Jesse Chickering has been working at Hart High School for 24 years, and teaches 10th grade Biology, 11th grade Chemistry, and 12th grade AP Chemistry.
Originally from Belding, Michigan (Class of 1992), Chickering graduated from Grand Rapids Community College in 1994 with an Associates of Science and From Central Michigan University with a B.S. in Biology/Chemistry in 1997, and a M.S in Biology in 1999.
Why did Jesse choose to be a teacher?
“I originally did not choose to become a teacher; it didn’t even cross my mind.” Chickering said, having gone to college for Aquatic Biology to become a Fisheries Biologist.
That changed while Chickering was pursuing his master’s degree at CMU.
“I was awarded a scholarship called a Teaching Assistantship. This scholarship required me to teach classes at CMU while earning my master’s degree… and I found that I loved teaching. I loved it so much that I decided to earn a second bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education while finishing my Masters,” he said.
He’s been in Hart ever since, with HHS being his first job after graduation.
“I am very thankful to have ended up in Hart. I love the community and the students,” Chickering said.
He is married to Jane Chickering, who works at Fruitport Schools as an Occupational Therapy Assistant and also as a realtor. He has two daughters and two stepdaughters.
Chickering says his favorite thing about being an educator “is seeing students smile and enjoy science. I also love watching students compete in sports.”
Chickering and his family make Hart their home, and running into students around town goes along with the territory.
“I learn where students work and the pride many put into their jobs,” he said. “It’s fun seeing students outside of school.”
When asked about the most rewarding aspect of teaching, Chickering said, “When I can make a difference for students.
“I really enjoy it when a student that might have struggled a little with science starts to understand and enjoy it more after taking one of our science classes,” he said. “I also really enjoy when a graduated student contacts me and fills me in on life after high school, especially when they do really well in a college science class.”
Chickering often finds that he learns from his students while they learn from him.
“Hart is an amazing community, and we have some great students that have experienced so many different things in life. I learn something new from students every day,” he said.
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