The following interview was originally posted in the Hawley Herald. It has been shared with permission. Brandon Van Den Eykel has joined the teaching staff at Hawley Public Schools in Hawley, MN. He will be the new general music teacher at the elementary school. We asked him a few questions to get to know him a little better: Where did you grow up? I was born in Pierre, SD and lived in that area until the year 2000. Then I moved to Frazee, MN and started school there. I graduated from Frazee High School in 2010. Where did you go to school? I attended college at Minnesota State University Moorhead (Go Dragons!) I graduated there in December of 2014. What are your assigned position(s)? I am the new Elementary Music Teacher. |
What are your goals while working with students?
In my classroom I plan to build a community of respect and support among all students. I desire to inspire creativity and build self confidence as students explore music in a variety of ways. It is my hope that students will not only grow in their understanding of music fundamentals, but will also experience music in a positive and exciting way!
What made you become a teacher?
I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember (well, in addition to wanting to be a magician, a veterinarian, or a few other ideas as I was growing up). My grandma and my aunt used to buy me stickers and other teacher supplies for my birthday. For Christmas one year, they even bought me a chalk board that I used to teach my younger siblings! While that only lasted a few years before my siblings realized that wasn't the cool thing to do, I remember those times very well.
My desire to become a teacher was solidified after working at Camp Wilderness, a Boy Scout camp, for many summers. It was there that I fell in love with working with young people and helping them to learn and grow in a variety of ways. It is my hope that I can help to impact and shape the lives of many students while being a positive influence in their lives.
What hobbies do you enjoy outside of teaching?
I enjoy camping and being outdoors. I am very involved with Scouting and love working with my Cub Scout Pack and Boy Scout Troop. Additionally I enjoy attending live music and theater events, as well as youth sporting events. While at home, I enjoy reading and spending time on social media.
In my classroom I plan to build a community of respect and support among all students. I desire to inspire creativity and build self confidence as students explore music in a variety of ways. It is my hope that students will not only grow in their understanding of music fundamentals, but will also experience music in a positive and exciting way!
What made you become a teacher?
I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember (well, in addition to wanting to be a magician, a veterinarian, or a few other ideas as I was growing up). My grandma and my aunt used to buy me stickers and other teacher supplies for my birthday. For Christmas one year, they even bought me a chalk board that I used to teach my younger siblings! While that only lasted a few years before my siblings realized that wasn't the cool thing to do, I remember those times very well.
My desire to become a teacher was solidified after working at Camp Wilderness, a Boy Scout camp, for many summers. It was there that I fell in love with working with young people and helping them to learn and grow in a variety of ways. It is my hope that I can help to impact and shape the lives of many students while being a positive influence in their lives.
What hobbies do you enjoy outside of teaching?
I enjoy camping and being outdoors. I am very involved with Scouting and love working with my Cub Scout Pack and Boy Scout Troop. Additionally I enjoy attending live music and theater events, as well as youth sporting events. While at home, I enjoy reading and spending time on social media.