08/10/2026
We both survived our first day back at school for the 2026–2027 school year!
My son started 2nd grade, and I started my 11th year as a welding instructor.
As November 3rd gets closer, I’ve found myself thinking a lot about what the last 10 years of teaching have meant to me.
I’ve had the opportunity to teach so many of our local young people, watch them learn a trade, grow up, graduate, go to work, and start building lives of their own. I’ve watched many students walk into my shop unsure of themselves and leave knowing they had a skill nobody could take away from them. .
If I’m fortunate enough to be elected Ouachita County Judge in November, this school year will be bittersweet. I unfortunately won’t get to finish the entire year with my students.
That part will be hard. I’ve spent a decade doing something I truly enjoy, alongside some pretty incredible young people.
But at the same time, it’s exciting to think about having the opportunity to serve those same young people….and their families, in a different way.
Teaching has taught me a lot more than just welding. It has taught me patience, responsibility, how to work with different personalities, how important it is to listen, and that sometimes the best thing a leader can do is give somebody an opportunity and believe in what they’re capable of.
So, yeah… it’s a little sad, but also exciting.
For now, though, we’ve both got school tomorrow. 😂
Here’s to year 11 and 2nd grade!