This will be my 16th year at JES, serving as Principal for 10 years and Assistant Principal for the 5 years prior.

I grew up in Noble, Illinois attending West Richland Schools, and then attended Olney Central College receiving an associate degree before transitioning to Eastern Illinois University. While at EIU, I earned my bachelor's degree in Physical Education with a minor in History. Before coming back to Charleston, I taught for four years in the Robinson School District. My first four years in CUSD #1 were at Charleston Middle School as a Health & Physical Education teacher. As a teacher at CMS, I coached many sports including baseball, basketball, and track at CMS along with girl's cross country at CHS.

My wife and our 3 children have all attended the Charleston School District for their entire school careers. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with family and running the local trails in Coles County.

At Jefferson, our goals involve growth for every student both academically and emotionally. We want to prepare them for success as they transition from 4th grade to 6th grade in anticipation of their move to their next levels of learning in the Charleston School District.

This year is my third at JES and I am grateful to work with such a wonderful group of students and staff!

I grew up Marion, IL and earned my Bachelor’s Degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. I began teaching Social Studies at Marion High School in 2006. My wife and I are both in the educators, and her educational pursuits took us to Pocatello, Idaho, where I taught at Century High School. Eastern Illinois University eventually brought us back to our home state and we have enjoyed calling Charleston our home since 2012. I taught History at Charleston High School before moving to JES. I coached soccer at the high school level in all three districts that I’ve worked in for most of my teaching career.