LifesWork

I have taught Secondary ELA in New York State since 2004. I have experience with grades 7-12 with many varied abilities, second languages, learning disabilities as well as advanced students in AP Lang.

I run a very organized structured classroom with lots of room for improvisation. My units and lessons are designed backwards with the goal in mind first. I like to lean on the structure of the lesson but use their interests, thoughts, mood etc... to direct the examples and stories I use and tell to explain ideas and concepts in a modern way. I am a very animated teacher who uses lots of story telling, jokes, and interactions to make the structure seem invisible. Students generally tend to enjoy my high school English classes and my "style".

I've taught in a public high school in a lower income community for over 20 years - no one really awards good teachers. We remain invisible backbones. Cynicism aside, I have been invited by many students to their athletic game teacher appreciation nights. These are really the best awards to receive. :-)

Aquinas Institute of Rochester: NYS High School Regents 1991 Monroe Community College: Associates Degree Liberal Arts S.U.N.Y Brockport: Bachelors of Science English Literature, Minor in Education St. John Fisher University: Master of Secondary Literacy A.P Course Work and College Board Certifications for Lit and Lang 25 successful years of experience in a diverse low income public high school. School of hard knocks teaches better than any school. .

Father of 3: a Teacher, a Veterinarian and a Physician's Assistant. <3 Varsity Soccer Coach: 15 years Club Soccer coach for elementary age children: 15 years Fly Fish Road Cycle