January Teacher Feature: Jamie Hamnes, Fifth Grade Teacher

 

Jamie Hamnes began teaching in Clearbrook-Gonvick the 2007-08 school year as a 4th grade teacher.  She is presently teaching 5th grade.   Hamnes also coached volleyball on and off for the past 20 years.  She started as an assistant in 1990s, worked with the JO Volleyball program in the late 1990s/early 2000s, was the head coach from 2002 to 2006. She went back to assistant and finally retired from coaching after three years at the junior high level in order to be a football mom. 

Jamie Hamnes, daughter of the  Shirley Beckstrand-Falardeau and the late Van Beckstrand and the daughter-in-law of Vernon and Beverly Hamnes, lives in the area with her husband Dean and freshman son Jonathan. She graduated from Gonvick High School in 1987 and from Bemidji State University  in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a coaching license. 

 

Why did you choose to be a teacher?  When I was a child I enjoyed playing school, and even had a chalkboard in my bedroom.  Growing up I was a sunday school teacher, as well as a youth leader. That’s when I noticed how much I enjoyed being with young kids.   So I guess I was destined to become a teacher.  I’ve always had a love for learning and school. 

 

What did you do before coming to Clearbrook-Gonvick?  After graduating from college I was a nanny in the cities, then a substitute teacher for a year.  I also was a preschool teacher at a local daycare.  I worked at Red Lake Elementary as a 6th grade teacher (3 years) & 5th grade teacher (9 years) prior to job at CG.

 

What is the best part of your job at Clearbrook-Gonvick?   I love inspiring students to believe in themselves.  When you’re working with a student and the lightbulb comes on- it’s amazing!  I also like the small school setting, where students and staff have a close bond.  One of my favorite things is to see my own child in the hallways and getting to see him grow up.  Along, with my former students getting to see them grow up and cheer for them as they travel through their years in school.  I love forming bonds with my students and then seeing them in the community as adults.  

 

What is the biggest challenge of your job?  My biggest challenge is when I see students who feel “dumb” because they have a tough time believing in themselves .  I feel students learn different things at different times, that’s why I became a teacher!  I guess one of my favorite mottos is... “speed doesn’t mean smart”.  People need to realize that learning comes at different times and in different ways for people. Maybe it takes one person 1 or 2 tries to get it, but it might take someone else 25 times to get it. Regardless, everyone will get it. :)  Of course, with that challenge comes TIME for those who need more time and practice.   

 

If you could have any job in the world - what would it be? Why? A FBI Agent, I’m nosy.  Actually, I love the job I have- teaching. 

 

What do you do when you are not at school teaching? I like to spend time with my family.  I love going to games/activities to cheer on my son or my students (current/former), getting to watch them perform outside of the classroom.  I also like to watch HGTV, coach volleyball, walk/exercise, and read. 

 

What are your favorite aspects of the Clearbrook-Gonvick community? I love working in my hometown.  As I grew up, people encouraged me, helped me, and influenced who I became. Now I can repay the honor.  I felt so loved growing up in this community.  I’m glad I got to come back home to work and raise my family.  I’m proud to say I’m from this community. 

 

And now a few words from the students about Mrs. Hamnes...

 

Why do you think Mrs. Hamnes decided to become a teacher? “She might like to learn and teach kids.” “She thought it would be fun.” “She liked to learn when she was young and was interested.” “Because she was willing and wanted to teach.” “To inspire.” “She wanted to teach things to kids.” “She likes kids.” “Because she loves math.”

 

What is the best thing about Mrs. Hamnes? “She gives us gum.” “She has very good humor.” “She is polite.” “She likes to get to work right away.” “She helps us understand what she teaches.” “She is fun and active.” “She is fun.”  “She is fun and understanding.”

 

What do you think Mrs. Hamnes was like when she was in the 5th grade? “I think she might have been the class clown and a good friend.” “Maybe smart and sporty.” “She like reading, writing, and math.” “Adventurous” “Funny, very popular and smart.” “kind, smart”  “smart, nerdy, sporty” “funny” 

 

What job do you think Mrs. Hamnes would have if she was not a teacher? “She said she would try to be an FBI agent.” “A singer” “Spy” “She would be an FBI agent” “Principal” “She would be an FBI agent.”

 

What do you think is a good New Year’s Resolution for Mrs. Hamnes? “Read us a new book series.” “Travel more.” “Go on more trips.” “Read the thickest book in the world.” “To be a little more strict.” “Hang out with family and friends more”

 

If you could send Mrs. Hamnes on a vacation anywhere in the world, where would you send her?  Why would you send her there? “Pennsylvania because it has the biggest pencil in the world.  I have been there.  It is nice.”  “Paris” “Florida because it is wonderful and hot.” “Florida.  She told us she wants to go there.” “Paris.  She said she would like to visit there.” “Paris.  She wants to see the Eiffel Tower.” “To Disney World” “Washington”

 

What is one thing Mrs. Hamnes ALWAYS says? “Speed does not mean smart.” “Lights go off, the kids go out” “She sings songs about math” “Speed does not mean smart.” “Speed doesn’t mean smart.” “Lights go off, kids go out”