Jon Magnus is an award-winning high school teacher, University of Washington Extension Lecturer and author of the book S.H.I.N.E. Life Lessons Revealed. A world-traveler and linguist, he spent several years in Europe where he was self-employed as a translator/interpreter for Virgin France and the French Observatory of Drugs and Drug Addiction. Jon holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies (Trade and Investment) from the University of Washington and a Master of Arts degree in Education from Central Washington University. His business experience gives him a unique perspective on preparing students with 21st Century skills.
In 2001, Jon began teaching French at Wenatchee High School. He firmly believes in providing equitable educational opportunities for all students, holding learners to the highest standards, establishing real connections between in-class activities and the outside world, creating a classroom environment that is fun and engaging, fostering a love for learning, and teaching students to dream and achieve the seemingly impossible. His classroom is immersive. French radio shows play in the background, and the classroom becomes a theater as Jon acts out stories in French.
In 2005, Jon co-founded the Wenatchee School District College Mentor Program for first-generation-to-college Latino students. Mentored students have since obtained over one million dollars in grants and scholarships, including the Gates Millenium Scholarship and QuestBridge Fullride Scholarship. In 2006, Jon founded the Wenatchee High School Interact Club, a youth Rotary club. Under his guidance, students live out the club motto "Service Above Self" and have raised nearly $100,000 for charitable causes.
Jon believes in the power of collaboration to achieve common goals, and has shared his inspiration as keynote speaker for several nonprofits. He strives to open lines of communication between all major stakeholders in the educational world to provide optimal learning experiences for students. Jon's philosophy is that the word impossible should be removed from our vocabulary as we prepare students to be successful, active global citizens.
“Mr. Magnus expands the worldview of his students,” writes alumna Julia Lobe. “In Wenatchee, there are many students who have never traveled outside of our area. They leave Mr. Magnus’s class wanting to see the globe! He demystifies travel abroad with engaging stories about his years living in Europe. Under his guidance, students learn to appreciate that diversity of cultures is a good thing.”
