Jeff has been teaching with Ensign Peak since it began. During the 2024-2025 school year, he is teaching four courses: Principles of Liberty, Modern World History, Senior Capstone Project, and US Government and Citizenship.
Jeff was working with Diann at American Heritage School. Diann felt inspired to create a new online option for Latter-day Saint families. Jeff applied to teach with Ensign Peak Academy. So he has been with them since the beginning.
Without further ado, let’s learn more in my mentor interview with Jeff Jensen.
What do you love about your subject? Tell us about how you became interested in that subject.
I’ve always been into history. I was really a historian in training from a young age when I began reading presidential biographies in pre-school.
I earned a degree from BYU, but I’ve been giving public lectures on the Titanic and other history subjects since becoming a Titanic history enthusiast in 5th grade.
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
I’ve always been in a teaching environment, but I haven’t always been a teacher. I just enjoy being able to help the rising generation learn the lessons of history. In general it’s just fun for me to teach about history. It is exciting and meaningful. It helps people learn how to approach problems.
How did you become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? What does that mean to you?
I was born into the church. But I consider myself a convert as a teenager because that was when I decided to pursue the truth on my own.
I gained my knowledge on my own. It wasn’t given to me or something I just swallowed. I have a deep testimony because I sought it. It has really come to define my life and the gospel is my number one priority. The gospel and teaching it are the most meaningful use of my talents. It is the greatest joy for me. It is my rock and gives meaning to my life. Life can take many things from me but it can never take my faith.
Tell us about yourself and your family.
I’m a single parent and I live in Saratoga Springs. I have three boys and they are all teenagers. This past year I’ve spent a lot of time learning about myself. I’m looking for a full-time job and am dealing with those trials. I hope to continue to teach and find a full-time job that will allow me to continue to teach part time.
I have the wonderful opportunity to serve in the temple two days a week. The temple helps to keep me grounded and from getting overwhelmed. I find great purpose and meaning in serving in the church.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Some of my favorite things include: hiking, biking, and being outdoors. Anything having to do with being in nature. I love to star-gaze and listen to movie scores. I love to get my body moving. I love reading and watching movies or shows. Hanging out with my boys and doing the activities they want to do is another great love of mine.
My favorite book genre is non-fiction. I have over 500 books about US Presidents. I’m currently working on my own book about the Presidents. Outside of non-fiction, I really like Middle Earth and Lord of the Rings and anything else by J.R.R. Tolkien.
What is something unique about you?
I’m a Titanic historian. I am probably the pre-eminent historian in Utah for the Titanic. In some circles, I am known as the match-stick model Titanic Man. When I was in 4th grade, I did a history lesson on it and a little later saw cool pictures of the Titanic at the library. I read all the books on the Titanic that I could find. Then I became involved in the Titanic Historical Society
What hopes do you have for your students?
My primary hope is that they firmly recognize themselves as children of God, that they know more deeply and profoundly that God loves them and knows them. Secondarily, I want them to know that God cares about history because it is about us and that His hand is evident and has directed our history in many cases. But most importantly that the students know their self-worth.
This concludes my mentor interview with Jeff Jensen. The classes he teaches are offered in both the High School and Middle School programs. If you want to learn more about these programs, click on the links below: