Gara Hansen – Axtell Community School

I always loved school and wanted to be a teacher. My mother was employed at school and felt that being with students could make a positive impact on their lives. I have a family history of educators; a brother, two brother in laws, three sister in laws, two children, and cousins involved in public schools at some point. I received a scholarship for Special Education and so I decided to get an endorsement in SpEd as well as Elementary Education. I stayed with the resource room because in a K-12 school one could see the growth students made. I saw the accomplishments and confidence some students made and pride they had when they were able to help younger students achieve. Rural schools are able to support all students and encourage them to be a part of sports, music, play production, etc. because all students are needed. In 2021-22, Axtell received an excellence rating from AQuESTT. Public Schools can and do make a difference and I have enjoyed being a part of Axtell Community School.