When Mr. Place first thought about his future, teaching wasn’t part of the plan. After graduating from Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, he planned to take the LSAT and go to law school; however, his plans changed. Those changes led him to Potosi, where he found a new passion in teaching and coaching. “I never really planned on being a teacher,” he said with a laugh. “But sometimes the right opportunity just finds you.”
That opportunity came when Mr. Uppena called him about a substitute teaching position. What started as a short-term subbed into something more. Mrs. Meier needed a long-term substitute, and Mr. Place decided to step in. Once he got started, he quickly saw how meaningful the job could be. “Being a long-term sub gave me a real insight into the kids and the atmosphere we have here,” he said. “When you’re here every day, you see how strong the community really is.”
From the beginning, Mrs. Meier helped guide him through lesson plans and classroom routines. “She walked me through those first few weeks but allowed me to teach how I wanted while still following what she wanted taught,” he said. “It gave me confidence to step in and make the class my own.” Mr. Eastlick also helped by checking in often to make sure things were going smoothly. “He’d come in just to make sure I was doing all right and that things were getting done,” Mr. Place said. “It meant a lot knowing I could always ask questions and get support.”
That support and teamwork are part of what makes Potosi special to him. “Everyone here is willing to help,” he said. “It’s not just about teaching; it’s about growing together for the students.” Outside of the classroom, Mr. Place also coaches football and baseball. As the son of a coach, sports have always been a big part of his life. “Coaching was second nature,” he said. “It’s another way to connect with students and teach lessons that go beyond the classroom.”
Now, as he works toward his Master of Public Administration degree, Mr. Place is looking at how he can continue to grow in education and leadership. He will end the long-term sub role for Mrs. Meier after Thanksgiving break, when she returns from maternity leave, and Mr. Place will go back to subbing on a daily need schedule. He gives credit to mentors like Mrs. Meier, Mr. Eastlick, and Mr. Cohen for showing him what it means to be a great educator. “Mr. Cohen really laid the groundwork for what we want at Potosi,” he said. “They all set the example for what it means to care about students and the community.”
Being the youngest teacher in the high school has helped him connect with students in a special way. “I think being younger helps me relate to them,” he said. “It brings out a different side of the students that you might not always see.” That connection shows up in small ways, from classroom discussions to school spirit events. During homecoming week, He dressed up like the rapper Nelly, which had everyone laughing and cheering. “It’s fun to be able to show a lighter side,” he said. “It makes the students more comfortable and helps build relationships.”
Looking back, Mr. Place knows his journey didn’t go as planned, but he wouldn’t change it. “Sometimes life just puts you where you’re supposed to be,” he said. “And for me, that’s here, with these kids, this staff, and this community.”