John is from Marshalltown, Iowa and is the oldest of three children. He graduated with his Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Iowa. He has taught 7th grade language arts in Yuma, Arizona. He has also taught 5th grade in Plano, Texas and Provo, Utah. He met his wife Shanna, who is also a teacher in WSCD, and moved to St. George where he has taught 1st, 3rd and 5th grade at Diamond Valley Elementary. He currently is the Staff Developer. He has a Master Degree in Education from Southern Utah University and a K-12 Administration Certificate. He also has his reading and gifted and talented edorsements. Two career highlights was visiting the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Gerogia and learning from Ron about engagement and student success. Another is learning from Donalyn Miller about reading success and the importance of choice. John has presented at conferences about using technology to further teacher's professional development as well as bringing aurthors into the classroom.