I'm excited to be a part of the OVMS team. I am a 1992 graduate of OVHS. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Math Education from Indiana State University in 1997 and my Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Indiana University in 2017. I have more than 17 years in the classroom and three years as a full-time administrator (first first year at Dugger Union, I held a split half-time teacher and half-time dean position). I've taught at Northview High School, Ben Davis High School, and Dugger Union. You'll quickly learn, I am a math nerd, and I wear that title proudly. I've taught everything from general mathematics to AP Calculus. My favorite is precalculus/trigonometry. Most recently, I have served as the Assistant Principal of Dugger Union Community Schools. DUCS is a public charter school, so the three administrators serve as building leaders as well as central office staff. So, my duties have included student discipline, curriculum development, professional development, school budget, and state law compliance. Oh yeah, I was a full-time school bus driver too.
Besides teaching, I have held two other professional jobs. In 2004, I stepped away from teaching to explore some other interests. In 2003, a month after my 30th birthday, I was elected Mayor of Brazil, Indiana. Following my tenure as mayor, I became a financial advisor for Edward Jones. Edward Jones is a great company, but I began to develop the desire to teach. So, I left Edward Jones, where I was successful and won a trip to Hawaii to return to education. I've never looked back. It was the best decision I've ever made.
On a personal note, my wife (Penny) and I will be celebrating our 25th anniversary in January. Penny is a social studies teacher at Clay City Junior/Senior High School. She currently teaches 7th grade social studies, AP US History, Government, and Economics. Our daughter, Tara, is a sophomore at Indiana University studying elementary education. Her goal is to be a kindergarten or 1st grade teacher. Our son, Jackson, is a junior at Clay City High School. Jackson is currently looking at Notre Dame, Purdue, Rose-Hulman, and Indiana University (mom and dad are forcing him to at least take a look at IU). He hopes to study computer engineering.
It has been 37 years since I stepped into the halls of OVMS as a 6th grader in Ms. Mellenthin's class. Unlike walking in as a 6th grader, I'm not terrified walking the halls, but, I'm excited to be a part of the team.
Let's Be Awesome Today!