Who am I?

My name is Mr. Sands and I am a middle school teacher of technology at Urbana Middle School in Urbana, IL. I am privileged to teach 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students about using computers, technology, and various applications for both creative and productive means. I hope my classes are some of the most fun and provoking experiences my students will have at UMS :)

Born in Des Moines, Iowa and then later raised in Danville, IL, I ultimately moved to Southern California to attend college. I am a distinguished and proud graduate of Chapman University in Orange, California (Go Panthers!). I have two bachelor's degrees: A Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Production and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing.

Several years ago, I decided to move back to central Illinois and enrolled at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois (Go Panthers!) to obtain my license to teach. I am now certified to teach elementary school (grades K-6), and junior high/middle school (5-9). I have previously taught English Language Arts and Mathematics, but I am certified to also teach Science and Social Studies.

Outside of school I love to play Ultimate Frisbee, Disc Golf, volleyball, tennis, golf and baseball. I am also an avid cyclist. I love many types of music, but some of my favorite genres include 80s, soul, funk, alternative, punk rock, old school rap, reggae, and ska. I love attending live music shows and baseball games (Go Dodgers!).