About Jared Leaman

I have a wife who is an Alum and 3 kids at Bethany. My hobbies are birding, bicycling, sports, reading and chess.

What is your philosophy of teaching?

I believe in empowering middle school students to develop healthy learning behaviors in reading and writing that will support their long term endeavors in High School and beyond. A mix of choice and assigned reading with lots of writing opportunities will encourage students to explore who they are as readers and writers.

What kind of classroom experience do you try to create for your students?

I try to create a challenging experience for all levels of readers and writers so that they can achieve more than they thought they would be able to. I expect all students to become a reader and a writer and find ways to broaden their experiences as well as solidify their strengths.

How do you keep students engaged in their learning experience?

I use a mix of engaging book club titles, whole class reading and writing opportunities and real world projects to encourage students to engage with their learning.

What qualities or life skills do you wish to impart to your students?

I make it my goal to make sure that each student has a foundation of literacy so that they may achieve whatever goal they may set for themselves in the future. 

What fuels your passion and drive to be an educator?

I am fueled by the successes of my students as they see themselves as competent readers and writers.

When you aren't teaching, what can we find you doing?

Running chess club, helping Varsity girls basketball practice, spending time with my family or reading.