Biography

I was born in Dubuque, IA on November 23, 1972 and moved to Center Point, IA when I was 8 months old, where I spent the rest of my childhood. I am a 1991 graduate of Center Point-Urbana High School, where I was active in a wide variety of activities (band, jazz band, speech, Model U.N., academic competitions, basketball, baseball, and golf to name a few). I attended the University of Northern Iowa and graduated with a degree in Social Science Education with a Coaching Minor in 1996. I received my Master's degree in Social Science Education in 2012 from the University of Northern Iowa as well.

I began my teaching career in Williamsburg, IA teaching 10th grade American History, working in the Success Center, and coaching JV girls basketball. I then moved to Charter Oak, IA (Charter Oak-Ute Jr/Sr High School) where I taught 7th grade Social Studies, 10th grade American History, and 11th and 12th grade Government. Additionally, I was a JH football coach as well as boys and girls JV basketball coach. I began teaching in Independence in the fall of 2000, and have had the opportunity to teach a wide variety of Social Studies courses, including U.S. Government, U.S. History 9, U.S. History 10, Psychology, Sociology, Contemporary Issues, World Geography, and Modern U.S. History, and AP Government and Politics. In 2019 I also assumed duties as an Instructional Coach focusing on Social Studies and English/Language Art at the 7-12 level. I also teach Introduction to Psychology, a dual credit class offered through Hawkeye Community College. In the past I also was the 9th grade Girls Basketball coach, and currently am the Girls Golf golf coach. You may also hear me on fall Friday evenings as the PA announcer at home varsity football games.

I am married to Mrs. Dinger, who teaches in the Special Education department here at Independence. We have three boys.

Favorite -

Hobbies: Watching/participating in sports, especially golf; gardening and landscaping; spending time with my family

Sports Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Cubs, Northern Iowa Panthers, Iowa Hawkeyes

Band: Foo Fighters

Foods: Anything barbecued, macaroni and cheese

Season: Spring

U.S. States visited: 27 (and counting)

Countries visited: 5