Hello! My name is Jonathan Flanakin and I teach technology and entrepreneurship at Ortiz Middle school. I've been teaching since 2014, and I've been at Ortiz Middle since 2017.

I grew up in St. Louis Missouri and attended school at the Lindbergh School District. After graduating Lindbergh Senior High I attended St. Louis Community College to try and figure what I wanted to do with my life! Once I earned my associates degree I decided I wanted to be a teacher and began courses at the University of St. Louis, Missouri and earned my bachelors degree in elementary education with a focus in middle school science.

My teaching career began when I accepted a job at a rural school in southern Missouri where I taught technology as well as science, grades 7-9. I eventually decided I wanted to teach in the South West and moved to Santa Fe, where Ortiz Middle welcomed me with open arms.

As a technology teacher my overarching goal is to prepare students for the unforeseen future. This world is changing rapidly and those who find success in it will most likely also possess the knowledge, interest and ability to function in a digital world. Students must develop a mindset that allows for growth, and technology can assist with that. The seeking of knowledge is what pushes mankind forward, and knowledge is one of the few things that can not be taken away. I live in this community, and want to give my students the skills and mindset to push us forward. The world deserves to see the gifts and talents they have to offer.

I'm a huge advocate for science, technology and engineering education, so I often find myself either out in the wilderness enjoying the beauty of the world, or I'm holed up in my shop back at home fixing or creating something new. I'm also an avid motorcyclist, so if it involves 2 wheels and adventure I'm always up for it. Before I became a teacher I used to play video games quite frequently as well, but if there's one thing I've learned it's that being a teacher doesn't leave much time for playing games!