A mile in my shoes...
Briefly, my educational background is geocentric. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Geophysics from The University of Akron, Akron, OH. I graduated in 2001 and went into the Geotechnical Engineering and consulting field as a Staff Geologist and Lab Technician. In this role, I was responsible for collecting sub-surface samples of rock, soil, concrete, and asphalt, as well as mud-logging for our drilling-rig. Addtitionally, I was a certified concrete field tester and bridge paint-coatings inspector. In the role of Geologist/Technician, I was fortunate to work on several bridge projects, a waste-water treatment plant, several highway reconstrcution and resurfacing projects, as well as large retaining-wall projects. I eventually left this position in order to learn how to educate.
Some feel I started my teaching career in an unconventional manner. My first experience being an educator was provided through the experiential lessons of AstroCamp, in the Southern California mountain town of Idyllwild. AstroCamp was not only a place for students to experience science and adventure, but also, for those of us in the program it provided the opportunity to experience a wealth of educating styles while interacting with traditional classroom teachers. In the two years I was employed by AstroCamp, I had the pleasure of learning with over 2000 students and educators. As a result, AstroCamp showed me the value of experience in learning.
From AstroCamp, I moved further west to Sherman Oaks, where I am currently employed by The Buckley School. While being an educator at Buckley, I have applied for and attained two NASA grants in order to develop a FIRST Robotics Team at my school. Currently, the program is in its seventh year at Buckley, though no longer under my management. Additionally, I have integrated VEX Robotics into my 8th grade Physical Science curriculum. Students are given a task per quarter, then broken into design, engineering, business, animation/programming teams with one designated project manager per group. Through these projects, students are able to find something which they enjoy, whether it is buidling the actual robot, programming and animating the design, or designing the business plan for future marketing of their product. As such, this addition into the 8th grade science curriculum has shown great strides in building team work skills as well as fortifying concepts discussed throughout the year. In addition to beginning this robotics program, I also started our schools first TARC Rocketry Team.
Furthermore, in my time at Buckley, I have chaperoned the Joshua Tree National Park Outdoor-Ed trip for five years and 8th grade beach day for five years. Additionally, I have volunteered to chaperone the 8th grade graduation trip to Six Flags: Magic Mountain five out of the past seven years. Further, I have organized and chaperoned field trips to NASA/JPL as well as developing student lead trips to local observatories like Griffith Park. I have also been the faculty mentor/advisor for the Backpacking Club, Mountain Biking Club, and Engineering Club. Most importantly for me, I have been recognized two out of the past seven years as National Junior Honor Society Teacher of the Year and had the yearbook dedicated to me by the class of 2009. These commendations means a great deal to me because they are all about the kids, students nominate and vote on the teacher they want to recognize. I have been honored to be chosen twice by NJHS.
Outside of my work life, I love the mountains and can usually be found hiking or biking through the wonderful Southern California wilderness. In addition to biking and hiking, I also enjoy rock climbing. Currently, I am reacquainting myself with lead climbing. I find great practical lessons in all of my outdoor experiences and enjoy communicating my adventures with my students.
Some feel I started my teaching career in an unconventional manner. My first experience being an educator was provided through the experiential lessons of AstroCamp, in the Southern California mountain town of Idyllwild. AstroCamp was not only a place for students to experience science and adventure, but also, for those of us in the program it provided the opportunity to experience a wealth of educating styles while interacting with traditional classroom teachers. In the two years I was employed by AstroCamp, I had the pleasure of learning with over 2000 students and educators. As a result, AstroCamp showed me the value of experience in learning.
From AstroCamp, I moved further west to Sherman Oaks, where I am currently employed by The Buckley School. While being an educator at Buckley, I have applied for and attained two NASA grants in order to develop a FIRST Robotics Team at my school. Currently, the program is in its seventh year at Buckley, though no longer under my management. Additionally, I have integrated VEX Robotics into my 8th grade Physical Science curriculum. Students are given a task per quarter, then broken into design, engineering, business, animation/programming teams with one designated project manager per group. Through these projects, students are able to find something which they enjoy, whether it is buidling the actual robot, programming and animating the design, or designing the business plan for future marketing of their product. As such, this addition into the 8th grade science curriculum has shown great strides in building team work skills as well as fortifying concepts discussed throughout the year. In addition to beginning this robotics program, I also started our schools first TARC Rocketry Team.
Furthermore, in my time at Buckley, I have chaperoned the Joshua Tree National Park Outdoor-Ed trip for five years and 8th grade beach day for five years. Additionally, I have volunteered to chaperone the 8th grade graduation trip to Six Flags: Magic Mountain five out of the past seven years. Further, I have organized and chaperoned field trips to NASA/JPL as well as developing student lead trips to local observatories like Griffith Park. I have also been the faculty mentor/advisor for the Backpacking Club, Mountain Biking Club, and Engineering Club. Most importantly for me, I have been recognized two out of the past seven years as National Junior Honor Society Teacher of the Year and had the yearbook dedicated to me by the class of 2009. These commendations means a great deal to me because they are all about the kids, students nominate and vote on the teacher they want to recognize. I have been honored to be chosen twice by NJHS.
Outside of my work life, I love the mountains and can usually be found hiking or biking through the wonderful Southern California wilderness. In addition to biking and hiking, I also enjoy rock climbing. Currently, I am reacquainting myself with lead climbing. I find great practical lessons in all of my outdoor experiences and enjoy communicating my adventures with my students.
My Philosophy
Vitae
These images are all taken by me and represent my life over the past nine years. Some are of my students at their outdoor education trips to Leo Carillo State Park in Malibu, California and Joshua Tree National Park. Others are of my favorite places, food, friends, family and my dog SugarBear.