Mr. Martin is a graduate of Missouri State University in Springfield, MO where he earned a Bachelor's in Secondary Education. In 2020, he received his Masters in Educational Leadership from William Woods University. Mr. Martin has a combined 21 years experience as a classroom teacher, the last 14 years being spent at Tipton High School where he served as a Social Studies teacher and assistant varsity football coach. The last two years, he has coached Tipton's Scholar Bowl team. Mr. Martin is truly vested in rural education and the community support that drives those school districts.

He and his wife, Heather, have been married for 11 years. They have an eight-year-old son, William.

In his free time he enjoys playing catch with his son, fishing, going on day trips with his family, and watching Oklahoma Sooners football and KC Royals baseball. He is an avid coin collector (which he attributes to his love of history that he learned from his grandfather) and also collects sports cards and memorabilia.

Mr. Martin is looking forward to beginning the 2021/2022 school year and being a part of the Eagle Family!

Ms. Balke grew up in the small town of Cole Camp, MO. She attended Cole Camp High School and graduated in 2017 at the top of her class. She attended State Fair Community College to play softball and pursue a nursing degree. While working part-time in a daycare and preschool, Ms. Balke quickly learned that her heart is in teaching. In May of 2019, she graduated from SFCC with an AAT, Associate of Art in Teaching. She then transferred to the University of Central Missouri where Tessia earned a Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education (1-6). She has future plans to receive her Masters Degree, but is going to take a year to find which direction she wants to take between Educational Leadership and Counseling.

She has one sibling, who is actually her twin sister. Growing up, her family spent a lot of their nights and weekends at the softball fields. She lives in Boonville with her fur baby, Chance. Ms. Balke is very excited to be a part of the Jamestown C-1 School District as the 5th grade teacher and Head Softball Coach and is looking forward to the 2021-22 school year!

Coach Thomas graduated from Cuba High School in 2011. He attended William Woods University to play baseball and study physical education. After 3 years there, he transferred to Lincoln University to continue playing baseball and finish his teaching degree. Coach Thomas is coming to Jamestown from Stover High School, where he spent 3 years working with the varsity boys basketball and baseball teams, as well as further developing their strength program.

Coach Thomas and his wife, Hanna, live in Holts Summit, MO with their 3 dogs. He is happy to be returning to Jamestown!