JUST THE FACTS

I was born in Durango, Colorado

Raised in Durango and Ridgway, Colorado

Graduated from Durango High School in 1977

Entered the Air Force the fall of 1977 and worked as a jet engine mechanic, serving four years and left with an Honorable Discharge, as well as receiving a commendation recognition for my service

Attended Fort Lewis College and earned a Business Degree with a marketing major and economics minor

I was identified as one of the top three economics students my senior year, and attended an economics conference at the Air Force Academy representing Fort Lewis.

Attended Denver Seminary and received a Master of Divinity degree

I worked with inner city families while in seminary

I moved back to Durango and worked as a minister at a local church for eight years.

Went back to Fort Lewis to get a teaching license and began teaching at Durango High School in the fall of 1998

I taught at DHS from Fall of 1998- Spring of 2023

I retired in June of 2023 and began the process of seeking a new direction in life

I am a sixth generation South West Coloradan with a great love for and appreciation of all that our state has to offer

My wife and I raised three amazing young men of whom we couldn’t be more proud

ADDITIONAL INTERESTING FACTS:

I have dyslexia and have found ways to be successful in an academic setting; not only as a student, but as a teacher.

I have worked with low income and struggling students as a normal part of my teaching career.

My whole teaching career I have been a member of the Durango Education Association, our local teachers union and served as a union negotiator for five years.

I am currently a CEA Retired member in good standing.

I am a member of our local education foundation board (Durango Education Foundation, DEF) and I am the chair of the scholarship committee, as well as a participant in our classroom grants program.

I have proposed and worked on a bill with our local state representative, that sought to provide a mentorship program for new administrators in the public school system, and that bill has been adopted as part of the annual state budget. Governor Polis signed the bill into law at Durango High School last spring.

For over eight years, I have worked as a local mentor for the PEBC organization as they continue to develop new teachers coming from other professions, who are looking to get into education through a non-traditional track.