After 20 years of working in the aerospace and defense industry, teacher Jon Theiler has joined Holy Trinity to bring his engineering background into the classroom. After previously working at Raytheon Technologies, Theiler is spending his first year at HT teaching 4 sections of geometry and 1 section of statistics. 

Theiler graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in mechanical engineering. Growing up, his father strongly encouraged him to become an engineer. Being “left-brained and mathematical by nature,” as Theiler says, engineering has always seemed to be a good fit.

From there, Theiler moved on to Raytheon Technologies, a company that specializes in manufacturing the avionics it takes to fly a plane safely. As Theiler explains it, they make anything you would see in the cockpit of an airplane. This includes displays, communication and navigation systems, surveillance equipment, and more. 

According to Theiler, problem-solving and good communication skills are the two things that make a good engineer. “If you can do those two, there will be some organization that will want you to be a part of their team,” Theiler said.

While Theiler was successful in his field, he made the decision to switch jobs to allow more time for his wife and three kids. 

“Family is number one in our house,” Theiler said. 

He was inspired to change his career to teaching through the fulfillment he got while coaching youth baseball. 

“With coaching, I always walked away feeling like I made a difference,” Theiler said.

As Theiler navigates his first year of teaching, one of his goals is to help his students build a good problem-solving foundation, even if it doesn’t come easy. Theiler is excited to begin his teaching journey with the Holy Trinity community.

“Don’t dismiss math because it isn’t your natural given strength,” Theiler said.