I have been teaching for more than 20 years, most of them at Spring-Ford High School in Pennsylvania. Dually-certified in English and Social Studies, I began by teaching at an alternative school, then found a long-term sub gig in social studies, then finally landed a job teaching world literature and American literature at Spring-Ford. Soon I began teaching a 12th-grade psychology elective, and a few years later I went to social studies full time. I have been teaching 10th-grade History and 12th-grade psychology ever since. I advised the staff of our student newspaper publication, the Rampage, from 2001 to 2018.
As an instructor I am animated and fun, yet formal and methodical. I believe that education can and should be enjoyable, though I take learning very seriously. My classroom is tightly managed, yet has an environment that is open, tolerant and full of laughter--all things that strengthen learning. I expect my students to challenge themselves to think, and I engage them directly during class time to get them to do so.
As a graduating senior I received the English Dept. award from Perkiomen Valley High School in 1988; as an undergraduate I received the Robert A. Heilman award for poetry from the English Dept. of Indiana University of PA in 1993; I graduated Magna Cum Laude at Kutztown University of PA in 1998; as a teacher I have received several Senior Impact awards at Spring-Ford High School (nominated by former students).
Indiana University of Pennsylvania--B.A. English; Kutztown University--B.S. Secondary Education / English & Social Studies; Temple University--M.A. World History Gettysburg College--Post-graduate credits in American History
I am the father of a grown son, I play the guitar and write songs, and I like to cook. I hope my instructional materials will be used to further the cause of learning around the world.
1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, Higher Education, Adult Education, Homeschool
English Language Arts, Vocabulary, Specialty, Science, Anatomy, Social Studies, Civics, Government, Native Americans, U.S. History, World History, Arts & Music, Graphic Arts, Special Education, Health, Other (Specialty), Geography, Other (Social Studies), Other (ELA), For All Subjects, Classroom Management, Psychology, Economics , Family Consumer Sciences, Writing-Essays, For Administrators