Mr. D.J. Sammel, PK-8 Health and Physical Education teacher, has been employed by Jefferson-Morgan School District for 7 years.

Sammel grew up in the city of Pittsburgh and graduated from Langley High School in 1998. He then went to Edinboro University for Health and P.E. teaching certificate. He lives with his wife, two kids, and a dog.

In his position as a physical education teacher, Mr. Sammel works between the elementary and middle school. He enjoys watching his students show up to gym class and be excited to be there. He also helps his students maintain a healthy and energetic lifestyle.

“I enjoy it when the elementary students come to the gym and are excited to be there,” said Sammel.

Teaching was not Sammel’s dream job or even his first job. When Sammel was younger, he dreamed about being able to become a professional baseball player. He even worked in the construction business from the age of 17 until he was 35.

One memory that comes back to him every year is the pure enjoyment the students have during Track and Field Day.

In his free time, Sammel attends concerts. The last concert he attended was The Clarks.

Advice that Sammel wants to express to students is to make sure to think every decision through. It only takes one wrong choice to make a big impact on your life.

He also wants JM students to appreciate the faculty and administration because they are the best staff he has ever worked with. “Nobody cares more about their students than the JM staff!”