Teacher of the Month

Business teacher imparts practical knowledge

By ADAM STEWART

Staff writer

Hillsboro High School business teacher Nathan Hiebert hopes his students learn things in his classroom that have a practical effect on their lives.

“I would hope it sparked an interest in a future career,” he said Friday.

That afternoon he discussed how students could evaluate what career paths would be good for them in his general business class. The best careers are those that match a person’s talent, interest, and values, he told the students.

In Hiebert’s case, he didn’t discover his interest in teaching business until he was nearly finished with college. At a friend’s suggestion, he pursued a dual degree in business and business education to give him the best career opportunities after college.

It wasn’t until he began student-teaching at Smoky Valley High School that he realized it was something he could really enjoy.

“I enjoy that every day brings a different feel,” he said. “I enjoy the process of helping students.”

Hiebert described himself as an organized person, which he said is helpful in his teaching of accounting and personal finance. He tries to teach his students about the pitfalls of irresponsible use of credit, but also that proper use of credit can be beneficial.

“There are so many positives about Mr. Hiebert,” HHS Principal Max Heinrichs said. “He has a definite love for the area of business.”

Heinrichs described Hiebert as someone who builds good relationships with students and who goes the extra mile. When Hiebert missed school for the birth of his son two years ago, he recorded audio lessons for his classes, Heinrichs said.

Hiebert also is the girls’ basketball head coach and an assistant track coach.

He earned a dual bachelor’s degree in business education and business, with a focus on finance and management from Bethany College. He is continuing his education, working on a master’s degree in financial planning from Kansas State University. He expects to complete that degree in spring 2012.

Hiebert is in his eighth year teaching at HHS. It is his first teaching position.

He and his wife, Lynette, have a nearly 2-year-old son, Braxton, and are expecting another child this month.