USD 348 is home to many dedicated teachers, some of whom also serve as coaches for various sports. However, it is very rare to find a teacher that takes on multiple different roles.

Jesse Austin is a Baldwin Junior High and High School coach, along with being a teacher. Austin teaches strength and conditioning as well as 7th grade physical education and health at BJHS. Not long after becoming a teacher, Austin quickly took on coaching responsibilities. He coaches numerous sports including: HS football, JH and HS wrestling, is a throwing coach for JH track, along with being the conditioning coordinator.

“I have had him for all of middle school and I feel like I always have a good time in his class not doing hard things,” 8th grader Ella Davis said. “He is a very friendly teacher and he always tries to make sure we are having fun while being active.”

Austin is an alumni of Baldwin High School, where he participated in wrestling, football, and track and field, and had an immense amount of success. 

“I chose education because of the impact my teachers and coaches had on me as a student at BHS,” Austin said.

 After graduating high school, Austin went on to continue his academic and athletic career at Baker University. When Austin first went to college, he wanted to major in mathematics and eventually become a math teacher, but his plans soon changed, leading him to where he is today. 

“The upper-level math courses in college became a little too much for me,” Austin said. “I pivoted to getting my Bachelors Degree in Physical Education & Exercise Science, and my Masters Degree in Special Education.” 

Austin is a busy teacher and coach, balancing both work and family is a real talent that takes dedication and commitment. 

“It can be tough, especially since I coach a sport every season,” Austin said.  “But I try to relate a lot of things I stress in athletics to my students in the classroom, and I feel like it makes things a little easier to manage when everyone is on the same page. We are pretty lucky to have the kids that we do in this district, so that definitely makes my life easier.”