23-year-old Ben Andersen is the newest staff member on Atlantic High School’s history team. Taking Mr. Petersen’s place as the American history teacher.
Andersen has lived in the Atlantic ever since he was in high school, but moved for college at UNI. There, he earned his bachelor’s degree in history and teaching, and he also obtained his teaching license. Last year, Andersen moved back to the Atlantic to be closer to his parents and siblings. He took a position as a student teacher for Mrs. Esbeck first semester and was a long-term sub second semester for Mrs. Kelley while she was away. When the American History position opened, he applied because he had established some connections. “It seemed like it was a good fit.”
“Social studies and history was always a subject that really interested me in school as a kid, so I chose that as an avenue to pursue.” Andersen always enjoyed kids; even in high school, he would look forward to babysitting. “I really, really enjoy helping being a support system for them.”
Andersen does not view teaching as forcing kids to memorize dates: “That is not what history is about.” Instead, he likes to take a more understanding approach to history. He wants to do a “hybrid” of online resources and on-paper tasks. He believes that there are benefits to both and will be incorporating that in his lessons to come.
Last December, Andersen married his wife, Erin Andersen, an eighth-grade language arts teacher here in Atlantic. Together they have two cats: a girl cat named Minerva and a boy cat named Buzz. Together they enjoy going on walks and relaxing after a long day of teaching. Andersen likes to play his Xbox; he especially enjoys Rocket League, Fortnite, or FEEFA as he is a “Soccer nut.” Andersen spends his time in the spring coaching high school soccer as well.
If Andersen could have dinner with one historical figure in American history, it would be Thomas Jefferson. He wants to speak to him on matters of the hypocrisies, discrepancies, and the social norms he set, still in place today. He said he would like to test certain topics he put into law and parade his achievements.
One piece of advice Andersen would leave for his students who don’t love history or find it challenging. “Just try it, give it some time, because it does take time, for that historical thinking to click…”
