David porter

A Texas native, David Porter was born in Fort Worth and spent his teen years in Lubbock before joining the US Navy in 1989. Stationed in Charleston, SC, he served in the First Gulf War on the USS Richmond K. Turner (CG-20). After receiving an honorable discharge, David attended Stephen F. Austin State University, where he earned a bachelor’s in fine arts and a bachelor’s in liberal arts. He also completed additional graduate-level coursework in fine arts, with a focus on photography.


David started his teaching career in 2003, and has been involved in education ever since. He has taught almost every topic over the years, but discovered that his true passions lie in teaching English language arts, social studies, and photography. A natural-born storyteller with a witty sense of humor, David appreciates every opportunity to end a class with a good cliffhanger and to bring “hi-STORY” to life.


A love for the mountains brought David and his family to Durango in 2016. Prior to joining MMS’s eighth-grade faculty in 2022, he ran a local photography business, taught for Durango 9-R, and served as an after-school photography instructor for The Liberty School, where he also served as Board President for three years. In his spare time, David loves skiing, riding dirt bikes, shooting skeet, playing pinball, and hanging out with his wife and three children.


Meet the team 8th grade team!

Dakota Isaak


8th Grade Math & Science
dakota.isaak@mountainmiddleschool.org

Kyle Hilding


8th Grade Teacher Leader
kyle.hilding@mountainmiddleschool.org

David Porter


8th Grade Humanities
david.porter@mountainmiddleschool.org