Hannah Swanson

2236 S Genesee Rd.

Burton, MI 48519
(810) 449-7391

Candidate’s Statement

I was raised in Burton, Michigan. I am the third of four children and I exhibit many influences
from my family. My mother was a librarian at Kettering University for 25 years, before changing
careers and becoming a banker. She taught my siblings and I the importance of setting
priorities, how to work hard, as well as the love of reading. My father has owned his own
business for the last 14 years. He taught me that it’s important to achieve my goals and to
always be honest and responsible. The influences of both of my parents have given me a
strong sense of right and wrong, as well as how to be a good human being who leaves a place
a little better than how I found it.

Throughout my life, many people have shaped me into the person I have become. One of the
most influential people is my Grandpa. Through his example, I have learned many things. All of
my life, and to this day, he has worked hard to make sure his family has always been taken
care of. He is selfless, has the kindest soul, and is someone I aspire to be. I admire everything
about him and I want to create a life for myself with all of the values he has instilled in me.

Education has always been the top priority for my family. My parents pushed my siblings and I
to always do our best, no matter what. When it came to me going to college, even though I
was their first child to leave home, they wanted me to do what was best for me. If I had never
attended Alma College, I may have never realized my love of teaching. After changing my
career choice multiple times and completing my student teaching experience, I could not be
more sure that education is the right career for me. During my time at Alma, I have become a
more confident and extraverted person.

A teacher is someone that students can look up to, admire, and trust. There is so much more
to teaching than just being in the front of the room and explaining new concepts. You must
build relationships with your students and teach them life lessons in addition to the curriculum.
I will do whatever it takes to make sure my students receive valuable experiences in my
classroom. I can’t wait for the opportunity to influence as many young minds as possible.

My educational philosophy is very student based. I will always take my students' needs and
interests into consideration when working on my curriculum. I want what is best for my
students and I know in doing this, my students will get a lot more out of school.