New Marion Middle School language arts teacher Michael Ayers is the lone new teacher in USD 408.

The California native earned his bachelor’s degree in literature from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego.

He later earned a master’s degree in literature from San Jose State University, and a master’s degree in education from Pittsburg State University.

He taught for two years at Coronado Middle School in Kansas City.

He said the reason he came to USD 408 was because the community supports the schools, and administrators and district staff are supportive.

He is married to Amanda Ayers, and they have a 9-month-old daughter, Lyla Michaela Ayers. He will coach middle and high school hurdlers.

Rock climbing is one of his favorite hobbies.

An interesting fact others may not know about him is that Ayers is a vegetarian and has been off-and-on for 15 years.

Asked what he likes about teaching, Ayers quotes Nelson Mandella: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”