Daniel Jenne

I taught in the U.S. for a couple years and have been teaching in Asia for about 15 years (Taiwan for 13 years). I have taught all age levels from Pre-K through adults. I find the differences in teaching various age groups interesting, but the similarities amazing. While some materials and strategies are very age specific, a great amount can be used across the board from the very young to the very old. Also, minor changes in presentation can allow you to use the same materials for different ability levels. I currently teach mixed-ability classes. The materials I provide have been created, developed, and tested in mixed-ability classes with great success.

I am a dynamic teacher, both in the classroom (lots of activity going on) and philosophically (I'm always looking for new ideas). I don't usually feel comfortable sitting quietly in the classroom having students do seat work, although I realize and understand the importance of seat work. I don't see my students often enough to allow for that time, so my classes are generally high-energy and highly interactive. I am a strong supporter of multiple intelligences, so my approach tends to include (either together in one lesson or over the course of a topic) physical activity, musical elements, stories, whole-class and one-on-one interaction, personal decision-making, drawing, logical thinking, lots of talking, etc.

My students have won various speech, drama, etc., competitions over the years.

I got my BA in my home town, at Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri. I minored in Education but didn't have a major because I studied a lot of everything. That was a decision I'd made after teaching in China where there was scarce access to resources; I wanted to know everything I needed to without having to do research. I got my MA in public-school education from Chiayi University in Taiwan. It was a very interesting experience being the first foreigner ever through their education program.

I currently live and teach in Taiwan, where I've been for the greater part of 13 years.