Two Brothers, One Mission: Jacob and Jeremiah Buckmaster 

Brothers Jeremiah and Jacob Buckmaster have been working side by side since they were kids, splitting and stacking wood on their family’s seven-acre property. This school year, they’re teaming up again, this time as assistant principals at Indiana Digital Learning School (INDLS).  

“We have a special bond when it comes to working together,” said Jacob. 

Jeremiah enlisted in the Ohio Air National Guard in 2015 while pursuing an education degree, with plans to teach high school English. Over a six-year timespan, he worked as a contracted technician, completing active-duty contracts and a deployment to Afghanistan. During that time, Jacob began pursuing a degree in special education. 

“After my experiences in the military, I knew I wanted to help people in a different way,” Jeremiah said. “Hearing about my brother’s special education degree program, I felt this was the best way to do that.” 

Jeremiah went back to school, and both brothers graduated and earned special education certifications. Jacob joined INDLS first, while Jeremiah worked at a group home supporting youth with disabilities. Eventually, Jeremiah joined INDLS and taught middle school students before stepping into his new role. 

For Jacob, INDLS was his first full-time teaching position, at a type of school he didn’t know even existed. 

“I never saw myself being a teacher at an online school,” Jacob said. “I actually never heard of a school like this until I saw the job posting. Before I applied, I did a lot of research and saw a chance to support students who may need a change in their education setting.” 

INDLS is the first place the brothers have worked together professionally, and they’re both excited about what that means. 

“Since we have never officially worked together, other than as kids, it is an opportunity to stay connected, watch each other grow personally and professionally, and use our shared experiences to quickly connect and solve common problems,” said Jeremiah. 

They also share a passion for the students and families INDLS serves. Jeremiah was drawn to both special education and virtual teaching because of the challenges many of those families face and the opportunity to support them in new ways. 

“I always aim to be a part of a positive solution for them,” he said. 

For Jeremiah, that means listening to the concerns of learning coaches, families and students, making students who have felt overlooked feel heard and seen, and watching them overcome barriers that have held them back in the past. 

Jacob sees virtual learning as a second chance for many students. 

“We see students coming to INDLS because they may be struggling in a brick-and-mortar school,” Jacob said. “I believe everyone wants to learn, but not every environment is right to learn. We get to give students second chances at falling in love with learning in a safe and comfortable environment.” 

Most importantly, both brothers want INDLS families to know they’re always here to help to answer questions, find solutions, and engage in learning. 

Interested in teaching in a supportive, flexible work environment? Want to learn more about enrolling yourself or your child in an online school? Learn more about INDLS at indls.k12.com. 

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