What is your name and department? My name is Courtney Hanson, and I work in the English department.

How long have you been teaching at North? I have been teaching for 12 years in the district, 7 years at North.

What made you want to become a teacher? Well, teaching is a second career for me. I was a technical writer for an insurance company first, and I pretty much despised every minute of it. I learned a lot, but I just didn’t enjoy it. But because of that job, I got a job as an English adviser in Japan and I started teaching little kids, teenagers and adults English which I really liked and had success with. I really enjoyed teenagers and I’ve always loved literature. I liked the idea of leading a group of people towards a goal which is what led me to teaching. It wasn’t always my number one goal to be a teacher, I just knew what I didn’t want to do, which could sometimes be just as valuable as knowing what you do. And all the things I really did like pointed towards teaching. 

How do you cope with the stress that comes from teaching? Exercise is a huge stress reliever for me, so cardio workouts in the morning, yoga at night and if that doesn’t do the trick then when I’m feeling really stressed out I’ll call one of my sisters or one of my brothers which would make me laugh. 

What is your favorite part about teaching? Definitely the students. My students inspire me to learn from them everyday. The best part of teaching is that every day is different and I get to look at my own work and make it better the next year. There’s always a place for self improvement. I also work with some people who inspire me everyday. 

What are your favorite hobbies to do? My two teenage sons take up a lot of my time so right now I would say my favorite hobbies are watching my older son play baseball or football, or watching my younger son swim and ride horses. I get a lot of joy from watching them do those things, and I’m also a sports fan. I love going to baseball games and football games. Another thing I like is being outside. I love nature so I like to run outside, hike or just go for a walk outside. I consider those my hobbies. And of course I love to read.

Do you have a favorite movie or show? If so, what is it? My favorite movie is The Empire Strike Back which is amazing. My newest favorite series is Shrinking.

If you were to give your younger self some advice, what would it be? Teaching is a process, and it’s not about you, it’s about our kids, it’s about our students, and it’s a process which means teachers get better over time, but you have to be self reflective. I think that’s one of most important characteristics for a successful teacher: Just being able to reflect on their own teaching.

What is your favorite food? Indian food. I can eat it all day. I also love sushi.

What is your biggest pet peeve? It upsets me when people don’t hold the door open for others like someone right behind them, I would say that’s one of my biggest pet peeves or just in general rude jerky behavior.