My Life in a Nutshell

Welcome! My name is Mr. Ben Obermann, and I am a Journalism/Language Arts teacher at Washington High School. This will be my first full-time teaching job, and I couldn't be more excited to get started in this great school and community! Prior to moving to Washington, I attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa where I majored in English and minored in Secondary Education. In addition to school, I played four years for the Norse baseball team. Last year, I student taught at South Winneshiek High School and North Fayette Valley Middle School, before finishing out the school year as a long-term sub. 

I also had the pleasure of being the Head Baseball Coach for the South Winn Warriors the last two seasons, where we were able to qualify for the State Tournament this past summer. In addition to teaching, I am excited to continue my coaching career for the Demons in girls' basketball and baseball. 

Sports. Sports. Sports. Outside of enjoying English and teaching Journalism and Language Arts, I am a passionate sports' fan. I am a die hard baseball, basketball, and football fan, and at times get more into my favorite team's games than I do with anything else! I have coached middle school basketball and high school baseball the past 3 years, and it is everything I hoped it would be and more. 

In the realm of the journalism world, I have enjoyed my past experiences of writing for my high school newspaper as a sports' editor and serving as a Broadcaster for basketball and football during my time at Luther. I have had the pleasure of interviewing coaches and players, while learning what it takes to survive in the booth as a commentator.  

Language Arts/Journalism can be a great subject for everyone involved. My hope is to help all of you find your passion in writing and reading. All of you have a story to tell, and if you're not afraid to take chances, you can reach great heights in academics and in life. In regards to Journalism, it's as Tom Brokaw once said, "It's all storytelling, you know. That's what journalism is all about." I'm looking forward to your storytelling, all year long!