4 minute read
In the Classroom
B.A. from Gonzaga University
Played basketball at Gonzaga University for four years
Grew up on a 1,500-acre farm in Colfax, Washington
Loves Mexican food
Favorite movie: Secretariat
Favorite hobbies: reading and family time
DECA Advisor since 2017
Kerri Jensen Taking Care of Business
Who inspired you to teach?
My mom was a middle school teacher for 36 years and she was a legend. It was inspiring to see her teach her students and then to see them come back to share their great accomplishments and appreciation for what she taught them. I loved going to school where she worked and seeing her in the hallways and it made me proud to feel like I was part of a larger community. Why did you transition from corporate work to teaching?
At an early age, it was my goal to become a CEO for a medium to large company. I was on track and climbing that corporate ladder when I met my husband. He had a strong sense of family and a courageous faith. I admire that so much in him and when we were blessed with our fi rst of three children, I knew that my goals and priorities had changed. I have always been thankful for the 15 years of experience with Procter and Gamble, and I have never regretted my decision to leave that company to be home with my family. It was not always easy as we had to sacrifi ce some things, but our kids didn’t notice. The relationship I have with my children now is directly connected to the time we had together as a family as they were growing up. What is your favorite part of teaching?
Students are the best part of teaching. They are an amazing collection of diverse individuals trying to navigate so many things at once. As their teacher, I see them handle so many emotions and expectations, sometimes successfully and sometimes not. But I appreciate that they try. Also, as a side note, they are so funny! I think I laugh out loud every day because these students have great senses of humor and they really are funny! Does what you teach in business and marketing change year to year depending on trends or emerging sectors?
Accounting is a class I like to teach more and more because it is consistent and unchanging. Marketing is the opposite. It is changing so much with the digital and online opportunities today. It really started with the smartphone. While the fundamentals remain similar, the delivery and the content are ever-changing. I do enjoy teaching marketing, but the change is constant.
What are the skills students gain as part of the DECA program?
Students gain real world experience as they work through business ideas, challenges and teamwork. DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, fi nance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. The program focuses on 21st century skills and entrepreneurship through problem solving, critical thinking, communications skills, creativity, collaboration and teamwork. DECA’s competitive events are aligned with the National Curriculum Standards in the career clusters of marketing, business management and administration, fi nance, hospitality and tourism. I am proud of the fact that my DECA students have qualifi ed for nationals these past fi ve years! Any hidden talents or interests?
Growing up on a farm, we raised Angus beef cattle. I suppose a hidden talent would be showing cattle. We would spend our summers working on the farm or traveling state to state showing cattle. Regarding interests, before I reached six feet tall (in the eighth grade), I was convinced I would be a dancer on Broadway. I have always admired the athleticism of dancers and wanted to be just like them. Once I embraced the blessing of height, I realized sports were a great outlet and played both volleyball and basketball in high school. I continue to call myself Gonzaga’s #1 fan. I was so excited when my daughter decided to attend Gonzaga this year. She is a freshman on a much bigger campus than when I was there and at a school that is quite a bit more well known. I like to tell her “I was a Zag before being a Zag was cool.” Any hobbies you’d like to share?
My family is my greatest treasure and my favorite hobby. My husband and I prioritize family time and I am blessed with a large, healthy family. I love to spend time at the lake, farm and ocean as well as hiking, traveling and reading. The reason I love these things is because I do them with my family and friends. I have raised many different animals in my lifetime, and you may be surprised to know my favorite one is the chicken! They are so fun and therapeutic to watch, plus they give you a little gift every morning.
