The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.


Meet Your Neighbor

by Susan Galbraith, Quill Reporter

Jesse Hart of Burlington, Iowa, a new kindergarten teacher at West Central elementary school. He has 17 ambitious kindergartners in his classroom.

In 2004 he graduated from Burlington High School in Burlington, Iowa, and in the spring of 2006 from Southeastern Community College in West Burlington, Iowa. He continued his education by receiving his degree in elementary education in the fall of 2008 through Western Illinois University in Macomb with endorsements in reading and social studies through 8th grade.

He student taught, 5th grade, at West Central in the fall of 2000. In the spring of 2009 until the fall of 2009 he was a long term 5th grade substitute for 9 weeks. He later continued to sub at West Central.

His father, Eddie and mom, Susan, also live in Burlington, IA. Eddie is a investment banker at Investment Planners in Burlington and mom, Susan, assists him in the business.

Jesse has one brother, Lance (Kristin), who live in Tyler, Texas. Lance is a free lance graphic designer in private practice and Kristin is a 3rd grade elementary teacher in Tyler.

A sister, Kaya (Kody), live in Iowa City, Iowa. Kaya is employed by US Bank and Kody is a computer software/programmer engineer for Pearson Company in Iowa City.

Jesse is a member of Parkside Baptist Church in Burlington. From 2004 through 2006 he was the high school youth leader and in the spring of 2009 he accepted the position of Director of Youth Ministries. When he began teaching, at West Central full time, he then resigned that position. At Parkside he currently assists with the computer sound system in the technical area. His passion is playing the drums but he also is adept at piano and guitar. He calls himself, "The renaissance guy".

Jesse enjoys spending time with friends, playing the guitar, playing music together with his friends, and working with computers. He said, "I am a self-taught computer hardware nerd." He also likes reading science fiction books and watching old science fiction movies on TV.

When asked what he likes about his position at West Central he replied, "I work with some of the best staff and administration-they are amazing; very supportive, friendly, personable and they honestly care about the kids. I believe the kids enjoy school here because of the positive atmosphere the staff and personnel represent."