Bio

Darren, a Ballard High School graduate, has returned to his alma mater as a Secondary Social Studies teacher and coach. After completing his AA degree at DMACC in Ankeny, Darren transferred to the University of Northern Iowa. He completed his student teaching at a large high school in San Antonio, Texas, and earned his BA in Social Sciences with an emphasis on U.S. History, Economics, and Sociology. Darren's teaching career began at Woodward Academy in Woodward, Iowa, where he taught for two years.

In August 1997, Darren joined Ballard High School as the head of the Success Center, an at-risk program and credit recovery system. Throughout his time at Ballard, Darren has taught a wide range of subjects, including U.S. History, AP U.S. History, Civics, Government, Economics, Sociology, Political Assassinations, Iowa History, and Constitutional Law. During the 2001-2002 basketball season, Darren was appointed head coach for the freshmen women's basketball team, contributing to the team's high level of success in Iowa. In the 2004-2005 school year, he became the assistant coach for the varsity men's track team, and in March 2018, he was promoted to head men's track coach. In this role, Darren has coached sprinters, distance runners, and field event athletes to multiple state events.

Outside of his professional life, Darren is an avid cyclist and participates annually in RAGBRAI. He has completed 11 marathons and over 20 half-marathons. Darren spends his summers traveling, often through history or social studies internships and fellowships. He is also a passionate reader, devoted to his family and friends, and cares for his rescue cat, Izzy.