Waxahachie has welcomed several new high school teachers this school year, including Mrs. Janssen, who teaches Algebra I. It is her first year teaching at WHS, but she has been teaching for ten years.

Janssen’s mother played a large inspirational role in her becoming a teacher. 

“I saw how much she meant to students and how much she did for them,” Janssen said. “I wanted to do the same thing.” 

Although she loves teaching, Janssen did not always dream of being a teacher. 

“I wanted to be a pediatrician in the cancer world,” Janssen said. “Patch Adams was my inspiration for that.”

Janssen still coaches the Cheyennes at Finley Junior High, one of the schools at which she previously taught. 

“My favorite part about teaching is the relationships I get to make with students and helping them love math as much as I do,” Janssen said. 

Outside of being a teacher, Janssen is a Master-At-Arms in the Navy Reserve. 

“I have been in the Navy for 13 years, and I’m starting my 14th year,” Janssen said. “My rank is an E6.”

Janssen is also a wife and a mom of three. 

“I have three amazing kids. My oldest is Lucas, a freshman here at the high school. My daughter Ariana is in fifth grade, and my other son Zane is in second grade at Clift,” Janssen said. “And I have the most amazing husband Nick, who teaches Computer Science and E-Sports at Global High School.” 

In her free time, Janssen likes to spend quality time with her family playing board games and cards, baking cookies, and camping. She also enjoys bodybuilding and reading.