From high school swimming instructor to creative writing professor, this educator follows her childhood passions in retirement.

Jan Haag started teaching when she was still a teenager, helping kids learn to swim at a high school pool. She also loved water. Haag was part of a synchronized swimming team with her younger sister and spent her childhood years waterskiing with family.

“By the time I was 16, I was hired by the city of Roseville as a swimming instructor, lifeguard and synchronized swimming coach. I did a great variety of teaching in all those positions, from working with small children to developmentally disabled adults.”

A second passion developed in Haag’s childhood, writing stories. By 11, she’d created her own local newspaper—the Granite Bay Gazette—with her parents acting as a human printing press.

“Mom would type my news onto a stencil and my dad printed copies on a hand-cranked mimeograph machine.” This childhood passion drew Haag into a career of journalism and teaching.

What inspired you to start writing at such a young age?

“My mother said I started writing poems and stories as soon as I could hold a pencil. I used to sit in a big oak tree in our backyard and write and read. As I got a bit older, she suggested I become a journalist—writing stories for newspapers during the day and my own poems and stories at night. That’s pretty much what happened and exactly what I ended up teaching!”

How did you get your start in journalism?

“I worked at my high school newspaper, becoming its editor when I was a senior, then on to Sacramento State to major in journalism and English. I became editor of The Hornet, the twice-a-week paper at Sac State.

“After college I worked at two small newspapers in South Lake Tahoe and Vacaville. Then I went to work for The Sacramento Bee as a feature writer and copy editor, covered the California Legislature for United Press International and worked for Sacramento Magazine, becoming its editor in 1989.”

How did you transition from a career in journalism to teaching?

“Much of my journalistic career involved informal teaching and mentoring, and I got the chance to teach my first classes in journalism at Sacramento State. I told a former professor of mine I thought I’d like to teach someday. A few weeks later, he called me and said, ’You can teach right now.’ A professor left school four weeks into the semester, and he needed someone to teach one of his classes.

“For quite a few years I worked as a journalist while teaching at Sacramento State University, American River College and Sacramento City College before becoming a full-time instructor in 1993.”

What did you enjoy most about teaching?

“The students. I know most teachers say this, but I loved the ones who taught me as much or more than I taught them. All of us learned things that surprised us together.

“I also loved watching student after student go on to finish bachelors' degrees and settle into professional lives—from students who went into careers in newspapers, photography, television, radio and magazines to others who chose fields such as teaching or law or founding nonprofits. One launched a literacy organization for kids from eight to 18.

“So many students went into helping professions, which touches me deeply.”

Who was your favorite teacher and why?

“My eighth grade English teacher, who made me rewrite pieces again and again. When I summoned the nerve to complain and ask why, he said, ‘Because, Miss Haag, you have potential.’ His confidence buoyed this young writer in ways that have resonated through the decades.”

How are you enjoying retirement?

“I love it! I always knew I would. I still run writing groups on a much less demanding schedule. I have a small publishing company, River Rock Books, and we’ve published five books so far. I’m working on a novel as well as a couple of poetry collections. I enjoy traveling with my partner to Hawaii. I’m the longtime copy editor of the Hawaii Revealed guidebook series. I’m never bored; that’s for sure!”

What one thing are you most proud of doing during your teaching career?

“Convincing people that their words were worthy of the page—whether they were journalistic or poems or stories—and helping people who felt they ‘couldn’t write’ become more confident. It’s still my mission to let people understand the importance of their voices. It’s a meaningful gift to leave your voice behind for people who love you.”

Do you have any advice for brand new teachers?

“You may not feel you’re reaching students as much as you’d like, but you can never know the lessons you’re offering them outside the curriculum. How you conduct yourself as a human in the world—as a kind, caring person committed to helping students—is perhaps the most important thing you demonstrate every day.” 

Teacher Talk is a series of profiles on California teachers and other educators. To be considered for a future profile, fill out this form.