Joe Palaia has been an educator for 12 years. After graduating from the University of Rhode Island, Joe moved from the east coast to Portland, Oregon and worked for a construction company for several years. Joe eventually moved to Idaho and earned a teaching certificate from BSU. He went on to teach Biology and Earth Science at Centerpoint High School, a small alternative school in Canyon County. Joe received his Master's degree in Educational Administration from the University of Idaho and has served as principal of Centerpoint High School and then as an assistant principal of Lowell Scott Middle School in the Meridian School District. Joe is married to Marianne and they have two young boys.