My name is Ben Birchfield. I am a Health and Wellness teacher and a physical education teacher at Gateway STEM High School.   I'm a graduate of Northwest Missouri State University where I completed my BS Ed., MS Ed and Principal Certification.  In addition, I completed  some posted graduate course work at the University of Miissouri-Columbia and at New Mexico State University in Education Leadership.  And now I am honored to be teaching at St. Louis Public School System during such challenging times. As an educator at Gateway STEM High School, I am looking forward to working with such bright-minded students that seek to learn more about how engaging in the science of health and wellness activities can be of great benefit to them and will lead to a more healthy and prosperous lifestyle.

My previous professional work experience included serving as the Assistant Principal Jr. Class at Normandy High School.  Among other duties included assistant Football Coach, Head mens JV Basketball coach. 

At the University of Missouri-Columbia, I served as the Assistant Director of Admissions. I returned to Northwest MO State University to work as the Assistant Dean of Students for Minority Affairs and International Students. I was also quite privileged to have the opportunity to teach First-year students' Seminar classes titled the First-year students' Year Experience. 

At the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) I served in the position of International Advisor and later was appointed to Director of the Office of International Programs, where I served for 11.5 years. 

I also taught Health Science classes at the University of Phoenix at the Santa Teresa campus in New Mexico as well as at the El Paso campus at El Paso, Texas.   

In addition taught  Health Science classes at Park University at the Ft. Bliss military Campus in El Paso, Texas.