Schools

Spotlight on Northfield's Educational Assistants: Karen Jensen

Karen Jensen has been with Northfield Public Schools for 22 years and loves mini corn dogs.

Editor's Note: Gov. Mark Dayton declared Jan. 16-20 as Paraprofessional Recognition Week. To recognize some of the professionals working in the Northfield school community, this week Northfield Patch features several of these people.


Name
Karen Jensen

Family
I am married to Larry, who is an engineer who always has a home project. I have four grown children who graduated from —an HR director, now a stay-at-home mom, a Spanish immersion teacher at , an Xcel Energy engineer and a retail manager.

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School

How long have you been with Northfield schools?
22 plus years

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How long have you been a paraprofessional?
I worked for six years at ECFE working with an early childhood teacher in classroom settings with children ages 0-5. I moved to Sibley working in special ed for one year then worked in the CAI lab for eight years (Computer Assisted Instruction helping kids in math and reading). I then moved into the assistant media position, which now includes being the test proctor and doing tech work for Sibley. 

Why did you want to become a paraprofessional?
When we moved to Northfield, we were looking for a place for our children to grow up and graduate from. My passion was young children and I knew my strength was there as well. I needed to have the same schedule as my kids since I had four in school. I thought it would be a good way to stay involved with my kids in school as well. It was perfect, I was at the right place at just the right time. I was able to go on many trips with my kids as a parent chaperone and I spent time in each building they were in. There was a year or two when I was in one building and I had kids in all the others. My bases were covered!

What's your favorite part of your job?
My work has changed and grown over the years but this remains so true for me: I like to think we are doing what is best for all kids every day we walk through those doors. It continues to be my pleasure to be a part of these kids lives in some way. I also have to mention working with new people, young and seasoned keeps me on my toes. 

What do you like to do when you're not working?
I love to spend time with my four grandchildren—Ben, Cole, Gracie and Ellie—with one more on the way in June!

Favorite book
Common Thread, a book about mothers and daughter and kids.

Favorite movie
Practical Magic

Favorite cafeteria food
Mini corn dogs, which remind me of the Great Minnesota Get-Together. We go every year without a miss. It is a great family event.

Favorite subject when you were in school
Choir—I love to sing.


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