Iola schools in USD 257 have several new teachers for the 2017-2018 academic year. One of them is high school physical education teacher Daniel Vaughn.
Vaughn, originally from Mound City, enters Iola High School with plenty of experience. He served in the U.S. Army and received both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Pittsburg State University.
“We’re enjoying it here,” Vaughn said. “So far, the kids have been been great and the kids are working hard. I’m also coaching football and it has been a great experience.”
Besides teaching strength and conditioning as well as team sports, Vaughn serves as the offensive coordinator for the IHS football team. He will also be an assistant with the basketball team.
Prior to Iola, Vaughn spent time at Elkhart High School, Washington High School and most recently at Guymon High School in Guymon, Okla. He taught physical education at all three schools and was the head football coach in Washington.
One of the biggest differences compared to the other schools is Iola’s smaller class sizes. The average class size in Iola is 16 students, while he taught more than 30 for each class in Oklahoma.
Vaughn said he moved to southeast Kansas to be closer to his family and relatives. Mound City is 53 miles northeast of Iola. Vaughn said he enjoys the surroundings of being in Iola as a bonus to relocating.
“We just like the area,” Vaughn said. “There’s a lot of lakes and recreation to do, from fishing in lakes to using the trails. There’s plenty of opportunity for outdoor activities.”
Vaughn said he encourages football players to take his strength and conditioning class so that they stay in shape throughout the year. He likes seeing players get better through his teaching and training.
While Iola is much smaller, Vaughn said he is embracing its simplicity. In the long term, he likes the plan that USD 257 has moving forward.
“The smaller classes are nice and I like the direction that Iola High School is moving,” he said. “I think they’re moving in a very positive direction. The teachers and staff seem pretty dedicated.”
Vaughn embraces new environs
