Teacher Spotlight - Mr. Dan Barnes

Our very first teacher spotlight will recognize Mr. Jeffrey "Dan" Barnes.  He celebrates his birthday on November 7th and was born in 1976.  His family consists of his wife, Elaine, and his kids, Kaylee, who is 19 years old, Collin, who is 16 years old and Brayden, who is 14 years old.  They also have 2 dogs, Rowdy and Scrappy and 3 cats, Pumpkin, Paisley and Stutter to round out their family.

When asked where he got his teaching degree he shares a funny story.  "My undergrad is in English from the University of Wyoming and I got my teaching credentials from a program called the Regents Alternative Pathway to Iowa Licensure, or RAPIL for short."

He is in his 3rd year or teaching ELA, Freshman English, Public Speaking, Creative Writing, Film as Literature and Strategic Reading to 8th grade and high school students.  He believes his students would be surprised to find out that there was a time that he didn't want to be a public school teacher.  His favorite thing to do for fun is to go fishing with his family.

Some of his favorites are:

  • The color green because it's a very natural color.
  • Prime rib because it is delicious.
  • Book and movie is "Dune."
  • Football.
  • The Philadelphia Eagles.

His best thing about teaching is getting to know students and being able to help them grow in their learning and understanding.

Mr. Barnes, thank you for all that you do!