Our "Employee Spotlight" series aims to showcase the unique personalities, talents, and stories that contribute to the success of Lansing USD469. This section celebrates the incredible individuals who make our Lansing USD469 community thrive.
Jordan Diehl, District Adaptive PE Teacher
Question: How long have you worked in Lansing USD469?
Answer: This is my second year at Lansing, and my second year teaching.
Question: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the role you have within the school district?
Answer: I serve all five buildings in the Lansing School District and work with students from Pre-K through 12th grade with a wide range of abilities. At the high school, I co-teach the Unified PE class, where students of all abilities participate together and support one another through physical activity. I provide modified instruction and adapted PE games and activities so my students are able to participate to the best of their ability alongside their peers. Alongside teaching, I have also been the varsity assistant softball coach for the past two years. I enjoy being involved with students both in the classroom and through athletics and being part of a program that creates an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.
Question: What do you enjoy most about your role and the work you do in the school district?
Answer: What I enjoy most about my role is getting to work with students of all ages and abilities and helping them feel included and successful. I enjoy finding ways to adapt activities so every student can participate and be part of the class with their peers. It is rewarding to see students build confidence, develop new skills, and have fun while being active.
Question: When you're not working, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy?
Answer: I have a variety of hobbies that I enjoy. I love being outside and participating in outdoor activities, especially gardening, golfing, and spending time at the lake during the summer. I also enjoy cooking and baking, particularly experimenting with new wild game recipes. In recent years, I’ve taken up sewing and enjoy making quilts and patchwork sweatshirts. Beyond that, I like attending sporting events and spending quality time with friends and family.
Question: What is something unusual about you that most people don't know?
Answer: Something unusual about me that most people don’t know is that I have been a certified KSHSAA basketball official for four years. I officiate games ranging from middle school basketball to 6A and 5A men’s and women’s sub-varsity basketball. It’s a great way for me to stay connected to the game and remain involved in the basketball community.
Question: Could you share a particularly heartwarming or memorable experience you've had while working with students or colleagues?
Answer: One of my favorite memories was taking our Unified PE class out to the pond at the high school and teaching students how to fish. The students did an excellent job of reeling in their fish alongside their peers, and it was so rewarding to see their excitement when they caught a bass or a bluegill. I love introducing new sports and activities to students, especially ones they may not regularly have the chance to try at home with their families. Moments like that make the work I do so meaningful and memorable.
Question: What piece of advice would you like to offer to students to help them succeed and make the most of their educational journey?
Answer: My advice to students is to stay curious and never be afraid to try new things. Ask questions, take risks, and embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. I also encourage students to get involved in the school, whether that’s through sports or other extracurricular activities, because it’s a great way to build friendships, develop new skills, and make the most of their time in school. Most importantly, find joy in the journey and celebrate your progress along the way, every step forward counts.