Welcome to LHS: Social studies department addition Jensen finds teaching “sweet,” like Haribo gummy bears

This story is part of Lancer Media’s fall series welcoming new staff.  We enjoyed learning about many teachers but apologize that we were unable to cover every new teacher.

Mr. James Jensen teaches Modern World History and AP World History and has a passion for farming. He raises chickens, goats, turkeys, ducks and dogs.

“My dog just had puppies. If I seemed tired the other day it was because I was up at three in the morning helping pull the puppies out.”

Jensen grew up in a military family moving between bases across the world. Perhaps that’s why he connected to his high school teacher, Mr. Metts. The ex-military English teacher may have been unconventional, but he connected to students in a way that spoke to Jensen.

Jensen has his own student admirers. AP World Student Maggie Clugston said, “His teaching method is interesting and funny, yet informative. I really enjoy his class.”

However, he never planned to become a teacher. After years of studying to become an economist, he married and moved to Maryland, hoping to work for the federal government.

Unable to get a job in the government due to a hiring freeze, he became a teacher in Baltimore. Soon after, he fell in love with the profession and has been teaching ever since.

Although he’s teaching a college level class, Jensen still has a weakness for the simplest of things–Haribo gummy bears. If you happen to be in one of his classes, you may want to stock up on these sweet treats.

“But,” Jensen said, “you have to get them from Germany.”