school and life

Hello! I am a public school teacher in Ohio. I am a dad of three, husband of a teacher, and a cat lover. Thanks so very much for visiting my new website! I am so happy that you're here!

I graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Development from the University of California and began teaching right away at age twenty-one. Taking graduate classes at night, I later earned a Masters of Instruction in Elementary Education.

My teaching career started around the turn of the century, back when there was room for Creative Thought in the class and kids still had active dreams. Classrooms had outstanding play areas, sinks were stuffed with wet paint brushes, and"developmentally appropriate" was the catch phrase to use in a meeting. I have been around long enough to see the educational pendulum swing back and forth a few times, but sadly never back to the time when children could just be themselves.

After apprentice teaching in college, my very 1st teaching job was in 2nd grade. I loved (and still love) that age group! After a shift in registration, I was moved to 1st grade and became a first to second grade floating teacher. It was such an excellent experience to watch my students grow across the span of 2 school years. Those first six years in the elementary grades gave me a very strong foundation for becoming a third grade teacher at the middle of my career. I spent nine years as a 3rd grade educator, before growing into my current role as a K-5 gifted professional.

I am generally a very positive person. I'm passionate about teaching and love the kids I teach. Recently, the state of education has given me lots to worry about. I feel that statistics and testing have become barriers to meaningful instruction. Real, live kids have become dehumanized, not individuals. It is quite concerning.

This blog is about the kind of teaching that isn't judged just by standardized tests. The type of teaching that builds character, self-esteem, and deeper understanding. The kind of instruction that discretely meets the goals laid out from above. The type of instruction that teachers understand is good for kids. Unfortunately, the kind of teaching that good teacherskeep from prying eyes.