Alumni Employee Focus
Andrew Jannsen, Class of 1986
It feels like Andrew Jannsen has never really left Portland Christian! A proud graduate of the Class of 1986, Andrew has been part of the PC family as a high school student, coach, and teacher – and now as a parent of two PC alumnae (Classes of 2013 and 2018).
Favorite memories of PC:
Mr. Zimmerman’s math class, long road trips for sports games, student council retreats at Mrs. Lampi’s, big football and basketball wins (too many to name!), Mr. Robinson’s history class, and Mr. Criswell’s biology and anatomy classes.
Life after graduation:
Just one year after graduating, Andrew began coaching football at PC. He went on to study at Portland State University (PSU) and Multnomah School of the Bible, earning his B.S. in Mathematics and M.Ed. from PSU. In 1993, he officially returned to PC as a teacher – and has been here ever since!
Current roles at PC:
- Math & Science Department Head
- Advanced Math Teacher (AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, College Credit Precalculus)
- Cross Country Head Coach
- Track & Field Head Coach
- Ski & Snowboard Club Coordinator
Favorite PC teachers:
- Larry Zimmerman (Math)
- David Robinson (History)
- Dan Criswell (Biology)
- Mike Demkowicz (English & Civics)
All these teachers challenged him to think deeply and critically.
Why he returned to PC:
“I am blessed to have been educated at PC and now to be able to teach here. God has constantly provided, enabling me to work at PC. At various times, I thought that God might be directing me elsewhere, but He always made it clear this is where He wants me.”
We’re grateful for Andrew’s faithful service, passion for teaching, and the lasting impact he continues to make in the lives of PC students. 💜
