Father and son…double the fun
Jack and Tim Ryckman pose for a photo together next to Buffalo Ridge Elementary school’s new BRE sculpture on the first day of school. Father and son duo teach STEAM and art classes.
Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) school gained another Mr. Ryckman this year. Tim Ryckman has been BRE’s art teacher for nearly a decade but that classroom is now the domain of Jack Ryckman. Tim shifted focus and created a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) class and curriculum, which left an opening in the art room. Jack applied and got the job, thrilling both him and Tim, his dad.
Both Mr. Ryckmans are excited about teaching their respective classes. Jack is looking forward to clay projects. “It’s outside my comfort zone, so I will be learning alongside the students,” he explained. Tim taught in the STEAM Lab at Rocky Heights Middle School for many years before coming to BRE. “It is an amazing opportunity for our kids to have access to the incredible world of robotics, coding, engineering and science at a much earlier age,” he said of getting back to STEAM curriculum.
Tim and Jack also relish working together as colleagues. Jack gets to witness his dad and mentor in the classroom. Tim is reveling in his front row seat to Jack’s transformation from “little boy” into professional. Sharing a school full of pupils, they get to collaborate in best practices for supporting each student.
Teaching is a good fit for Jack. Growing up with both parents as teachers, he saw the effect they had on their students. “I have always looked up to my parents in the way they teach. It was always clear to me that they were making a major impact, and I wanted to play a part in that,” he said. “It’s a gift to be a teacher!”
Jack has a degree in illustration and animation with a minor in art history from the University of Kansas. He loves to create art in his free time, especially mixed media collages. He also enjoys reading and outside activities including trail running, swimming, hiking and sports. Faith, family and creativity are foundational to his life.
Both Mr. Ryckmans cite the BRE community—parents, staff and especially students—as the best part of their jobs. “The people of BRE are truly a special group and we are honored to be a part of the family,” Tim said.
Jack Ryckman’s first day of school in first grade (above) and Jack on his first day as a teacher (below).
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Tim and Jack Ryckman
