Chicago Blackhawks February 2023 Teacher of the Month

Future GoalsTM Program

Chicago Blackhawks logo

Chicago Blackhawks February 2023 Teacher of the Month

Name:

Jen Cook

School:

Momence Jr High

Classroom Team:

Tell us about yourself!

I started teaching in 1992. Growing up, I had several teachers that I really admired. They influenced my decision to become a teacher. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Education, and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I have one son. He is currently a Sophomore in high school. He enjoys all sports and we are huge fans of the Chicago teams. We have an 8 year old rescue dog named Stanley. Yes, he was named after the Stanley Cup. I enjoy going to concerts, and I liked Metallica before Stranger Things made them cool. My son and I volunteer in the community with 2 organizations. We help the Adopt A Soldier Program a few times a year, and Christmas Day, Inc. Teaching has certainly changed over the years, but I am still keeping up with the trends. I enjoy my students, and can admit that I have taught a lot of their parents. The students are definitely my inspiration to continue to teach.

Who is your favorite NHL® player and why?

Jonathan Toews. He is respected by his teammates and is a great player.

What is your favorite part of the Future Goals™program? How do you see STEM in the game of hockey?

In the middle school environment, the STEM activities are a collaborative effort. Similar to the way the team plays hockey together. Each student contributes their skills for STEM. Just like a hockey team, they have to be persistent even when faced with obstacles. Future Goals covered so many different objectives in 6 lessons. Every year I follow up Future Goals with a field trip to the Chicago Wolves game. Only two of my students this year have ever been to a hockey game. It’s nice to give them the experience of a live game so they can see the different concepts they learned about.

If you played hockey, what position would you play and why?

Seeing as I’m 53, I’m going to say goalie. There is no way I could be any other position because I could never skate that fast and for a long duration. I’m not saying my accuracy guarding a goal would be very stellar either. I love to watch the players and appreciate the physical endurance it takes to play the game.