By: Neysa Nsabimana

Catholic Central welcomed new English this year, Mr. Durden, whose path to the classroom has been anything but ordinary.

Before joining CC, Mr. Jordan taught Spanish for two years at a public school in New York City. He later spent about three years working in marketing, but eventually he realized he missed being around people,  he said “You’re kind of rocking it solo,” when working from home.

Mr. Duden had always been interested in teaching English, and after becoming Catholic, he decided to apply to Catholic schools. He also wanted to return to Michigan, where he grew up.  Although Catholic Central told him initially that the position was filled, the school contacted him again just one week before classes started. Within days he accepted the job, flew to Michigan, found an apartment and moved back.

After his first two weeks at CC, Durden said he was impressed by the students and their school culture. He described the students as, “very sweet” and he appreciated how willing they were to cooperate in his class.

His biggest goal this year is fighting the right balance between a fun teacher and maintaining classroom boundaries. More than anything, he enjoys the relationship he gets to build with students.

“ For me, teaching is all people,” he said. “It’s all a relationship.”

Outside of school, Durden enjoys reading, writing, photography, and talking with others while his journey to Catholic Central took several unexpected turns. He is excited to begin this new chapter in return to what he feels he was meant to do; teach.