Staff Spotlight: Darren Hejnal makes social studies both fun and challenging

by Amy Haggerty

Longtime Stockbridge Jr/Sr High School teacher and coach Darren Hejnal is always a popular choice for both students and their parents, and it’s easy to see why.

He likes to challenge his students and is great at preparing them for the next school year. His classes are fun and innovative and students leave his classroom with an immense amount of knowledge.

Hejnal has been teaching for 27 years, including 24 years for Stockbridge Community Schools. During his time with Stockbridge, Hejnal has taught in most of the school buildings—old and new— throughout the district. Currently, he teaches eighth grade United States history at the junior high level.

Sports are a very important pastime and outdoor activity for Hejnal. Baseball and softball, basketball, football and golf are his favorites. He has also coached many of these sports for Stockbridge Schools at the junior high/senior high level.

Hejnal grew up in the Lake City, Michigan, area. He attended Lake City High School and was raised in a strong Christian home.

He earned both his undergraduate and master’s degrees at Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, Michigan. His undergraduate degree is in elementary education and his master’s degree is in education. He is certified to teach history and general science for students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

Hejnal had a favorite teacher growing up: Mr. Thompson, his high school algebra teacher and coach. “He cared for students—more than just their academics,” he said. Looking inward, Hejnal’s own “interaction with students, athletes and colleagues” is what he likes best about his job.

In 2008, he met his wife Laura, who is from the Stockbridge area. They married in 2010 and have four children: Zeke, Gabe, Daniel and Annie.

One of the outstanding trips he has taken with his family, and what he refers to as the best place he has traveled to, is the Grand Canyon. According to Hejnal, “Pictures don’t do it justice. It’s an amazing example of God’s creation.”

Personally, Hejnal always tries to “make a great day, because the day is what you make of it.”

The Hejnal family enjoying one of their favorite winter activities together. Photo provided by Darren Hejnal

Darren Hejnal finds innovative ways to teach junior high social studies classes. Photo credit Amy Haggerty