Annie Jenson Of Thinking Nation On 5 Things You Need To Know To Be A Highly Effective Educator or Teacher
Balance: The Art of Blending Flexibility and Consistency: We admire people who can adapt when presented with new information, yet we also recognize that stability fosters success. Effective educators understand that teaching is a delicate balance between structure and adaptability. Clear expectations, established routines, and a few non-negotiable boundaries create a foundation of trust and meaningful learning relationships. At the same time, the ability to pivot‒whether to adjust a lesson that isn’t landing or provide unexpected support‒demonstrates to students how to embrace change and develop a growth mindset. When teachers master this balance, they foster both academic achievement and resilience in their students.
As a part of our interview series about “5 Things You Need To Know To Be A Highly Effective Educator”, I had the pleasure to interview Annie Jenson.
Annie Jenson is the Director of Curriculum Development at Thinking Nation, a national 501(c)(3) committed to empowering students to thrive as engaged and critical thinkers by supporting teachers with meaningful curricula, training, and technology to transform social studies education for the future of democracy.
She has more than a decade of teaching experience in both rural and urban schools. She earned a B.A. in Social Studies Education from Bethel University and her M.A. in Education: Curriculum and Instruction from St. Catherine University. She completed her M.A. in American History from Pace University. Her passion is teaching American History with an emphasis on social justice. Allowing students to connect with a wider net of historical narratives has been a large focus of her curriculum development. Annie also supports AP US History teachers and students with videos and resources through social media as @apusladyboss and runs a virtual book club for History Teachers on IG as @historysolarium.
Thinking Nation believes education is our greatest equalizer, and that every student, regardless of zip code or socio-economic background, deserves access to learning practices that reflect the diversity of identities, histories, contributions, and experiences to support enriched educational opportunity, equity, and success for all. Thinking Nation currently serves more than 35,000 students in 16 states and the District of Columbia. For more information about Thinking Nation or to support the organization’s work to transform social studies classrooms across the country, visit thinkingnation.org.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share the “backstory” behind what brought you to this particular career path?
Like many teachers, I envisioned a future as a career teacher and coach (volleyball and softball) for as long as I can remember. However, the challenges of the pandemic, coupled with rising daycare costs, led me to take a leave of absence. During this time, a grad school connection, Zachary Cote, Thinking Nation’s Executive Director, contacted me about becoming a grader and curriculum writer. Desperate to continue working in history education, it was in this role that I more fully realized my passion for creating engaging, thought-provoking lessons. I’ve always loved finding innovative approaches to spark student curiosity and empower them through deep thinking, but in a traditional teacher role, there was never enough time to explore that creative side. Realizing how much fulfillment this work brought me, I embraced the opportunity to step into the role of Director of Curriculum at Thinking Nation, where I now get to focus on designing meaningful learning experiences every day.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your teaching career? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
One story that immediately comes to mind happened while I was teaching 10th Grade U.S. History, specifically a lesson on the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire, the devastating 1911 industrial fire in New York that sparked major Progressive Era workplace safety reforms. Just as I was reaching the crucial moment of the lesson, the school fire alarms suddenly went off. My students panicked, and we quickly evacuated the building. Once we returned (turns out, it was just an old boiler acting up), the unplanned interruption turned into an incredible teachable moment. We discussed the implementation of fire codes and school policies around fire drills. We collectively explored online resources to learn more. While clearly not in my lesson plan, this pivot fostered much deeper learning and connection of the past to the present.
After that day, I became more intentional about designing lessons with unexpected surprises for students that contained opportunities to bridge the gap between the curriculum and today.
Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think that will help people?
I am incredibly excited about a new partnership between Thinking Nation and Cubles. We are in the early launch phase, and the enthusiasm from early adopters has been amazing. Cubles are 3D paperboard constructables that students can build on their own with no scissors, glue, or plastic-making them an accessible and interactive learning tool. Through this partnership, we integrate STEM and social studies into a multimodal, hands-on learning experience for students in grades 3–12. Each lesson will include a class set of cubles featuring a historical figure, a lesson plan that is centered on a historical thinking skill that also builds literacy, and a book for the classroom library.
This project blends creativity and historical content in a way that excites me as an educator, and I can’t wait to bring it to teachers. Too often, Social Studies is taught in a passive, lecture-based format, but these lesson plans offer an engaging, tactile approach that meets the diverse needs of learners. By making history more interactive and immersive, we’re helping students not just learn how to study the past, but truly connect with it, leading to a deeper understanding and retention.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the main focus of our interview. From your point of view, how would you rate the results of the US education system?
I’ll be honest, it is much easier to come across information that provides a bleak picture of the current US education system. The most recent results providing a glimpse of our students’ achievement came from the 2024 Nation’s Report Card (NAEP) published by the National Assessment Governing Board showed dismal results. Unfortunately, the gains we had hoped would come in the years since the onset of the pandemic are still lacking, and when looking at the data across demographics, the results show an increase in inequality. While only one assessment, there doesn’t seem to be much other data to contradict these trends.
Can you identify 5 areas of the US education system that are going really great?
- Student Activism: In today’s polarized political climate, students are searching for ways to create meaningful change. Historically, young people have been at the forefront of social movements, and this generation continues that legacy. From advocating for policy reforms to organizing grassroots initiatives, students are using their voices to shape their communities and push for a more just and equitable future.
- Reclaiming Classroom Focus: A growing body of research highlights the detrimental effects of unrestricted cell phone use in schools, impacting not only academic performance but also peer relationships and mental health. In response, communities and state legislatures are implementing enforceable policies that limit distractions and foster more focused, engaged learning environments.
- Increased Access to Mental Health Support: As awareness of student mental health needs grows, schools are taking steps to support emotional well-being. Many institutions have expanded access to counseling services, integrated social-emotional learning (SEL) into curricula, and introduced mindfulness initiatives. These programs equip students with essential coping skills and create environments that promote resilience and academic success.
- Expanded Post-Secondary Pathways: High schools are increasingly offering a range of opportunities that better prepare students for diverse futures. While college readiness programs like PSEO, AP, and concurrent enrollment remain strong, there has been notable expansion of Career and Technical Education (CTE) options. These programs provide hands-on training in high-demand fields such as STEM, healthcare, and skilled trades, ensuring that students have multiple routes to career success.
- Community Partnerships and Experiential Learning: Schools are forging meaningful partnerships with local businesses, museums, and organizations to offer students hands-on learning experiences. These collaborations provide internships, mentorships, and practical opportunities that bridge classroom knowledge with tangible and authentic application. For example, Thinking Nation is developing a place-based learning initiative in Washington, D.C. aimed at deepening students’ sense of community and historical awareness. Programs like this enrich education by making learning relevant, interactive, and deeply connected to the world beyond school walls.
Can you identify the 5 key areas of the US education system that should be prioritized for improvement? Can you explain why those are so critical?
- Emphasis on Movement: Schools need more opportunities for physical engagement throughout the school day. Research consistently highlights the profound impact of movement on cognitive function, mental health, and social development. Yet, as standardized test performance has taken center stage, schools have deprioritized essential programs like physical education, art, and music‒often replacing them with prolonged periods of seated literacy and math instruction. Despite strong evidence that movement-based learning enhances both academic outcomes and overall well-being, many students have lost access to recess and active learning approaches. Restoring movement-friendly environments in classrooms would not only support achievement but also foster healthier, more engaged learners.
- Push Against Censorship:The increasing push to restrict books, curricula, and classroom discussions threatens students’ ability to engage with nuanced, complex ideas. Exposure to diverse and even conflicting perspectives is essential for developing critical thinking and becoming active, informed citizens. Schools should champion open inquiry, ensuring that students can explore history, literature, and current events without undue restrictions. Encouraging intellectual curiosity and respectful debate cultivates a more engaged and thoughtful generation prepared to navigate an increasingly complex world.
- Civics and Media Literacy Education: Today’s students have unprecedented access to information, yet they also face an era of algorithm-driven content, misinformation, and AI-generated falsehoods. The ability to critically evaluate sources, corroborate evidence, and assess validity is no longer an optional skill‒it is a fundamental necessity. Civics and media literacy education must be woven into all grade levels, equipping students to engage responsibly in the digital landscape.
- Early Childhood Education Access: Investing in high-quality early childhood education yields long-term benefits for both individuals and society at large. Studies consistently show that access to early learning opportunities improves academic achievement, social development, and economic mobility, while also easing financial burdens on families. Ensuring that all children have access to a strong foundation is one of the most effective ways to promote lifelong success and reduce educational disparities before they take root.
- Closing Opportunity Gaps: A student’s trajectory should not be predetermined by their zip code, socioeconomic status, or systemic barriers beyond their control. Yet, disparities in access to advanced coursework, extracurricular opportunities, and well-funded schools continue to create significant inequities. Addressing these gaps is one of the most vital steps toward a truly democratic society‒one that upholds the promise of equal opportunity and justice for all. Prioritizing equitable funding, resource allocation, and targeted support for historically marginalized communities fosters an environment where every child has the chance to thrive.
Can you please share your “5 Things You Need To Know To Be A Highly Effective Educator?”
- Balance: The Art of Blending Flexibility and Consistency: We admire people who can adapt when presented with new information, yet we also recognize that stability fosters success. Effective educators understand that teaching is a delicate balance between structure and adaptability. Clear expectations, established routines, and a few non-negotiable boundaries create a foundation of trust and meaningful learning relationships. At the same time, the ability to pivot‒whether to adjust a lesson that isn’t landing or provide unexpected support‒demonstrates to students how to embrace change and develop a growth mindset. When teachers master this balance, they foster both academic achievement and resilience in their students.
- Patience: Growth Takes Time: In my first year of teaching I constantly criticized myself for not being “better.” I still remember assigning my 7th graders Thomas Jefferson’s letter on the Missouri Compromise, instructing them to simply “analyze it.” I thought I was fostering rigorous learning and was proud of incorporating a primary source. Predictably, the lesson flopped. Jefferson’s language was complex, and my students lacked the scaffolding to engage meaningfully. That experience taught me an invaluable lesson: growth as an educator often happens through trial and error. I became better at predicting where students would need support and where they could extend their thinking. Without the experiences, however, I wouldn’t have grown my professional capacity.
- Curiosity: Always Be Learning: In the early years of teaching, every lesson felt like a crash course in classroom management, lesson pacing, and relationship-building. Over time, I found my rhythm, but I realized that stagnation could be a real danger in this profession. That’s when I actively sought opportunities to grow, first through a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, then another in American History. Many of us enter education because we love learning, yet the job can become routine if we don’t push ourselves to evolve. The most effective educators are those who remain curious, seek out new ideas, and continuously refine their craft to better meet the needs of their students.
- Humor: Laughter is a Superpower: When I first started teaching, I took professionalism very seriously‒perhaps too seriously. A few years in, I co-taught a 10th-grade U.S. History class with a close friend who was a Special Education teacher. Naturally, we joked, playfully bickered, and laughed in front of our students. Despite having a challenging group, our classroom became a place of joyful learning. I realized that allowing my personality to come through didn’t detract from the learning experience‒it enhanced it. Humor builds relationships, eases tensions, and makes content more engaging. A classroom filled with laughter is often a classroom where students want to be there, feel safe and supported, and are willing to take risks in their learning.
- Find Your People: Protect Your Peace: Teaching is demanding, and without the right support system, it can be isolating. Whether it is finding a mentor or building a small, trustee group of colleagues, surrounding yourself with educators who share your values and mindset is essential. In such a challenging profession, it can breed negativity. While it’s important to hold space for frustrations, it’s equally important not to dwell on problems beyond our control. Investing in meaningful professional relationships will pay dividends‒not only in your well-being but in your longevity as an educator. The best teachers aren’t just those who are skilled in the classroom; they’re ones who know how to protect their energy and uplift those around them.
As you know, teachers play such a huge role in shaping young lives. What would you suggest needs to be done to attract top talent to the education field?
- Grow Your Own: School districts should invest in “Grow Your Own” programs that identify and support future educators from within their own communities. By offering mentorship, scholarships, and streamlined pathways into teaching, schools can cultivate a diverse and invested workforce that understands and reflects the needs of their students.
- Compensate Teachers Like Professionals: Competitive salaries are essential to attracting and retaining top talent in education. Raising teacher pay not only acknowledges the expertise and dedication required for the profession but also ensures that talented individuals don’t feel compelled to leave for higher-paying careers in other fields.
- Invest in Quality Professional Development: Effective teachers never stop learning, and meaningful, well-structured professional development (PD) is key to their growth. Schools should prioritize PD that is practical, content-rich, and responsive to teacher needs, rather than one-size-fits-all training that fails to translate into the classroom.
- Give Teachers the Space to Create: Teachers need dedicated time to create, refine, and collaborate on curriculum rather than scrambling to do so outside of work hours. Providing structured planning time fosters innovation, strengthens instruction, and reduces burnout, ultimately benefiting both teachers and students.
- Restore Trust in Educators: Public discourse around education should shift toward recognizing and valuing teachers as professionals. When educators feel respected, trusted, and empowered to make instructional decisions, it not only improves morale but also helps attract highly skilled individuals who want to be part of a respected and impactful profession.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” — Maya Angelou
Throughout my journey — whether in the classroom, designing curriculum at Thinking Nation, or leading professional development — I have constantly sought ways to improve my approach based on new insights. Early in my career, I may have relied on traditional methods, but as I gained a deeper understanding of historical thinking skills, inclusive narratives, and student engagement strategies, I adjusted my practice to better serve students and teachers. This mindset has also shaped my advocacy efforts and my willingness to embrace growth, knowing that education is an ever-evolving field.
We are blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them 🙂
My initial thoughts immediately went to historical figures who are no longer with us‒there are so many people from the past I would love to sit down with! But since that’s not an option, I would love the opportunity to speak with Angela Davis. Her lifelong commitment to activism, education, and historical analysis has profoundly shaped discussions on justice, resistance, and systemic change. I’d love to hear her insights on how we can better teach students about the intersections of history and activism in a way that empowers them to think critically and engage with the world around them.
How can our readers follow you on social media?
Follow Thinking Nation: @thinking_nation
Follow Annie Jenson: @apushladyboss
Thank you so much for these insights! This was so inspiring!
Annie Jenson Of Thinking Nation On 5 Things You Need To Know To Be A Highly Effective Educator or… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.