About Me

I began my teaching career in Bledsoe county at Mary V. Wheeler School in 1998 where I taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grade science and spelling. My kidneys failed in early 1999 and I had to resign my position.  A few years later, I began teaching in the Loudon county school system.  I taught 4th and 5th grade math, science, and K-5 technology at Steekee Elementary before moving to Eaton Elementary where I was the preK-4 technology teacher.  Due to continuing health problems I retired and became a full time substitute and subbed at Philadelphia School, Steekee Elementary, Eaton Elementary, Loudon Elementary, Fort Loudon Middle School.  In 2015 I joined the Sweetwater City School system when I accepted a job at Brown Intermediate School teaching 6th grade Math.  One year I taught 6th grade science in addition to the math classes I was teaching.  I moved to Sweetwater Jr. High School for the 2019-2020 school year and taught 7th grade science until the pandemic hit.  At the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year my medical team decided it was too dangerous for me to be in the classroom, so November 2020 I resigned my position.  Eventually, I took a job at the Y12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge.  I truly am a teacher at heart, and could not stay away from the classroom.  When I found out about the Credit Recovery Position at Sweetwater High School I applied.  I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to work with students in the Sweetwater area once again. 

I have shifted gears slightly and I am teaching Biology and Human Anatomy for the 2023-2024 school year.

I am married to my wonderful wife Tonya, who is also a teacher.  We have 4 children and 2 grandchildren.  Caleb, our oldest, is the head of maintenance at Concord Marina. He is married to Tori, and they have two children, Liam and Violet.  Breann, our daughter is currently going to TTU with plans to become a nurse practitioner.  Sean is also attending TTU with a focus on Animal Science. He plans to become a large animal vet.  Aiden, our youngest, is a sophomore at SHS this year.  

2010-Masters of Arts in Instructional Leadership- Tennessee Technological University

          Administration License

1998-Bachelors of Science in Secondary Education- Tennessee Technological University

          Teaching License with the following certifications:

          Earth Science Certification 7th through 12th grades

          Biology Certification 7th through 12th grades

          Elementary Education Certification 1st through 8th grades

1990-Honors Diploma- Harriman High School

 

I live on a small family run farm with cows, hogs, goats, donkeys, chickens, cats, and dogs.  We try to grow as much of our own food as possible.  I enjoy being outside and working with the animals.  We raise bees and last year harvested some honey.  

I also enjoy collecting and working on old cars and trucks.  Current old vehicles include a 49 Ford F-3, a 50 Ford F-3, a 64 VW bug (Aiden's), 2 67 Mustangs, 76 Jeep CJ-5 (Sean's), 59 Willys CJ-5, 76 ford F-350 (Sean's), 78 F-150 4X4 (Caleb's), 79 Ford F-150, (Sean's), 80 Ford F-350 (Sean's), 85 Ford F-350 (Sean's), 87 F-250 (Sean's).