👋 Meet John: A Teacher Who Just Can’t Quit (And We’re So Glad He Didn’t!)

When I first thought about expanding into an organization—inviting other teachers to join me and teach the classes I’d spent years building—I’ll be honest: I was both excited and nervous. 😬

After over five years on Outschool, I had finally found my rhythm. 🎯 I knew what worked for me, and more importantly, what worked for my students. Families returned to my classes because they trusted the experience, the consistency, and the connection. 💛

But what if bringing in other teachers changed that?

The Dinner That Changed Everything

One evening, I was out to dinner with close friends (who also happen to be current & former co-workers) 🍽️, and I brought up the idea of starting an organization.

Before I could finish the thought, my former teaching partner John chimed in:

“I’m in.” 🙌

I was stunned. In fact, I tried to talk him out of it—I wasn’t sure he knew what he was signing up for. But John was sure… and he convinced me instead. That was the moment everything changed. Suddenly, this idea didn’t feel so risky. It felt right. ✅

Dinner together which always turns into a lot of teacher talk!

John’s Dedication to Teaching

I know John. We taught side by side for some of the best years of my career. 👩‍🏫👨‍🏫 He could have retired years ago—but he stayed because he truly loved the work. 💡

He always said,

“If you ever think I’m not connecting with the kids anymore, just tell me.”

But that day never came. John kept showing up for students with the same energy, warmth, and dedication year after year. 🔁✨

He’s a gifted math teacher—one of those rare educators who can take a complex concept and make it feel simple. ➗➕ He knows his students, adjusts in real time, and always meets them where they are. Teaching isn’t just something he does—it’s who he is. ❤️

John and I with our last class together

Retirement? Not Really

Even after he retired, John couldn’t stay away. 😄 He returned to lead small-group math interventions for three more years. When he finally stepped away, we all knew it wouldn’t be forever. He missed it. He missed the kids. He missed the spark—that moment when understanding clicks into place. ✨💡

John Joins Our Team

This fall, John is joining our teaching team to lead classes for third, fourth, and fifth graders. 🍁📘

I couldn’t be more thrilled to introduce him to our Outschool families. I know you’re going to love learning with him just as much as I loved teaching alongside him.

Let’s give him a warm welcome! 👏🎉

John ready for his first class next week!