Education: Bachelor's degree in math and physics from the University of Michigan and a master's degree in physical education from Eastern Michigan University
Native of: Detroit
Teaching Experience: Two years at Bedford Middle School and 15 years at Saline High School
School you teach: See above
Grade/subject you teach: Ninth through 12th science and math (physics and algebra)
Favorite subject in school: Algebra and calculus
Least favorite subject in school: History
Something people would be surprised to know about you: I am a camping enthusiast who has made several seven- to nine-day backpacking trips into the Canadian wilderness.
Most influential person in your life: Jesus Christ
Quote to live by: "Die when I may, let it be said of me that I plucked a weed and planted a flower, wherever a flower would grow," by Abraham Lincoln.
What do you like most about teaching?
Working with high school youth.
What do you like least about teaching?
All the paperwork and administrative tasks.
What is the most challenging part about teaching?
Meeting kids where they are at and packaging information in a relevant way that they can relate to and understand.
What are some of the goals you set for students?
Character, responsibility, personal initiative, problem-solving ability and ability to work well with others.
How do you handle a disruptive student?
C4-plastic (just kidding!). Loving and consistent discipline.
How do you handle a student who doesn't focus well?
You mean all of them? I try to have many transitions and hands-on activities to break up the monotony.
What do you tell parents about being involved in their children's education?
The most significant reason for student success is loving, involved parents.
Are students feeling more pressure to succeed today?
I believe that they are, but this is balanced by an increase in an entitlement, or "whatever" attitude that is very disturbing to me.
Walk us through a typical day for you?
Wake up, get breakfast and coffee, listen to four little feet pattering down the hall, fix breakfast for the kids.
Rush off to school and then teach non-stop for the first two blocks (I am part time).
Grade papers and plan for an hour. Then grab a quick lunch. Rush off to job No. 2, where I am the full-time coordinator of youth ministry at St. Andrew church in Saline.
I go home around 6 p.m. and have dinner with the family and play with the kids. I then put the kids down. Work on school work or run an evening activity at the church.
I watch the O'Rielly Factor (conveniently saved on my DVR), then crash in bed. Then I do it all over again the next day.
How has your job changed over the years?
The kids are much less willing to work hard. The kids are way busier (jobs, sports, Boy Scouts, choir, etc.) This is a significant challenge.
There is also a lot more technology in math and science instruction allowing us to accomplish much, much more.
What do you like most about teaching in Saline?
I love the small-town feel of the community (I live out on the dirt roads west of town). I really enjoy seeing kids and their families in academic, athletic and civic pursuits. Saline is a great place to raise a family.
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