by Joni Astrup
Associate Editor
Ena Rasmussen planned to become a veterinarian.
Teacher Ena Rasmussen worked with a group of students extracting DNA in her seventh grade life science classroom at Rogers Middle School.
But while going to college at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, she discovered she had an aptitude for teaching. When she explored the profession by shadowing teachers, Rasmussen liked what she saw.
“I loved the energy of the classroom and seeing that light bulb go on,” she said.
Rasmussen switched her career plans and decided to become a teacher. She graduated from River Falls with degrees in biology and English and went on to complete a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from St. Cloud State University.
For 14 years, Rasmussen was a science teacher — the last 11 years in the Elk River Area School District at Ivan Sand community school and then at Rogers Middle School.
Rasmussen and her husband, Eric, and their three sons live in Rogers and she is now in her first year as a curriculum specialist with the Elk River school district.
Rasmussen, who will participate in the District 728 Community Education Career Exploration Fair on Feb. 28 at Handke Center in Elk River, describes teaching as a “joyful” profession.
She also has enjoyed developing relationships with her students and their families and with her fellow teachers.
“The colleagues in teaching are amazing,” she said. “It’s such a supportive environment. Teachers now collaborate more than ever and so you really get to learn from one other.”
Seeing former students succeed is another bright spot. Rasmussen recently received a letter from the family of a former student who plans to pursue a medical degree.
Ena Rasmussen
She credits her own family with fostering her love of science.
Growing up in Maple Grove, Rasmussen said her family often took road trips to other parts of the United States. Her parents aren’t “science nerds,” she said, but they wanted their children to learn from their vacations. Instead of going to beaches or Disney World, they visited places like the Grand Canyon, Glacier and Yellowstone.
“I think that helped me learn a lot about science,” Rasmussen said.
Her 10th grade biology teacher at Osseo Senior High School, who ironically was also named Mrs. Rasmussen, also encouraged her interest in science.
“She was always very enthusiastic and we didn’t learn by just listening to her talk. It was very interactive,” she said.
Rasmussen encourages students interested in a teaching career to check out the “Future Educator Clubs” at their high schools.
What makes a good teacher?
Rasmussen offered this definition: Somebody who loves their job, loves and understands kids and makes learning fun and accessible for all learners.
‘I know that the great teachers that I had not only conveyed a passion for teaching and learning but also a sincere sense of caring for and about their students,” she said. “I hope that I was able to do the same for my students.”