Spotlight: Jacob Eitzen (NE '23)

Nebraska Milken Educator Jacob Eitzen understands the importance of connecting with his students on a personal level. In his math classroom, he utilizes topics that both he and his students enjoy, making complex lessons easier to master. "Don’t be afraid to share yourself with your students. I’ve found that students are much more willing to learn and go further in the classroom if they can relate to you in some way.” Jacob received a 2023-24 Nebraska Milken Educator Award in Bellevue on November 16, 2023.

Milken Family Foundation: How have students responded since your Milken Educator Award surprise?

Jacob Eitzen (NE '23): My students were very excited for me. Some who were not doing as well in my class started to show more effort which was a welcomed change. 

MFF: Who are your role models as an educator?

Eitzen: I’ve had several people who have influenced the educator I am today, but some of my largest mentors in the field of education are Matthew Lauritsen and Angela Daughtrey, both of whom I've taught with in the math department at my school. 

MFF: Tell us about your first year of teaching. 

Eitzen: I remember my first year of teaching being difficult and time-consuming, but looking back, it got easier from there. Matthew Lauritsen, a fellow math teacher in my department, was my go-to mentor. 

MFF: What do you hope students remember from their time with you?

Eitzen: I hope my students remember that it is okay to have fun and enjoy the ride while still being challenged and taking learning seriously. I hope that they continue to challenge themselves in their future and it takes them to a place in their career that surprises them and is rewarding for them. 

MFF: You’re well-known for infusing your Husker pride into math lessons. Can you tell us more about how you take a complex subject like statistics and make it relatable and understandable for your high school students? 

Eitzen: I try to make the subjects I teach relatable for my students. Using Husker athletics and many other things my students and I are interested in is how I choose to raise the level of engagement in my classrooms, especially in those that would not normally be engaged otherwise. 

MFF: What advice would you share with people who are interested in becoming teachers?

Eitzen: Don't be afraid to share yourself with your students, in a professional and wise way, of course. I've found that students are much more willing to learn and go further in the classroom if they can relate to you in some way. That may only come if you are able and willing to share yourself with them.  There will be hard times, sometimes hard years, but so many students need you more than you know. 

MFF: Are you working on any interesting initiatives or new projects these days? 

Eitzen: I do a fair amount of work in my building and in my school district on our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) team. 

Watch our interview with Jacob Eitzen (NE '23) on the day of his Milken Award notification: