Name: Ken Hampton
Grade/subject/school: U.S. History, Psychology, Economics, Westfield High School
Number of years teaching: 23
Education:
Knox High School, Knox, Ind.; B.A. Social Studies Education, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind.; M.A. Education, Walden University (Online), Minneapolis, Minn.
Why did you become a teacher? “I had some teachers that were very influential, and I have always enjoyed helping others. Teaching seemed like a perfect fit for me, and I could stay close to athletics by becoming a coach as well.”
What goals do you have for your students? “I always have wanted to see students grow while they have taken my classes. Sometimes that may mean that they have learned about my subjects, and sometimes that may mean that they have gotten out of their comfort zone and done things they have previously been skeptical about doing.”
What do you encourage parents to do at home to help their children strengthen particular skills? “I would encourage parents to read with their children at an early age since this is so important. The second thing I would encourage parents to do is show interest in their children’s schoolwork, and be positive with them, always finding ways to give them confidence. In my experience, confidence goes a long way, and it is something my parents helped me with as a student/son.”
Name your favorite movie. “‘Braveheart’ and of course, ‘Fletch.’”
Name your favorite musician or band. “Guns and Roses, I’m a hairband guy!”
What’s something your students might not know about you? “I was student council president throughout high school, and I showed pigs in 4-H a couple summers while in junior high.”
