JEN HILLEBRANDT

I’ve been a teacher in some capacity almost my entire adult life.  I’ve taught outdoor education to teens, helped adults with traumatic brain injuries relearn how to do basic daily tasks, been an Interpretive Park Ranger, taught preschool (both here in Crested Butte as well as Boulder, Colorado) as well as doing a short stint as a preschool director (found out I’d MUCH rather work with kiddos than be in charge!), taught elementary school (in Leadville, Colorado), been a substitute teacher in all grade levels, as well as was the local children’s librarian for almost 11 years.  I have a Master’s Degree in Education from CU-Boulder, with an emphasis on Bilingual and Special Education.  I also am Montessori-certified. Finally, I’ve been tutoring youth in our valley-- early elementary through high school aged-- for many years.  Tutoring affords students such a cultivated, concentrated learning environment, where their individual needs can truly be addressed and they can continue to become their best selves.  I am so, so pleased to be part of this team and this organization! 

My journey as an educator probably began in 8th grade when I realized I could explain Algebra to classmates who just weren’t “getting it” in a different way than the teacher.  (No offense to Mrs. Wieldt- she was amazing!)  Later, I took my passion for wild places along with teaching and led outdoor education trips both in undergrad at Colorado College for my peers, and later for teens, as well as did a stint as an Interpretive Park Ranger at Canyonlands National Park.  I landed in Boulder, Colorado and took a position as a teacher’s aide in a local preschool, and the sparks really flew.  I quickly became a Lead Teacher, and decided my passion needed more foundation and a graduate degree in Education along with a teaching certificate soon followed.  I taught bilingual 2nd and 3rd grades in Leadville, Colorado.  A series of fortunate events led me to Crested Butte, and I’ve been here since 2001.  I decided not to re-enter the teaching force and opted to stay home with my daughter, but just couldn’t keep myself from teaching, so I opened a licensed preschool/daycare in my home, and simultaneously earned my Montessori Primary certification. As my daughter matured, I began teaching outside the home again, and then eventually was invited by the then Branch Manager at the local library to become the Youth and Family librarian, a position I proudly held for almost 11 years.  More recently, I’ve been tutoring and substitute teaching, and am SO grateful to have been invited to part of the stellar team here at Elevated Learning tutors!