My name is Jesse Hinkhouse, and I am originally from a small town in northwest Iowa. I spent my early years on a farm just outside of Correctionville and attended River Valley Elementary and Middle School before relocating to Wyoming, where I completed my secondary education and continued on to college. From the time I was in second grade, I knew I wanted to become an elementary school teacher — a passion that has guided my entire career. I began my academic journey at Sheridan College, continued my studies at Chadron State College, and later earned my Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University.

I have been in education for 16 years, serving in a variety of roles that have shaped my passion for supporting students, teachers, and families. I began my career as a Technology Integration Specialist for Sheridan County School Districts #1 and #3, working closely with educators to enhance instruction through technology. I then taught kindergarten, fifth grade, and second grade for seven years at Tongue River Elementary (SCSD#1), where I also had the privilege of serving as Deputy School Principal.

I was later asked to serve as SCSD#1’s Director of Technology, overseeing district-wide technology initiatives and ensuring instructional technology supported student learning. After careful consideration, I chose to move closer to family, accepting a position at Moorcroft K8 School, where I taught second grade and later created and launched a classic kindergarten program called Kinderboost.

Currently, I serve as a teacher at Big Horn Elementary School, where I support students’ academic and social development and collaborate with colleagues to enhance instructional practices. In addition to my classroom role, I serve as Deputy School Principal, providing leadership support, assisting with school operations, and contributing to a positive and effective learning environment.

My career has taken me in and out of the classroom, across different grade levels, and into different districts. These changes have made me have a deeper understanding of how education works and how it doesn't always work for our students. Each transition or change I have made in my life has bettered me as an educator. I have had the ability to see some of the most outstanding teachers along the way. Each change in my career has been possible because I had amazing administrators, teachers, and parents who pushed me towards a new challenge. I'm blessed that these many changes have been thrust upon me to push myself to become a better educator and person.