Jack Arden Christensen

He made a real impression - Mr. Christensen was a real humanist. I will always remember his English classes at East!

Jack, we corresponded through the years, and I saved each letter you sent. You were an inspiration to me during high school and in my adult life, encouraging me to embrace my creative awakening. I remember you once wrote me, “I look forward to your first,” and I was pleased to send you a copy of that book in 1996. Now there are more planned, and I’m confident you’ll be spiritually encouraging me and editing my work along the way. You remain forever in our hearts. Thank you for being my teacher.

Mr. C was my creative writing teacher at East High School, 1965-67
He was amazing. He had the ability to pick the kids that were struggling and make them feel special.

He inspired us to go way beyond what we thought we could do. He was way ahead of his time.

Different, brilliant, emotional, talented and gifted.

I will forever be grateful for you Mr. C.

Jack was among the most memorable of all my teachers, in high school and beyond. I don't remember any formal "classroom" with Jack, which is a good thing; what I remember most is sitting around with him and a few fellow Pencilings staff members reading, discussing, and criticizing stories and poems. Somehow, I absorbed a lot in those sessions that has stayed with me.

I have kept a copy of his book Deep Song, and the opening lines of the title poem ring ever more clearly with the...

Jack Christensen was my creative writing teacher for three years, until I graduated in 1975. As I wrote to him earlier this year, he was one of the few teachers I had who made a difference in my life. I have no doubt that where I am today -- in New York City, with an agent, and writing a book -- is due in no small part to Mr. Christensen's encouragement and strict adherence to certain writerly principles. I will definitely miss him, but I will never forget him.

I have had four outstanding teachers in my life - including U.C. Berkeley. Jack was the great teacher and man at East High School. To my astonishment, he made me a poet and a playwrite. He challenged us with lifes' great questions ("Explain Christian Existentialism and Mechanistic Determinism as shown in Silas Marner and Crime and Punishment").
He was a wonderfully intelligent and creative man who demanded we all become more and more and more. . .Deepest love and thanks to you Jack.

Mr. C. was the greatest teacher I ever had. He listened to me when, as a 15 year old sophomore, I told him I was a poet. He then proceeded to teach me poetry from a physical and emotional place.

He was "so out there" in 1962! Way ahead of his times. We adored him.

with deep admiration,
Linda Welch LeBrane- East High "65.

Jack Christensen was a marvelous teacher. A teacher you don't forget, someone whose influence remains with you for life.
Some of us didn't quite "fit in" at East High School, but we all "belonged" in his class.

Valerie Swaner
Class of 1970

Jack was one of my favorite teachers at East High School and his creative writing classes were very inspiring. He had quite a sharp wit and always demanded the best from his students. He was
especially kind to me and my guide
dog Sylvia (Sillie). He was very
fond of my guide dog, When he would see us walking down the hallway, he would call her to come and see him. He had his mother make a parka for Sylvia for the
winter, so that she would stay warm.

I will always...