Rabun Gap Stories

Jordan Bates joins Lower School as second grade teacher

The Lower School welcomes Jordan Bates, second-grade teacher.
Welcome to Rabun Gap, Jordan Bates! Mr. Bates will teach second grade at the Lower School. 

Mr. Bates comes to the Lower School from Greens Farms Academy in Connecticut, where he taught first and third grades and helped coach soccer. He has also worked in the classroom at Learning Projects Elementary School in Boston as a teaching intern with first and fifth grades. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Arizona and is working on his M.Ed in Elementary Education. 
“One of my favorite aspects of Rabun Gap (and what influenced my decision to join) is the diversity and inclusive culture the school provides,” said Mr. Bates. “Students, faculty and staff alike are provided an opportunity to immerse themselves within a diverse environment where they can learn, collaborate and communicate with individuals from various cultures. It truly is a special place to work.”

Mr. Bates is no stranger to the boarding school environment - he graduated from Forman, a boarding school in Connecticut, and has worked as a dorm parent and afternoon activities counselor for the Forman School Summer Program. In addition to his teaching role at the Lower School, Mr. Bates will live on campus and be a part of a residential life team in the dorms. He will also be the assistant coach for wrestling. 

Outside of his career in schools, Mr. Bates spent two years in the NFL  as an equipment manager for the Arizona Cardinals Football Club and was a student equipment manager for the football program at the University of Arizona. 
 
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Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is a private, coeducational day and boarding school for grades Pre-K through 12. Centrally located between Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, we prepare young people for college, career, and a lifetime of leadership and service.