Scott Kocher built his career at Dieterich School for more than two decades—14 years as a teacher, eight as principal. It was steady work, respected work, but the late nights, constant responsibilities, and time away from his family began to weigh heavily. “I found myself missing ball games, missing things that were important for my kids,” he says. “And I wasn’t willing to keep doing that.”

So Kocher made the kind of decision that surprises some and inspires others. He stepped away from administration and returned to the classroom, joining Jasper County as the junior high social studies teacher. “It was about getting back to what I truly enjoy,” he explains. “Teaching kids.”

Now in his first year back at the front of the classroom, Kocher is rediscovering the energy that drew him into education in the first place. Junior high students, he insists, are some of the most underrated learners. “They’re smart, they’re funny, and they still have that excitement,” he says. “If you just take five minutes to talk with them, the next day they’re high-fiving you in the hall. They’re still figuring out where they belong, and you get to be part of that journey.”

His lessons often begin with current events, linking history to the present in ways that resonate. On September 11, he set aside notes to share his personal memories of that day. “They weren’t even born yet,” he says, “but it matters that they know, that they don’t forget.” The conversations sometimes surprise his students, who think they’re simply chatting before class begins. “They don’t realize—they’re soaking in social studies,” Kocher says with a smile.

The move back to Jasper County also meant a homecoming of sorts. A 1998 graduate of Newton High School, Kocher’s ties to the community run deep. His children, a junior and an eighth grader, attend school here—his son even sits in his classroom. “It’s different,” he admits. “I don’t know how much he likes it, but I think he’s proud, even if he wouldn’t say it.”

Kocher’s wife, meanwhile, has built her own career at home, running a daycare that has served local families for more than 20 years. Together, they’ve built a life rooted in Jasper County values—family, faith, hard work, and community.

Though the transition from maroon to orange and blue took some adjusting, the welcome has been warm. “People I didn’t even know that well came up and said, ‘We’re so glad you’re here,’” he says. “That means a lot.”

Kocher carries with him the perspective of a leader who has sat on both sides of the desk. He understands the challenges administrators face, but he also knows the joy that comes from the simple act of teaching. He prefers to be a catalyst—quietly sparking growth and change without seeking the spotlight. “If the game ends and no one knows the umpire’s name, that means they did their job,” he says. “That’s how I see my work, too.”

In Jasper County, that kind of humility speaks volumes. Kocher may not crave attention, but his story resonates—proof that sometimes the most powerful decisions are the ones that bring us home.