Mary Jensen

Even if money didn’t matter, Mary Jensen’s dream job would still be a teacher. “I have something to share with all my students.” She said, “I would say that I’m a really caring person.” Jensen said. “I put all my effort into everything I do.” 

Jensen grew up in Hayes Center, Nebraska, and moved to Lincoln her sophomore year of high school. She has two Bachelors’ degrees from Clark University and a Master’s degree from the University of Sioux Falls. Before teaching, Jensen was a substitute teacher in Harrisburg, South Dakota. Then she moved to Grundy Center, teaching “seventh and eighth grade exploring classes” and high school business classes. She taught for five years before coming to Atlantic to teach personal finance and general business. “One of my biggest things is getting students to understand finance.” Jensen said. “That’s going to affect their lives when they get out on their own.” 

“I haven’t had time for hobbies in the last few years.” Jensen said, regarding her home life. “But I love to sew and do crafts.” She also loves to read and “do some baking.” Her favorite thing to bake is chocolate chip cookies. Jensen has a dog named Iro. “He was rescued from Paris, France.” 

Jensen has daughters, and says that she enjoys “watching my daughters as adults knowing I did a good job.” Jensen was a single parent for 22 years while her husband was in the Air Force, and “because he was gone,” she had to move her kids across states to be closer to her supportive family. 

“I’m very excited to be here.” Jensen is filling Rhonda Hawkins’ shoes in the role of personal finance and general business teacher after her 25 years. “I’m passionate about what I teach.” Jensen said, and is hoping to be here a long time.