The man of many names. The man of many sweaters. The man of many blaring songs. And the man of many countries. Our beloved geography and world history teacher Mr. Chelsvig proves over and over again to be a favorite among students. From his love of teaching to his desire to continue to learn, Jim Chelsvig stands out in the Jacksonville High School staff.
Born in Dewitt, Iowa, he moved to southern Illinois in sixth grade. He attended different schools throughout his years. He graduated from Lawrenceville High School. Chelsvig grew up as the middle child with both his parents working.
When he began college at Illinois State, he was originally an engineer major. There was simply no fire, so he switched to history. Others in history majors had made the switch from engineering to their current subject, making it possible that this is not an uncommon change. Chelsvig also received his masters in Geography from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He started in 1999 and graduated in 2001.
He always knew he was to be a teacher, especially when he was in college. Chelsvig enjoyed tutoring during his high school years, especially math. He found that the students he tutored were successful, and he enjoyed tutoring them. In his words, he simply felt “at home there.” His eighteen-year-old self did not find teaching to be “meaningful enough” or “ambitious enough.” He states, however, “I realized or maybe came to terms with the fact that it could be a meaningful life.”
Chelsvig has traveled to China, Canada, Mexico, Germany, Norway, and Turkey. While spending twenty days in China, he found the experience to be eye opening, especially not being part of the majority. He wishes to return and take his family with him this time. He states that “he came back a changed person” and even since China has changed. He would still like to go to Iran, New Zealand, Australia, Italy, and France.
It’s game day, and the music is blaring. Obviously it’s test day in Chelsvig’s class. But the creator of ugly sweater week over a decade ago is more than just a creative teacher. Chelsvig hopes to transform his students into better readers and writers; skills he says will forever help students. He chose Jacksonville High School, and still we keep him, forever as a favored teacher among students both past and present, and most likely future.