ANKENY, Iowa — For 14 years, Jenny Anderson has been changing lives and building relationships at Ankeny Christian Academy.
In Anderson's classroom, students come to learn not just one subject but two. During the school day, she teaches both science and French classes.
"I get the privilege of impacting the students with truth from God's word, at the same time that I'm giving them a foundation in their academics that they need for college and career," Anderson told Local 5.
Class sizes at ACA may be small, but Anderson's impact goes far beyond the classroom.
She was recently awarded the 2023 Outstanding Educator Award from the University of Chicago, nominated by former student Zjahna Lamberti.
In her nomination letter, Lamberti, who now attends University of Chicago, told Anderson: "You have been the most caring and supportive teacher I have ever had. I selected you for this award to show how appreciative I am of you!"
"You got to be here because you love the kids, and you love what you're teaching, and you're passionate about this," Anderson said. "I try to do all of those things."
Just down the hallway from Anderson is another former student.
"I actually was a teacher's assistant in art, and then I discovered that I wanted to be a teacher," Michele Viglo said.
She's now known Anderson for 21 years, and says she played a major role in encouraging her to be an educator.
"She's just really molded me and helped me. She gently led me to where I need to go. But she would never push," Anderson said. "I hope from what she taught me that every student knows that I genuinely care about them.”
It’s that care and compassion that leaves a mark on former and current students alike. Through it all, Anderson remains humble.
"All of this honor, all of these awards, are not so much about me," she said. "It's more about the fact that our students remember their roots.”
Leading with love every step of the way, Anderson’s impact is sure to last for generations to come — head of schools Brent Knoll is sure of that.
"I think it speaks to legacy. I mean, what you're sharing and you're implanting in the hearts of students, doesn't just last for a couple of years," Knoll said. "It's generational."