Jason Alan Harmon

My passion for education started when I was young.  I was born on November 10th, 1984.  I am the second oldest of 13 children, and learned at an early age the importance of continually learning and growing.  We didn't have a lot of money, and neither of my parents ever finished college.  My father showed me by example the importance of hard work and working towards one’s goals.  He built and started a restaurant and now is a successful businessman and entrepreneur.  In school I had a passion for learning new things.  While some kids got bored, I was the one who always wished I could magically take all of the classes offered in my high school.  Growing up in a the small town of Mountain View, WY I was sheltered, but had big dreams.  I applied and got into Brigham Young University.  Although I was a hard worker I soon found out that there were a ton of kids "smarter" than me.  Although I only received A's in high school I soon found that sometimes a B was the best I could do.  

After one semester at BYU I left on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Quito, Ecuador.  Leaving my family was hard, but I learned so much about myself as I lost myself in the service of others.  I learned valuable study habits, and learned to get along with all kinds of people.  Upon returning from my mission I worked for 8 months to save up money so I could again attend college.  When I got back to BYU I knew I wanted to either study business finance, accounting, art, or music.  As I thought and prayed about that decision I kept thinking, I want to study something that I can keep working on and learning about for my whole life.  I decided to major in Illustration and Art Education and minor in business.  I knew that I could paint my whole life, and continue improving every day.  This decision upped my class load drastically, and when I finally graduated I had 213 credit hours, almost 100 hours more than one typically needs to graduate with their bachelor's degree.  I had learned so much and followed my passions.  During college I worked about 10 different jobs ranging from construction, custodial, Spanish teacher, art teacher, bus driver, to selling knives.  My student teaching experience was superb, and I was offered my first job after just one interview, in Guernsey, WY.

In Guernsey I was replacing a teacher that hadn't been stretching the students very much.  The school district was excited to improve their art program.  I started teaching 2nd through 12th grade art and brought a lot of innovative ideas.  I was able to bring in visiting artists, take students to faraway art museums and galleries, give them the opportunity to participate in state and national art competitions, start an art club, and help develop successful school yearbooks.  After my first year I was ready to continue my education.  I really wanted to get a masters of fine art in painting, but my dreams were dashed as the only online programs were going to cost $50,000 to $70,000 dollars.  By this point I was married and had 2 kids, and on a teacher's salary I needed something more cost effective.  As I studied my options and prayed about the decision I felt like I should study educational leadership or administration.  I choose to attend Chadron State because the program was all online.  

I have learned so much in my masters classes.  The most beneficial experiences have been the hands on experiences like my practicum where I have been able to work alongside school leaders, observe them, interview them, and complete projects with them.  I've been blessed with so many opportunities to lead and make a difference.  The main projects I've been able to focus on have been creating a school mentor and induction program for new teachers, starting a Mathcounts club, and building school unity.  I've also been blessed to attend several professional conferences for school leaders that have given me opportunities to network with administrators from across the country.

As a future school leader I hope to build a culture of excellence wherever I go.  I understand the importance of leading instruction, guiding a school to fulfill its mission and vision, and creating a culture of learning.  I know that my education at Chadron State and the opportunities I have had to be mentored by great leaders has prepared me well for my journey.  I love education.  I love to learn.  I want to build safe havens for our children where they can dream and make anything possible.