Grade/subject/school: Fifth grade math, Westfield Intermediate School.
Number of years teaching: Seven.
Education: Andrean High School, Merrillville, Ind.
B.S. marketing, Kelley School of Business Indiana University,
M.A. education, Ball State University.
Why did you become a teacher? “After having a career in the business world for eight years, I realized my passion laid in making a positive difference in the lives of children. Seeing the impact that my wife and mom, who are teachers, had on students provided me the motivation to switch careers and dive into the education field.”
What goals do you have for your students? “My goals for my students are to see the value of math and academics in their everyday lives. Also, I want to encourage them to be active citizens who use their education to better their community and society.”
What do you encourage parents to do at home to help their children strengthen particular skills? “A child’s academic success is dependent on the child seeing the connection between home and school. I ask parents to take what a student is learning in the classroom and apply it in their daily lives. Show them the value of math by using it when shopping, dining out, cooking, etc.”
Name your favorite movie: “‘High Fidelity.’”
Name your favorite musician or band. “Pearl Jam (although I love many!).”
What’s something your students might not know about you? “I have amassed an extremely large music collection of over 6,000 albums over the years. Music is my passion.”
