Jon's driving force – to encourage and engage students to the maximum
From primary school to adult school, high school to university. Jon Kjellsson has taught almost all age categories within the Swedish school system. Keywords he brings with him through all student groups are variety and commitment.
Jon Kjellsson is a teacher of mathematics, physics and chemistry. With almost 40 years as a teacher, he has had time to teach in both primary school, upper secondary school and in adult education. Now he has been back at Mid Sweden University for 14 years, where he has taught at the preschool teacher programme, the foundation year, the primary teacher programme F-3 and 4-6, vehicle systems engineering and the nursing programme.
"Being a teacher is a fantastic profession for me, who is interested in pupils and students and who is curious about how my teaching is received. I'm also interested in seeing how I can change the teaching to see how it can be better received," he says, adding that no two days are the same and the freedom to organise the teaching is great.
Jon Kjellsson also says that he likes to talk to the students about life, interests and motivation. In this way, he keeps up to date on what is important to young people today.
Committed and praised
For just over a year now, Jon has been responsible for the foundation year, a one-year programme where students can acquire the qualifications required to get into a longer university education. He is also involved in the upper secondary school collaboration that aims to get more upper secondary school students to apply for further studies.
In addition, Jon is involved in the Children's University, an annual project where the aim is to arouse interest in higher education among children and young people.
What is it about that assignment within the Children's University that you like?
"Here, too, it's about meeting the students and maybe succeeding in lighting some spark of interest in their heads. If you look at life in general, it is often coincidences that have affected your choice of path. I hope to be such a coincidence.
In 2021, Jon received the Student Union in Östersund's pedagogical award. The prize is awarded to a teacher who the students think is a little extra good. Jon himself believes that he got it, among other things, because he is perceived as knowledgeable in his subject.
" I also often try to talk about experiences and everyday events that fit in with the sections covered in the course so that the students will recognize themselves and find the course meaningful. I also try to be committed, proactive and clearly show that I believe in the students.
What is it that drives you?
"I want the students to have a nice time with me and for me to vary, engage and encourage them to the maximum so that they have the energy to get through my courses as well as possible.
Finally, what makes a good teacher?
"I think it's important to be involved and spread a feeling that the element I'm addressing is interesting, fun and exciting. I show that I like my subject, the course elements and the students.
"I work to ensure that there is a calm, concentrated atmosphere in the classroom where everyone devotes themselves to the course, but at the same time there is a high ceiling so that everyone can ask if they are not keeping up. I also try to have a common thread through all the lectures so that there is a progression through the course. I am also clear about what is included in the course and in the individual lectures. This applies to pages in the textbook, extra sheets, films, simulations, practice exams, laboratory work, examinations and so on.
