Prior to his current position, he spent 34 years in brick and mortar schools in Arizona and Nevada. While teaching for the Clark County School District, Thad was on the founding board of directors for Nevada Virtual Academy, and he served on the board from 2007-2012. While teaching at brick and mortar schools, Thad coached three state championship basketball teams and two state championship track and field teams. He and his wife, Teri, live in Henderson, Nevada, and have three adult children.