As director of the Project Inspire teacher residency, Mark’s work focuses on the strategic design and implementation of the program. This includes fostering healthy and effective partnerships with school districts and universities, increasing program sustainability, designing curriculum for program participants, and measuring program progress toward key strategic goals. An experienced K-12 teacher, Mark deeply values time spent in host residency classrooms, working alongside the Project Inspire coaching team to develop a different kind of teacher, one who believes deeply in success for all students and advocates fiercely on their behalf.

Mark taught middle grades science in Asheville, NC before moving to Chattanooga to teach middle grades science at Normal Park Museum Magnet. During that time, he earned certification as Middle Grades generalist through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Mark then moved to PEF in 2011 to be part of its new teacher residency program, where he first served as a curriculum designer and coach for program graduates, before eventually moving into the role of program director.

Mark lives in Signal Mountain with his wife, their two children and their dog. He enjoys playing games, long walks and runs, great meals, and the wonder of being in nature.