About me...
Personal
Mr. Sykes was raised on his family's cattle farm in Sykes, TN (Smith County). Mr. Sykes attended the Gordonsville school system from Kindergarten until high school graduation. After high school, he attended Cumberland University (Lebanon, TN) where he studied biology & chemistry and was active in the University Choir & Theater programs, Student Government Association and both Science Club & Pre-Professional Society.
After college, Mr. Sykes moved to Murfreesboro to attend graduate school at MTSU, where he was a member of Dr. Matt Klukowski's Behavioral & Comparative Endocrinology Lab. Mr. Sykes' research looked at the effects of confinement & temperature on stress hormone (i.e, corticosterone) levels in Northern watersnakes (Nerodia sipedon). His thesis was eventually published in the Journal of Comparative Zoology. After grad school, Mr. Sykes went back to MTSU and completed the necessary coursework in education to become a certified Tennessee State Educator. In December 2019, Mr. Sykes completed the Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Lipscomb University.
Mr. Sykes is married to his wife, Sarah, a graduate of MTCS and MTSU. They have a beautiful, funny and talented daughter, Maggie, who loves tumbling, reading and hanging out with her Youth Group friends.
In his spare time, Mr. Sykes enjoys spending time with his family, reading and loves going to the movies with Maggie.
Mr. Sykes is beginning his 17th year of teaching science. He is one of the school's Deans of Students and is the Head Trap-shooting Coach.
Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology - Cumberland University, Lebanon, TN (2004)
Master of Science (M.S.) in Biology - Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN (2008)
Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Educational Leadership - Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN (2019)
Teaching Experience
| School | Subject(s) Taught | Year(s) |
| Christiana Middle School | 8th Grade Science | 2008 - 2009 |
| Independence High School | Biology (AP, Honors & Standard); Physical Science (Honors & Standard); Environmental Science (Honors & Standard) | 2009 - 2016 |
| Siegel Middle School |
7th Grade Science;
8th Grade Science
|
2016 - present |
GO CAVALIERS!!!