JD has been teaching science since 2003. He spent his first 9 years teaching Earth Science at Pagosa Springs Middle School before moving to Pagosa Springs High School in 2012. Prior to becoming a teacher, JD worked 4 years as a hydrologist before obtaining an alternative teaching license through Western State Colorado University. The experience he gained collecting, analyzing, and presenting data from hydrologic studies has shaped his teaching philosophy. JD has a BS in Watershed Science from Colorado State University and MA in Natural Science Teaching from the University of Northern Colorado.