“Although neither of my parents attended college, they strongly supported my desire to go to college,” she said. “For a while, I thought I would become a publisher, graphic artist, photographer, web designer, museum curator, historian, researcher, or social worker. As a teacher, I am lucky because I get to do all of these. I get to publish the successes of my students through social media and class websites. I get to share my passion of art and photography with the next generation of photographers that have grown up taking ‘selfies.’ I get to create memorable experiences for the current ninth grade students much like the best museums and help students take hold of their learning though tough love and compassion.”
Sharing her passion with students is what continues to bolster Hansen’s teaching abilities.
“Giving students a voice is a driving factor in shaping my classes,” she added. “My photography students have developed aspects of the class curriculum, such as projects, weekly shooting assignments, and teaching each other photo editing tricks. This year, our ‘Big Art Day’ event transformed our courtyard into a colorful springtime masterpiece with contributions from all students during lunch. A little sidewalk chalk and student creativity opened a whole new world within our campus and proved that all students can be ‘world-travelers.’”
Picture Information
WHS Ninth Grade Center Campus Teacher of the Year Natalie Hansen (left) and Weatherford ISD Education Foundation Past-President Donna Dickinson (photo by DERIK MOORE).