For history teacher Jordana Siebert, teaching at FC is like coming home. When the position opened, Siebert recollected fond memories of attending FC from first to third grade, and pounced on the open post, which seemed to fit her ideal job specifications.

Unsure of her career direction in college, Siebert held several jobs before discovering her passion for history when she was forced to switch out of a history class and found herself unwilling to drop it. After obtaining experience in the field through subbing, she gained enough background to be hired at the school she attended and loved.

“When the opportunity presented itself to work here, I could not think of a better environment to teach in,” Siebert said. “What drew me in was the Christian atmosphere, and being able to incorporate scripture and Christ in my lessons, classroom and conversations with both students and staff.”

Siebert graduated from California State University, Fresno, in 2009 with a degree in history, then moved on to receive her credential in social science in May 2010. Afterward, she held various subbing positions on and off, so she says the transition to full-time teaching will present some new tests for her.

“I have my own classroom, rules and timeline,” Siebert said. “It is fun to be able to create the atmosphere that I believe is most efficient for students and learning, rather than one that was already established. It is teaching me a lot, creating my own curriculum, and the best part about it is I get to decide how to make history come to life for my classes.”

When Siebert is not dedicating her time to teaching, she enjoys fellowship and seeing the world.

“Outside of school I like to stay pretty busy,” Siebert said. “I love food and people, so I usually go out to eat with friends. During summer I am always out in the sun. I love all things summer: sunshine, lake, ocean, heat, the whole thing! On a larger scale, I love to travel! I just went to Israel this summer and am going to Europe next summer for the Olympics in London.”

Through her extensive traveling, Siebert gained new insight for history that she wishes to bring into her world history, U.S. history, AP U.S. history and civics and economics classes. She is looking forward to presenting the material in a way that encompasses her own love for the subject.

“I love that everything and everyone has a past,” Siebert said. “I love when biblical history lines up with secular history. I want to teach it so that I can show each student that history is not just about dry facts and dates, but rather a story; everyone has a past, and it can be brought to life in a way that interests everyone.”

Breanna Jennings, ’15, already sees the effects of Siebert’s teaching style within the classroom environment.

“She gets us interested in whatever she is teaching,” Jennings said. “I think she will be successful in making us appreciate history a lot more. I can already tell that I have a better appreciation for history, because of the few classes I’ve had with her.”

According to Daniel Moore, ’14, the work in AP U.S. History is centered around preparing students for final tests.

“Her teaching style is very energetic,” Moore said. “We go over things over and over, which helps us to memorize it for when we have essays or something. She’s very focused on making sure that we’re ready for the AP test and we’re already working on the kinds of questions that will be on the tests.”

As a testament to her character, Siebert is eager to exceed duties as a teacher by becoming involved in the FC community and building relationships.

“I’m really looking forward to getting to know everyone,” Siebert said. “It has already been so much fun getting to know new faces, and I am excited to be here! I am looking forward to attending lots of games and school events; I’m really excited to be a part of Fresno Christian!”

For more features, read the Aug. 29 article, Meet your 2011-12 ASB officers.

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