Teaching
My journey within education began with watching my parents devote their lives to the education and coaching world. I had a front row view of watching them develop relationships and care about individuals and not just a curriculum. By seeing how lives can be transformed, I knew I wanted to be a part of a profession that can have that type of impact on people through genuine relationships.
It wasn’t just my parents who gave me the nudge to enter the profession but also great and impactful teachers I had throughout my time in school. The teachers who were able to have difficult conversations with me, able to speak encouragement within me while holding me accountable to a high standard ultimate had the greatest impact on my growth. I’ve been fortunate to take those lessons I’ve learned from my teachers and pass them along into my teaching journey through caring about people and building relationships.
After graduating high school, I attended the University of West Georgia where I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education. While at West Georgia, I was a walk on for the men’s basketball team for 4 years. Upon graduation, I’ve had the privilege of working at some of the best schools in the state of Georgia and had the opportunity to teach an array of subjects within education. Those school and subject include Harrison High School as a special education teacher of physics, McClure Middle School as a physical education teacher, Lambert High School as a special education teacher of English, Wesleyan School Middle School as a physical education teacher, and Pope High School as a special education teacher of Algebra 1 mathematics. Additionally, I served as an adjunct instructor at Lenoir-Rhyne University. Currently, I work with students with special needs and teach ninth-grade mathematics.
No matter the school I have taught at one of my favorite teaching moments are the ones where you can see the aha moments for students and material start to click. I love seeing a student go from not understanding the material, working hard and then show they can master the subject through hard work and dedication. Being able to form a sense of belief and build their confidence is a highlight of the teaching profession.
Coaching
Along with my duties as a teacher, I am also a coach. In addition to having teachers that spoke life into me through the classroom, I also had some life changing coaches on the field and court. These coaches along with the teachers helped shape me into the teacher, coach and person I am today. Throughout my journey in sports, I learned invaluable lessons such as teamwork and coming together. Everyone has a role to play, big or small, and no role on a team is bigger than the team itself. One aspect within my coaching that I’ve seen from others is how important it is to make memories through coaching and remembering the bigger picture that our job is to create better people and lasting memories for them to look back on. My coaching duties have ranged from coaching ninth grade, JV, Varsity, and college level.
Although my passion is basketball, I have enjoyed the opportunity to coach football, soccer, golf, volleyball and lacrosse. Currently my position within coaching is Head Junior Varsity Boys’ Basketball Coach, Assistant Varsity, and Assistant Athletic Coordinator. Having these different roles within athletics allows me the opportunity to see student-athletes in a different light than just seeing them in the classroom and I love to see them in their element, whether it be on the field, court or whatever their extracurricular may be. These experiences through coaching and athletic coordinator duties allow me to strengthen my ability to support and motivate the student-athletes both athletically and academically.
Personal
Outside of teaching and coaching, I am a husband who has been married for almost two years to my beautiful wife and soon-to-be dad to a beautiful little girl. Being a husband and soon-to-be father has helped with creating more of a balance and highlighting what kind of role model I want to be, not only at home, but also within the classroom and on the court.
I’m one that loves to be active and outdoors so when I’m not teaching or coaching you can find me outside playing pickleball at the park, at the gym working out or in the yard doing yard work. My wife and I enjoy spending time together, whether that be exploring farmers markets or going to coffee shops or a date night. I’m a believer of being a continued learner and enjoy going to clinics and workshops to grow as a coach, teacher and leader. In the busyness of teaching and coaching I value the little things, and quality time with people who help me stay grounded yet push me to become the best I can be.
