After teaching for 31 years in the North Marion School District in Aurora, Dennis joined the Heritage teaching staff in 2005, since then, he has taught 6th grade math through Pre-Calculus. He is licensed to teach by the State of Oregon and possesses ACSI Education Certification in Secondary Mathematics. Dennis holds duel memberships in both National and Oregon Education Associations.

After graduating from Seaside High School, Dennis attended Oregon College of Education (Western Oregon State University) in Monmouth and received a Bachelor of Arts degree as well as a Master of Science degree in Education.

Married for 26 years to his wife Gail, they have one 19 year-old daughter, Katie, who attends Corban College.

When commenting on his personal interests and what Classical Education means to him, Dennis says: “I love teaching and since I spend quite a bit of time thinking about it, I don’t have many hobbies. When I have free time I spend it with Gail, Katie, and Molly (our beagle). I do enjoy working on cars, electronics, and watching movies as a family.

I have wanted to teach math and coach since I was in 9th grade. My mom was the best teacher I have ever known and I watched her be very happy and fulfilled. I had an awesome experience with my students at North Marion! When Katie was a junior in high school I just knew God was leading me to do something else. I had always thought about teaching at a Christian School and Heritage is absolutely my ‘Dream Job’. After one interview with Mrs. Sloane and Mr. Campbell, I was really thrilled about the chance to teach here. Mrs. Sloane told me in our first meeting that my teaching style and philosophy was ‘classical’. I did not realize that there was an educational philosophy that was based on the things that I believe to be educationally sound and logical.

God’s purpose for me at Heritage is probably what His purpose always seems to be for me. That is, to keep Him as my priority, don’t think about myself very much, and serve the kids that he loves so dearly.”