Grinnell-Newburg High School was unable to fill an open high school Spanish teacher position for the 2025-2026 school year leaving Mr. Backlin as the only full-time high school Spanish teacher. Because of this, Mr. Backlin’s teaching schedule wasn’t finalized until less than a week before the school year started. He graciously switched one of his classes from a standard class to an accelerated class very last minute to allow for the incoming 9th graders to have a path towards AP Spanish. He is always willing to do what is best for the students and the school even if it creates more work for himself. He is always smiling and willing to help a student. In addition to his Spanish teaching, he assists with high school debate and was selected by the students as a commencement speaker in 2024. He also helps lead a trip to Spain once every three years. He is a positive, engaged, welcoming, hardworking part of the school and the community who makes an impact inside and outside of the classroom.