“Change is a scary thing, but I embrace [it]. I think that [change] helps with learning,” CTE teacher Jason Zenser said.

Zenser left his job teaching science and engineering classes at Crestview Middle School in Rockwood after 17 years to join the CTE team as a teacher.

“I suspect [high school] students will be able to do more application of their learning, and will be more in charge of their learning [than middle schoolers],” Zenser said. “I think that will make [the curriculum] a lot better in the sense that we can rely on students’ intuition to guide the process and use the skills they’ve already learned from their teachers.”

Over the years, Zenser has transitioned from teaching natural science to engineering-focused courses.

“A big part of my love of physical sciences is that you can actually touch the math and see it happen and observe it. You can use the math to support the observations and [use] the observations to support the math, but you can also do something with it. Engineering is the application of science,” Zenser said.

In addition to being new to the school district, Zenser will also be piloting a new double-length class that combines math with engineering, encouraging students to apply their skills with numbers to real-world construction projects.

“The opportunity to take math and science and show people how [they work together] is really exciting,” Zenser said.

Although his responsibilities are both numerous and new, Zenser is confident in his ability to adapt.

“I think what I am truly [is] a lifelong learner. I can do a lot of different things, and I’m willing to fail and get up and just keep moving forward,” Zenser said.