rock climbing and was told that even completing one big wall route is "too difficult." I have currently climbed 9 Big Walls, 5 of which have been on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. This has led me to being actively involved with contributing, advocating, and improving the climbing community.
How do you hope to make a difference?
I hope to make a difference in students by helping them realize their own possibilities and that no matter what, there is nothing they need to do to earn forgiveness, respect or kindness. They are already accepted as is.
What lessons has your work life taught you?
The lessons that my work life have taught me is that we are all just trying to figure it out as we go. We can only just try our best with the tools, decisions, and opportunities we have.
What is your background? Experience, degrees, skills, etc.?
I received my Bachelors of Science in Mathematics Education from Winona State University in 2016. I student taught and worked as a long term substitute in North Branch, Mn and then began my teaching career. This led me to working with a great team at Worthington High School in Minnesota for 6 years.
People would be surprised to know that I . . .
