Hello, my name is Tanya Janssen.  I am from and currently live between Paynesville and Eden Valley.  I received my undergraduate degree at the University of Minnesota, Morris in K-6 education in 1995.  About 2001 I went back to get my Special Education, EBD license at St. Cloud State University.  Currently, I also have my Masters in Special Education from St. Cloud State University. Coaching Special Olympics with other wonderful coaches and athletes is one of my favorite activities.  I have taught at EV-W since about 2001.  I subbed here and various other schools before then for eight years.

I live with my husband, Bob, son Jacob, and daughter Kate.  My husband has health issues so he holds down the fort at home.  In my free time, I love to bake, cross stitch, knit, and crochet.  

I always wanted to become a teacher.  I would even help kids on the bus with homework when I was young.  My belief is that every child is a sponge for knowledge in different ways.  We are all different learners and I try very hard to find each child's niche to better their education and their lives.  When I see a sparkle in a student's eye when he or she finally grasps a concept he or she has been struggling with, makes me know why I teach.  That sparkle is why I love what I do.