FAQs About Mr. Balsman

Here are the answers to questions that Mr. Balsman gets asked a lot.

Where did you go to school? Truman State University

Bachelor of Science in History – 2013

Master of Arts in Education – 2015

Do you use Twitter and can I follow you?

Yes I do use Twitter. My name is @Mr_Balsman

Are you married?

Yes. I married Emily July 23^rd, 2016.

Do you have kids?

Yes. I have a son named Benjamin. He was born in 2018. 

Do you have pets?

Yes. I have a dog named Ollie. He is pretty great.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to play cards and go hiking and exploring with my wife. I enjoy trap shooting and fishing with my friends. I am an avid supporter of the STL Cardinals and wish I could get up to Busch Stadium more often to go to games. I am learning to enjoy hockey and the STL Blues. I love to read books on historical topics. Currently reading Everyday Millionaires by Chris Hogan. This book studied over 10,000 millionaires and presents their habits and tendencies. It dispells common myths about becoming a millionaire and gives people an inside look at how to make becoming a millionaire a reality.

What is your favorite amendment?

Yes, it is true, I do have a favorite amendment (and yes I understand that is nerdy). My favorite amendment is the 9^th Amendment because it protects rights that cannot be expressed in writing and other rights that people could not even imagine needing in the late 1700s.

Why did you decide to teach?

I enjoy helping people realize their true potential. I was blessed with great teachers in high school that encouraged me to continue learning. Although I did struggle in college my first time, I was able to return after my service in the Army and earn my degree. I like to help people realize that just because you are struggling doesn’t mean that you should give up. Failure is part of life, it is how you get up and continue on that defines who you are.