The Present The 2023-2024 academic year marks my 21st year of teaching! This is my ninth year working in the Ann Arbor Public Schools. My current teaching assignment is at Pioneer High School: Algebra 1 and AP Calculus AB. Over the course of my career, I've been honored as a "teacher of the year" by three different organizations. My goal is to enjoy what I am doing each and every day in the classroom--I love interacting with all my students. I'm driven by a friendly, logical, organized, entertaining, and common-sense approach to my instruction. I also push myself to implement new technology and best practices each school year. The Early Years Growing up near Eleven Mile and Gratiot, I completed my entire K-12 education in Roseville, Michigan. In fact, my formal education began at Kaiser Elementary School. As a small child, I possessed a thirst for knowledge and information that blossomed thanks to the guidance, effort, and encouragement of my parents and teachers. After completing Sixth Grade at Kaiser Elementary, I moved up to Roseville Junior High School (now known as Roseville Middle School). During my days at RJHS, the seed to become a teacher had been planted. By the Eighth Grade, I knew that I was well suited to help others succeed in their educational endeavors. My parents were also determined that I would be the first one in the family to attend a University and earn a four-year degree. By the time I arrived at Roseville High School, I was bound and determined to excel academically while taking part in several extra-curricular activities. When all was said and done, I graduated from Roseville High School third in my class with a cumulative grade point average of 4.04, based on a 4.0 scale. The College Years Having my sights set on becoming a teacher, I then pursued my teaching certificate from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan ultimately majoring in math with a minor in history. I attended EMU (living on campus) for all five years of my undergraduate program and earned a Bachelor of Science degree, magna cum laude (with high honor). I am fully certified to teach math and/or history, grades 6-12, and I am "highly qualified," meeting or exceeding all government requirements of an educator. In addition to being a student at EMU, I also supervised the main Computing Lab on campus allowing me to provide students with assistance on the computer while affording me the opportunity to learn about computers and website creation at the same time. My time spent at EMU represents some of the best years of my life, as I forged many enduring friendships and "grew up" into the person that I am today. Next, I remained in Washtenaw County as I completed my student teaching in Ann Arbor Michigan, home of the University of Michigan Wolverines. At Huron High School, I taught ninth and eleventh grade math, including basic math, geometry, and pre-calculus. Also during this time, I gained some valuable experience outside of the educational community as I managed Big George's Audio/Video Showcase the largest independent electronics store in Ann Arbor. I was responsible for overseeing a crew of about eight salesmen, as well as purchasing inventory and supervising day-to-day operations. The Roseville Years, revisited After my sales stint in Ann Arbor, my educational experience came full circle with a homecoming back to Roseville. I spent the first six years of my teaching career at Roseville Junior High (now Middle School), and the next six at Roseville High School. Further information regarding my experience, accomplishments, and contributions while teaching at Roseville may be found here on this website. A return to Ann Arbor! In 2015, I finally secured a teaching position with Ann Arbor Public Schools - teaching at Pathways to Success Academic Campus. Pathways is a small alternative school designed to reach at-risk students and those who prefer a smaller, more personalized environment. Pathways provides an atmosphere to build strong relationships with students; far beyond any single curriculum. After four-and-a-half year tenure serving Pathways, an opportunity came up to teach at Pioneer High School. Pioneer is my current teaching position. Higher Education & Into The Future Continuing my own education, I have completed hundreds of hours of professional development, and have earned my Master's of Education degree (M.Ed) through Oakland University. My teaching license is current through 2027. On a personal note I live in Ann Arbor with my wife, son, and our family dog! This is a great community in which to live!