Meet The Team: Eagle Rock Human Performance & Outdoor Education Instructor — Jon Anderson

Today, we’re placing our blogging klieg lights on Jon Anderson, who is an Instructional Specialist at Eagle Rock where he works to integrate adventure-based activities into our science, math and human performance classes held here on campus in Estes Park. Along the way, Jon teaches our students all about environmental science, leadership, and citizen science.

Here’s his story:

Eagle Rock: What did you do prior to coming to work for Eagle Rock?

Jon: I worked at a kindergarten through 12th grade school in Denver where I taught high school history, K-8 physical education, and high school outdoor education classes.

Eagle Rock: What attracted you to Eagle Rock?

Jon: I found out about Eagle Rock initially through a professor in college. She didn’t think I’d be a very good (or very happy) traditional Physical Education teacher. When I came to Eagle Rock for a visit I was excited about the small classes and the “in your face” attitude of the place. I was also really impressed — and I still am — that the community revolves around relationships.

Eagle Rock: When you’re not working, what do you like to do in your spare time?

Jon: Try and be a good daddy and husband. I’m also happy to go fly-fishing and Telemark skiing, and to spend time outside in Wyoming and Utah.

Eagle Rock: What reality TV should you be on and why would you win or be kicked off?

Jon: I don’t really watch reality TV shows. That said I would have been a good actor in Deadwood, Longmire or Justified though.

Eagle Rock: What’s your all-time favorite Eagle Rock success story?

Jon: That is tough one! Many come to mind and I think my friend Vidal Carrillo would be one of those stories. Vidal worked extremely hard while attending Eagle Rock. He had a passion for learning, especially science. He excelled in classes, took advantage of his opportunities, didn’t make excuses, and was always grateful. That to me is what Eagle Rock School is all about. Vidal is now in college and is working for the Alpine Hotshots during the summer. Neither endeavor has been easy and he just keeps moving himself and his future along.

Eagle Rock: What’s one thing not many people know about you?

Jon: Hmmm, one thing that people don’t know about me? I have a chin!