First job as an educator: “I’ve been in education for 19 years. I taught in a two-room school house in Horse Creek, North Dakota for two years. It was K through eight and the first year I had six students and the second year I had eight.”

Arrival in Nevada: “I came out here after those two years in 1996. I was hired at Mt. Charleston Elementary School where I taught fifth grade.”

Motivation for becoming an educator: “When I was in elementary school and saw the P.E. and fourth grade teacher enjoying their jobs, I thought it would be something neat to get into. I like working with the younger kids at the elementary age. They have so much energy and they are like a sponge. They want to soak everything in and when you see that light bulb go on, when they finally get it, that makes it all worth it.”

Pearls of wisdom for students: “Life isn’t fair all of the time. If you work hard and apply yourself you get out of life what you put into it. If you keep that in mind, you will do just fine for the most part and stay in school.”

Toughest challenges facing teachers: “Class size is a big one along with the budget issues within the state and therefore also Nye County. It’s been kind of tough the last few years but we are all managing to work through it.”

Advice for individuals wanting to pursue a career in education: “If you like working around kids and you are willing to put in long hours during the week and even the weekends and you’re excited to get up and go to work, you will do just fine. We need people that are motivated to be in education for all of the right reasons. You really need to be dedicated.”

Leisure time: “My two boys are out of high school. My wife and I have our two dogs and they are the best dogs in the world. I enjoy doing yard work and spending time with friends. I am a Minnesota Vikings fan unfortunately.”