We’re excited to celebrate Mr. Noonan as a big part of our school community! He wears a lot of hats: journalism teacher, yearbook teacher, broadcasting teacher, athletic director, head of the 8th grade east coast trip and head coach of both boys basketball teams. With tons of experience and a passion for connecting with students, Mr. Noonan brings a lot of energy and a unique story to our halls.
Right from the start, it’s clear he really cares about building connections in his classroom. When asked what makes a good day at school, he said it’s all about cooperation, productivity, and having some fun along the way. His main goal is always to connect with students on a personal level.
Before he got into teaching, Mr. Noonan had a different plan. “I actually majored in marketing,” he shared. But his path changed in college when he joined the Big Brother Big Sister program. Coaching a sixth-grade boy in basketball made him realize, “I loved it.” That led him into education and coaching. He started in our district as a tech teacher at Lincoln High School back in 1999, coaching the frosh team and eventually the JV boys basketball team. In 2010, he moved to GEMS to start a media program.
Even with a busy schedule teaching and coaching, Mr. Noonan makes time for family and friends. Whether it’s going to games, catching a movie, or listening to live music, family comes first. When asked about his perfect weekend, he said, “Really anything with my family.”
He’s also a big traveler and has one dream destination. “Easy, Ireland,” he said, thanks to his heritage and recent trips around Europe. He’s already been to Prague and Greece and plans to visit Portugal over winter break. If he could have any superpower, it would be flying, because he’s impatient and hates waiting to get places.
When it comes to books and movies, Mr. Noonan loves the classics. The Color Purple is one of his all-time favorite books, and The Breakfast Club hits home for him as an 80s kid.
Here’s a fun fact: even though he teaches communications-focused classes now, he was voted “most talkative” in eighth grade. Back then, his favorite subjects were P.E. because of sports and ELA, which probably explains his love for writing now.
When asked for the best advice he’s ever received, he said, “When my dad passed, people would say time heals.” That really shows his reflective and grounded side.
At home, Mr. Noonan has a full house with some furry friends. He has two Labradors, Kylo (red) and Jett (black), plus his daughter’s cat, Theo. His kids both went to GEMS and Lincoln High School. His oldest son, Caden, is at Chico State now, and his daughter is in community college and is the head coach of the JV cheer team at Lincoln High.
We’re lucky to have Mr. Noonan as part of our school and can’t wait to see the energy and passion he brings to journalism, yearbook, broadcasting, and the basketball court.
