Jose Alejandro Medrano-Jaquez, but most people just call me Alex for short

Where do you teach?

Fort Dodge Middle School

What grade/subject do you teach?

7th grade science in the Plum Pod

Why do you teach?

I became a teacher because I feel a desire to share ideas, communicate concepts and inspire conversation with students. Growing up I didn’t have the opportunity to understand the value of education until a few great educators crossed my path. My upbringing and my desire to help educate students are the two biggest reasons why I teach.

What is your favorite part of the school day?

Study hall is my favorite part of the day. Getting to help students with work, play Connect-Four with them, or just having conversations help create relationships with my students that I value a lot.

What are you working hardest on right now?

My master’s. Currently I am working on my master’s online and it has become a challenge. I spent much of winter break working on digging myself out of my piles of homework.

What are you most proud of as a teacher?

I am most proud of the relationships I am able to build with my students. The amount of feedback I have received from students, peers, and parents about how well I know our students makes me feel like I am making real connections with my students.

What makes you the happiest as a teacher?

Having students apply scientific thinking in their everyday lives. I had a student come up to me and ask me about wind turbines the other day. We spent over 15 minutes just talking with the student sharing their thoughts and ideas with me. I get really excited when students are able to apply their learning to something outside of the classroom.

How do you contribute to/how are you involved in our community outside of school?

I recently took up the publication position running the yearbook for the middle school. So I am constantly at sporting and musical events. I try to get to know parents and members of the community while also supporting our students in any way that I can.

What are your interests/hobbies outside of school?

I am a photographer. I also hike, and snowboard on occasion. I spend a lot of time in the summers touring different western states and national parks. I enjoy being out in nature and spending time in new places.

What do you wish your students/families knew about you?

That I am incredibly open to helping however I can. A few parents and even more students know this, but if a problem or issues ever arise and they think it key that I am on board to help in any way that I can I’m all in.

What does Together We Rise mean to you?

It means that every individual in our schools — teacher, students, principal, counselor, support staff, parent, or otherwise — plays a role in making them better. Not just for the education and future of our kids, but for the betterment of our community.