Please write a short bio about yourself and your teaching career!

My name is Clinton Jacks. This is my first year as a teacher, prior to teaching I served in the Marine Corps. I teach Engineering and Technology to 6th and 7th graders. I also teach artificial intelligence and Python programming to eighth graders. Teaching has been in my family for many years, my mother is still a teacher in the Okaloosa County School district as well. I want to be a positive influence on the kids at the Title I school at which I teach. Working with under privileged kids has been a passion of mine since I was young. Since the Marine Corps I am very active in the Toys for Tots program, earning a letter of accommodation from the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps for my work. At Meigs MS I am the basketball announcer, Track n Field coach, and Assistant Football coach.

Who is your favorite NHL® player and why?

My favorite hockey player is the two time Richard trophy winner, Steven Stamkos! He has be one of the most important players for the Lightnings franchise and has been since e joined the team. I lived in Tampa for a while and went to several games at Amalie Arena. Stamkos’s performance on the ice was electrifying, no pun intended.

What is your favorite part of the Future Goals™program? How do you see STEM in the game of hockey?

My favorite part of the Future Goals program is how it combines sports with STEM. Students are taught important athletic concepts like strength and endurance while reinforcing the STEM principles we have covered in class. This program also allows me to share a sport I love, hockey, with students who might not normally get that experience. The market for hockey is not huge in northwest Florida even though we have a minor league team less than an hour from us in Pensacola.

If you played hockey, what position would you play?

If I played hockey I would be a goalie. It’s a leader’s position, the game is on your shoulders every game. No amount of amazing offensive play can overcome a bad night on goal The goalie has to be ready every day, every puck drop.