Jeandré Hessen
Jeandré Hessen
Teaching, music, and empathy: this is the rhythm that Jeandré Hessen (32) brings every day into his Economics classroom. At Mon Plaisir College, he proves that a male teacher can also sow discipline, passion, and hope in a new generation.
Jeandré grew up between Pavia and Dakota, where football, brass bands, and neighborhood play gave color to his childhood. “Both neighborhoods shaped me and gave me an unforgettable youth,” he recalls. At home, education was always present: his father, John Hessen, was a Dutch teacher, school director, and later inspector general of education. “My father inspired me in the way he always treated every student equally, especially those who didn’t easily find a place at school. He always tried to help them. Even today, ex-students tell me about the impact he had on their lives.”
When recalling his own teachers, Jeandré highlights several who marked his journey: “I had a favorite teacher in kindergarten, Juffrouw Jeannette. Later at MAVO, it was Juffrouw Rayma Thomas. At HAVO, Mr. Kurt Thomas made me fall in love with math through his way of teaching. But if there’s one teacher who made me love the subject I teach today, it’s Juffrouw Shahaira Rodulfo at EPI.”
Relatively young, Jeandré connects easily with his students. “Every job has challenges, but my students remind me daily why I chose this path.” He describes himself as calm, empathetic, but firm when necessary. “I give them respect and my trust. Back in school, I was the so-called ‘difficult student,’ so I know exactly how to reach those considered ‘troublemakers.’ For me, everything revolves around trust, respect, and empathy.”
As an Economics teacher, Jeandré goes beyond theory. At Mon Plaisir, he introduced the Qredits project Be Your Own Boss, teaching students the basic tools to start their own business. “This should become its own subject, starting from secondary education.”
One of Jeandré’s most memorable experiences came with a student from his very first mentor class. He guided the student for two years, building a close relationship with both the boy and his family. After completing MAVO and Edu Campus, the talented football player earned a scholarship to play in the U.S. When the family asked Jeandré to write a motivational letter for his admission, he didn’t hesitate. In July, the student boarded a plane to start his new journey, and his mother sent Jeandré an emotional message: “You don’t know the impact you’ve had on my son’s life.” Reading those words, Jeandré felt a powerful flashback a reminder that while years pass and students come and go, a teacher’s influence can last a lifetime.
Jeandré is keenly aware of the shifts in education. “Young people haven’t really changed, but their circumstances have. Parents often work two jobs, some students work for pocket money, and technology dominates their lives.” For him, innovation and digitalization are essential. “At our school, we use Google Classroom, Noordhoff, and other digital platforms. They make lessons more attractive and expand students’ knowledge.” But there’s also a note of caution: “AI cannot be eliminated. We need to teach young people how to use AI as a tool without losing their own ability to think critically.”
According to Jeandré, teachers today do much more than give lessons. “We deal with social issues, mental health, and a lot of administrative work. A full-time counselor in every school would significantly ease the workload.”
And when it comes to pay? “Teacher salaries have been stagnant for many years. A salary reform is necessary to make this profession more attractive.”
For Jeandré, responsibility is the same for male and female teachers respect and privacy come first. “When a student trusts you enough to open up, you need to know your limits and always keep the focus on their well-being. If I realize external help or parental involvement is needed, I always tell the student first never behind their back.”
A good personality and a firm character are fundamental for a teacher. They must have patience, show respect in order to earn respect, and master communication skills with students, parents, and colleagues. As a teacher, you deal with students of different characters and backgrounds. “Respect and empathy are the foundation for building trust in the classroom.”
Frequent communication with parents is very important so they are well-informed about their child’s development. A teacher must also be empathetic and flexible, because children go through situations they cannot handle on their own, and a teacher must take this into account. Teachers shape children and young people to become adults who can contribute positively to the development of their country and community. In this, a teacher has an exemplary role.
For Jeandré, the greatest satisfaction is not only when a student graduates, but when he sees that he has been part of their personality, their way of thinking, and the choices they make in life.
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