Welcome to 8th-Grade Science!

I’m Jonathan Fariss, your 8th-grade and Earth Science teacher at Leland Middle School. Before starting my teaching career, I served as a Loadmaster on the C-5M Super Galaxy in the U.S. Air Force, where I transported everything from the President’s motorcade to working with NASA to move the mirror backplane for the James Webb Space Telescope. These experiences deepened my appreciation for science and education.

After completing my service, I earned my degree in Middle Grades Education and Science from Appalachian State University. Go Mountaineers!

Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time outdoors—whether it’s relaxing at the beach, fishing, or enjoying all the diverse ecotourism Brunswick County has to offer! 

In our classroom, I bring the same sense of purpose and exploration I experienced in the Air Force. We’ll dive into topics like plate tectonics and the atmosphere with an emphasis on hands-on learning and relevance to everyday life. I look forward to a great year ahead.