I was raised in a small mining town of union workers. My parents taught me and my siblings the importance of faith and hard work. We loved keeping active in mind and body, and I spent a great deal of time living and learning in the desert. At the University of Arizona I studied education and sociology, and in high school I was very interested in world history.
Schools build community and help define us as a society. They are essential to maintaining a strong democracy and providing the skills that spur innovation. As a teacher, I feel I am fulfilling my civic duty. Input from parents, administrators, and teachers help build quality schools.
I think it’s important that schools work as teams. I welcome volunteers into my classroom, and I appreciate when coworkers share feedback and information. Education and learning have helped make me a happy and healthy person.
My favorite classrooms channel a child’s energy into learning. The ideal school engages students through varied stimuli and it honors each student’s distinct abilities. I think children learn effectively as they work together in groups and that this maximizes student engagement. I hope to encourage risk taking among learners with varied skill levels. When learning content, practice and memorization have a place, but students need authentic learning experiences.
I enjoy running and better living through healthy eating. My wife and I enjoy practicing yoga, and we have worked through injuries with our practice. We spend a great deal of time going to movies and reading, but we live in a full house where there is no lack of distraction. We also share a great love of music.
