Jennifer Hodges (far left) works in collaboration with the "best [GEAR UP] team ever!": (left to right) Lindsay James - Science, Stacia Hanson - Social Studies, Shari Glidden - 6th grade, Karen Strickland - 6th Grade,  Dena Modin - Health, Brett Lemieux - 6th grade, Brent Glidden - 8th Grade English and theater, Evan Mortenson - 6th grade. (Not pictured: Steve Cambell - 6th grade, Daymond Monteith - Principal, Amy Hill - Math and AVID Director, Jen Cole - Klamath Union High School and Michael Luce - Klamath Union High School)

Name:  Jennifer Hodges
School:  Ponderosa Middle School-Klamath Falls City Schools
Position:  8th grade Social Studies Teacher/8th grade AVID Elective Teacher/GEAR UP District Director
College Alma Mater:  Hope College and Grand Valley State University (both in Michigan)
One fun fact about you:  I played college basketball, and I am a first generation college student.
Describe your educational journey. I became a teacher because not a single one of my teachers ever asked me what I wanted to be when I graduated. My parents required me to go to college, but they had absolutely no idea how to get me there. Thankfully a ton has changed in education since then.

Because of GEAR UP our community has positively changed the expectations for all students. Our students see themselves as successful and treat each other as equals. Our staff sees the benefits of positive relationships with students as a foundation for learning. Our students and staff feel valued!