By: Kiley Gehovak
Behind every dedicated educator there is a story that goes beyond the classroom. For one intervention specialist, being a family man is just as important as being a teacher. With a wife and three children at home, Tom Haskell balances the responsibilities of family life with helping students succeed every day.
Haskell was born on April 30th, 1980, in Athens, Ohio. Haskell attended Alexander High School where his journey toward adulthood and his future career began. His connection to education began long before his own teaching career. Both of his parents were teachers, giving him an early connection to the profession. Haskell admired their perseverance and fortitude, qualities that helped shape the person he would become. Eventually, he followed in their footsteps and began building a career in education.
“I have always valued their toughness and grit.”
One of Haskell’s distinct childhood memories is of a major event in American history: The Challenger. During the first grade, he remembers the 1986 Challenger shuttle exploding, recalling sitting in art class when it occurred. It became one of the memorable moments from his early years.
His journey took him to Western Michigan University (WMU), where he played college basketball and majored in foreign language education, specializing in Latin. After college, he began his career as a Latin teacher before moving into science education, eventually becoming an intervention specialist. Over the years he has gained 20 years of teaching experience and worked with students in several different roles.
“I enjoy witnessing my students achieve and evolve throughout the year.”
Outside the classroom Haskell served in the Army for five years as a sergeant, an experience he remembers fondly.
“I take great pleasure in my time in the military. I think it was a meaningful time in my life,” he affirmed.
Throughout his career, Haskell has delighted in having the opportunity to work in different areas of education. Rather than staying in one role or subject, he appreciates the variety that comes with his work.
“I like switching roles just to mix things up a bit,” he explained.
Now, after 20 years in education, Haskell is in his first year at Federal Hocking. He brings years of experience and a variety of perspectives to the school community.
Haskell’s career has taken him through several different employment backgrounds, but family remains at the center of his life. He and his wife, Jana, have three children named Adam, Nathan, and Lucke. Between school, work, and their children’s activities, their house is rarely quiet.
“Our family always has a busy schedule, there is consistently something going on.”
His sons participate in activities including swimming, basketball, soccer, and gymnastics. Haskell savors spending time with them and supporting them as they explore their interests. Whether he is watching a game or quality time at home, being involved in his children’s lives is an important part of who he is.
“I hope my children get as many opportunities as they can,” he detailed.
Haskell describes his wife and children as his “core unit.” They are the people he spends much of his time with, especially when traveling. The family usually travels together, making those adventures an essential part of their time together. They do not have pets, which also makes traveling easier.
For Haskell, traveling is more than simply reaching a destination. He relishes the entire experience, from going to the airport with his family to exploring somewhere new. One of his favorite things to do while traveling is mountain hiking.
Over the years, Haskell has visited many states in the western United States. He especially loves the national parks. Washington and Oregon are two places he would like to go to again. Usually during the summer his family takes a two-week trip exploring multiple national parks located near one another.
“I wouldn’t mind swinging on to Oregon and Washington again; they were stunning,” he said.
His love for traveling has also given Haskell plenty of adventures to look forward to. In 2028, Haskell plans to go to Norway and Iceland. New Zealand and Australia are also on his dream travel list. If Haskell could live anywhere in the world, he would choose Salt Lake City, Utah, because of its convenient location and access to national parks.
“The New Zealand and Australia trip makes me nervous, but you either go big or go home,” he remarked.
When Haskell is not traveling, he is into the excitement that comes with the holiday season. Christmas is Haskell’s favorite time of the year. He appreciates everything leading up to the holiday, including shopping, preparing, and looking at Christmas decorations. For Haskell, the thrill is about the whole season, not just Christmas Day.
“Prepping for Christmas is literally the best part of the holiday season.”
Haskell’s interests also include music and food. After watching a movie, he sometimes enjoys listening to its soundtrack, specifically when a song sparks his attention.
“I watch the movie first, then I listen to it later,” he explained.
Haskell also likes to listen to Taylor Swift, whose music his wife, Jana, and sons enjoy listening to exclusively on road trips.
“Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift is a song that we are big fans of.”
When it comes to food, Haskell savors spicy dishes, with Dave’s Hot Chicken being one of his favorites. He likes having enough spice to enjoy the flavor without going overboard. Haskell does not want to make the encounter unbearable.
“I like spicy food but I don’t want to blow my sinuses out,” he clarified.
Despite all the different experiences in his life, teaching continues to be an important part of who Haskell is. One of his favorite things about the job is watching students learn and become more confident. He appreciates seeing students make progress, having good days, and taking advice that helps them achieve their goals. Haskell also likes the different personalities students bring into the classroom.
“I like having a variety of students with different personalities and goals; it gives the class pizzazz.”
After 20 years in education, Haskell understands that every student is different. Helping students find their own strengths and make strides is one of the things that makes his work meaningful.
When asked about his greatest fear, he gave a thoughtful answer about the uncertainty of what comes after life.
“My greatest fear is dying because you never truly know what to expect.”
Haskell’s life has been shaped by family, education, military service, and a love of exploring the world. Even with a busy schedule, he makes time for the people and experiences that matter most to him. Whether Haskell is helping a student at school, cheering on one of his sons, or hiking through a national park with his family, one statement remains clear: being a family man is a role Haskell values just as much as being an educator.
