Mr. Andy Van Horn, a passionate educator with a wealth of experience, invites students to embark on a transformative journey during the 2024-2025 academic year at Del Mar Hills Academy. His unique blend of educational philosophy, practical experience, and love for teaching makes his 6th-grade classroom more than just a place to learn; it’s a community where students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. "Jumpers for Goalposts 5": The Ultimate Soccer Simulation Experience
This essay delves into the essence of Mr. Van Horn’s teaching career, his classroom environment, educational philosophy, and the exciting activities that define life in the 6th grade at Del Mar Hills Academy. Through this exploration, we will discover how Mr. Van Horn’s dedication helps shape young minds and prepare them for future academic success and life challenges.
1. A Teacher’s Journey: From Bismarck to San Diego
Mr. Van Horn’s path to teaching has been one shaped by dedication, love for learning, and a deep desire to impact young lives. Originally from Bismarck, North Dakota, Mr. Van Horn was born and raised in the Midwest. His roots in Bismarck instilled in him the values of hard work, community, and resilience, qualities that he now brings to his classroom. These values shaped his journey through North Dakota State University, where he earned a degree in Elementary Education, and Valley City State University, where he completed a degree in Child Development and Family Science.
His teaching career began in Bismarck, where he honed his skills in early education, teaching various grades from Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade. It was in these formative years that Mr. Van Horn discovered his passion for working with children and watching them grow intellectually and emotionally. His natural ability to connect with students, paired with his educational background, led to his recognition as Teacher of the Year at one of his previous schools. This achievement is a testament to his impact on both students and the broader educational community.
After several years in Bismarck, Mr. Van Horn made the life-changing decision to move to San Diego, where he joined Del Mar Union School District. His transition to Del Mar Hills Academy, where he is now in his third year of teaching, has allowed him to bring his Midwest work ethic to the sunny shores of California. The contrast between the flat plains of North Dakota and the coastal beauty of San Diego reflects his adaptability, a trait that has served him well in the classroom.
2. Mr. Van Horn’s Teaching Philosophy: Building a Holistic Learning Environment
At the core of Mr. Van Horn’s teaching approach is a belief that education is not limited to academic knowledge. He sees the classroom as a space where students can grow holistically—developing not just intellectually, but also socially and emotionally. His philosophy is rooted in the idea that school should be a place where students feel safe, valued, and inspired to be themselves.
Mr. Van Horn emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment where students are encouraged to take risks, ask questions, and develop critical thinking skills. “I want students to grow and succeed not just in the classroom, but outside of it as well,” he says. This focus on real-world application means that the skills students learn in Mr. Van Horn’s class—such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication—are tools they will carry with them long after they leave his classroom.
To foster this growth, Mr. Van Horn utilizes a variety of teaching methods that cater to different learning styles. His classroom is a blend of traditional instruction, hands-on learning activities, and digital tools. Students are encouraged to collaborate, participate in group discussions, and engage in activities that challenge their intellectual curiosity. By using a mix of teaching strategies, Mr. Van Horn ensures that each student can thrive regardless of their preferred learning style.
Social and emotional learning (SEL) is another cornerstone of Mr. Van Horn’s classroom philosophy. He understands that students are not just learners; they are individuals with emotions, challenges, and aspirations. By focusing on building self-confidence and enhancing communication skills, Mr. Van Horn helps his students develop the emotional intelligence needed to navigate the complexities of adolescence and beyond.
3. The Daily Routine: Learning with Structure and Flexibility
Mr. Van Horn’s classroom is designed to be both structured and flexible, striking a balance between routine and creativity. Each day begins with a clear agenda, ensuring that students know what to expect and what is expected of them. The daily student agenda and homework assignments are organized and accessible, which allows students to stay on top of their responsibilities while also fostering independence.
However, within this structure, there is room for exploration and creativity. Mr. Van Horn believes that students learn best when they are actively engaged in the material, so he incorporates a wide variety of activities into his lessons. Whether it’s a hands-on science experiment, a group discussion about a historical event, or a collaborative project, students are encouraged to think critically and express their ideas.
Technology plays a significant role in Mr. Van Horn’s classroom as well. With tools like Google Classroom and Zoom, students can access learning materials, submit assignments, and participate in virtual discussions. These digital platforms also allow for greater flexibility in learning, giving students the opportunity to engage with the material at their own pace.
Classroom photos, daily schedules, and homework updates are all shared online, ensuring that parents are involved in their child’s education. This open communication helps create a strong partnership between the teacher, students, and parents, which is vital to the success of the learning process.
4. Beyond the Classroom: Life in the Coyote Den
Mr. Van Horn’s 6th grade class is affectionately known as the "Coyote Den," a fitting name for a classroom where students are encouraged to be curious, collaborative, and courageous. In the Coyote Den, learning extends beyond textbooks and tests; it’s about developing life skills that will serve students long after they’ve left 6th grade.
One of the unique aspects of Mr. Van Horn’s approach is his emphasis on real-world connections. He frequently draws parallels between the lessons taught in the classroom and the skills needed to succeed in the real world. For example, during a lesson on teamwork, students might learn how to work together on a project, mirroring the kind of collaboration they will experience in future careers. In a lesson on problem-solving, students are taught to think critically about challenges and come up with creative solutions—skills that are invaluable in both academic and professional settings.
In addition to academics, Mr. Van Horn encourages his students to explore their interests outside of school. Whether it’s sports, art, music, or community service, students are given opportunities to discover their passions and develop a well-rounded sense of self. Mr. Van Horn, a huge sports fan himself, often shares his love for volleyball, fitness, and teams like the San Diego Wave, the Tar Heels, and the Padres with his students. This personal connection helps build rapport and fosters a sense of community in the classroom.
5. Mr. Van Horn’s Personal Life: A Teacher with a Heart for Family and Fun
While Mr. Van Horn is dedicated to his students, he is equally passionate about his family and personal life. His wife, Emily, and their son, Cooper, are the joys of his life, and he often shares stories of their adventures with his students. Cooper, born on April 18th, has already brought a new level of joy and energy to Mr. Van Horn’s life, even though he jokes about the sleepless nights that come with being a new parent.
In addition to spending time with his family, Mr. Van Horn enjoys staying active and soaking up the beauty of San Diego’s beaches and outdoor spaces. The ocean, in particular, is his happy place, offering him a peaceful retreat from the busy demands of teaching. His love for sports and fitness extends to his involvement in group fitness classes and volleyball games, activities that help him stay energized and healthy.
Despite his busy schedule, Mr. Van Horn makes it a priority to visit his family in North Dakota a few times a year, keeping close ties with his roots while also embracing his new life in Southern California.
6. A Teacher Who Inspires Growth and Confidence
In Mr. Van Horn’s 6th grade classroom at Del Mar Hills Academy, education is not just about learning facts or passing tests. It’s about fostering a love for learning, building confidence, and preparing students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. His teaching philosophy, which emphasizes academic, social, and emotional growth, has created a supportive and dynamic learning environment where students can thrive.
Through his dedication to his students, his commitment to fostering a holistic learning experience, and his passion for teaching, Mr. Van Horn has become a beloved figure in the Del Mar Hills community. Whether he’s leading a lesson, encouraging a student to overcome a challenge, or sharing a story from his own life, Mr. Van Horn’s impact on his students is profound and lasting.
As the 2024-2025 school year unfolds, the students in Mr. Van Horn’s 6th grade class are in for an exciting and enriching experience—one that will prepare them not just for the next grade level, but for the world beyond the classroom.
