Jennifer Rumpke is one of Central Kitsap High School’s Social Studies teachers. Rumpke teaches US History, Civics, Women’s Studies, and Social Justice.

Rumpke got her teaching degree at The College of William and Mary in Virginia, and has been teaching at CK for five years. According to Rumpke, she has many hobbies outside of school including “kayaking, refinishing furniture, hiking, baking, and reading.”

Rumpke graduated in 1995 with a plan to go to law school after college, but ended up changing her life and career plans.

“My plan was to go to law school,” she established. “But at the time, there were all of these reports about how there were so many people graduating with law degrees and not enough jobs and I didn’t want to be unemployed and in debt so I decided to become a teacher.”

Many students would describe Rumpke as someone who is extremely knowledgeable, straightforward, and overall brutally honest in her teaching.

“She makes it clear that if you can’t handle the cold, hard truth then it’s not the class for you,” says Anaya Crawford, a student from Mrs. Rumpke’s Social Justice class.

Students that have been in her class not only like Mrs. Rumpke for her teaching skills but for her personality as well.

“I think she’s funny,” says Connor James, a student from Mrs. Rumpke’s Social Justice class. “She’s very smart and knowledgeable and just a good person in general.”

“I would hope that I love what I do is a strength, and that students can tell that I care not just about what I’m teaching but that I’m teaching them,” says Rumpke, describing her teaching strengths.

As does any teacher, Rumpke has weaknesses in her teaching career as well.

“I struggle with staying on task, I love a good tangent,” says Rumpke.

Many students see what Rumpke would consider a weakness as a strength. The idea that they can say their opinions openly in Rumpke’s class makes them feel as if their voice matters.

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The door in Mrs. Rumpke's classroom.

“I like that it is an open floor, so that anyone can voice their opinions no matter what side they are on,” says Kiayana Fleischer, a student in Rumpke’s Social Justice class.

Mrs. Rumpke likes her job because she feels that teenagers are challenging and have qualities that are fun to work with.

“I like teenagers, I think they are fun,” says Rumpke. “They have so many ideas and their personalities are so strong, I like a challenge.”

Mrs. Rumpke tries to build a connection with all of her students as she thinks a teacher student bond is important.

“I know there are students who I don’t have as strong of a connection with as I would like, but I know I’m not everyone’s cup of tea or cup of coffee,” says Rumpke. “But I still try to find ways to connect as much as I can.”