Time keeps on slippin', slippin',slippin', Into the future... ~Steve Miller Band,
is a song that I grew up listening to. The theme of time slipping away continually reminds me of how little time we have, and how we need to make the most of it. Time, the moments we have whether on summer vacation or in our classroom are ours to control. We each have the ability to engage and enjoy what we do or allow ourselves to be bored.
Throughout my teaching career, I tried to be the best teacher, coach, colleague, husband and father. I must admit that I struggled to fulfill all of these roles to my expectations because I always felt there wasn't enough time. I also found that I have been wrestling to find my passion. This changed dramatically this summer.
My summer began with reading several books, one of them being "Teach Like a Pirate" by Dave Burgess a History teacher in San Diego, California. He discusses the idea of passion and the art of teaching. While reading this incredible book, I also discovered what an amazing learning tool Twitter can be. I connected to some amazing educators and have been reconnected to my passion for teaching. I found inspiration to be a better teacher and have found many areas for improvement. My goal for this year is to grow as an educator and create an engaging environment in my classroom where learning opportunities about.
My courses currently include World History, Sociology, and US History. During my time at Little Chute I have been charged with teaching Social Problems, Sociology II, Current Events, Political Science, Global Studies, and Quality Leadership. While teaching so many diverse courses made everyday interesting, it was also incredibly challenging to master such a variety of subject matter. The past few years I have settled in to teaching the first courses mentioned above. This shift has allowed me to focus on providing more meaningful instruction that promotes deeper levels of critical thinking, and assessments that measure student understanding through more meaningful projects.
is a song that I grew up listening to. The theme of time slipping away continually reminds me of how little time we have, and how we need to make the most of it. Time, the moments we have whether on summer vacation or in our classroom are ours to control. We each have the ability to engage and enjoy what we do or allow ourselves to be bored.
Throughout my teaching career, I tried to be the best teacher, coach, colleague, husband and father. I must admit that I struggled to fulfill all of these roles to my expectations because I always felt there wasn't enough time. I also found that I have been wrestling to find my passion. This changed dramatically this summer.
My summer began with reading several books, one of them being "Teach Like a Pirate" by Dave Burgess a History teacher in San Diego, California. He discusses the idea of passion and the art of teaching. While reading this incredible book, I also discovered what an amazing learning tool Twitter can be. I connected to some amazing educators and have been reconnected to my passion for teaching. I found inspiration to be a better teacher and have found many areas for improvement. My goal for this year is to grow as an educator and create an engaging environment in my classroom where learning opportunities about.
My courses currently include World History, Sociology, and US History. During my time at Little Chute I have been charged with teaching Social Problems, Sociology II, Current Events, Political Science, Global Studies, and Quality Leadership. While teaching so many diverse courses made everyday interesting, it was also incredibly challenging to master such a variety of subject matter. The past few years I have settled in to teaching the first courses mentioned above. This shift has allowed me to focus on providing more meaningful instruction that promotes deeper levels of critical thinking, and assessments that measure student understanding through more meaningful projects.
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The Byrds
To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn) There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn) And a time to every purpose, under Heaven A time of love, a time of hate A time of war, a time of peace A time you may embrace, a time to refrain from embracing |
When looking at the lyrics of this timeless hit from the Byrds, I am struck by the connection to human behavior that is such a part of the study of so many social studies courses. Early in my life I was struck by the amazing stories that are part of the study of history. There are times of great struggles and tribulations followed by the most amazing triumphs of the human spirit. Studying the social studies is fascinating to me as I am able to see the connections between cause and events, and how times or eras of human existence are so similar. Throughout all history, not matter what time in history, there have been struggles, cooperation, intellectual achievement, and so many other amazing events that demonstrate no matter when in history we are examining, human behavior is consistent. I could go on for hours about how much I love the courses I teach, but hopefully you will come to understand that throughout the year.
Beyond teaching, I have also served as a coach of multiple sports throughout my career. These include softball, track, basketball both boys and girls, and most recently football. After spending most of my career working with students both in and out of the classroom, I recently made the decision to step away from coaching. Although I am no longer a member of the football staff, I am a huge supporter of the program and all of the extra curricular activities that students participate in at Little Chute.
Education has provided me with a multitude of opportunities to work with students in a variety of settings. It allows me to continue to feel young and enthusiastic as I see students learn and grow as people. It challenges me to improve my own knowledge and abilities to bring out the best in every student. Each time students enter my room, I get the opportunity to build positive relationships with students. My goal this year is to not miss any opportunity to create and foster connections with my students.
Beyond teaching, I have also served as a coach of multiple sports throughout my career. These include softball, track, basketball both boys and girls, and most recently football. After spending most of my career working with students both in and out of the classroom, I recently made the decision to step away from coaching. Although I am no longer a member of the football staff, I am a huge supporter of the program and all of the extra curricular activities that students participate in at Little Chute.
Education has provided me with a multitude of opportunities to work with students in a variety of settings. It allows me to continue to feel young and enthusiastic as I see students learn and grow as people. It challenges me to improve my own knowledge and abilities to bring out the best in every student. Each time students enter my room, I get the opportunity to build positive relationships with students. My goal this year is to not miss any opportunity to create and foster connections with my students.
Life is not only about the career or occupation one has, it is about the entire footprint they leave in the wake of their actions and relationships. I hope the footprint I am leaving behind is positive and significant. This starts with my connection to my family. My wife Andrea and I are very fortunate to have two beautiful daughters who have taught me so many life lessons.
Over the past two years I have begun a much improved and healthier lifestyle. I am far from the fitness enthusiast that my colleague Mr. Rankin has become. However through a better diet and lots of exercise, I have been able to lose sixty pounds and keep it off. Living healthier has provided me with more energy and a more positive outlook on life.
The last thing I wanted to share is my portfolio which is another way I have created to help illustrate the work I have accomplished in my educational career. If you want to know more, please check out my portfolio. I have also created a site showcasing student work. Please take a look at the incredible projects students have produced.
Over the past two years I have begun a much improved and healthier lifestyle. I am far from the fitness enthusiast that my colleague Mr. Rankin has become. However through a better diet and lots of exercise, I have been able to lose sixty pounds and keep it off. Living healthier has provided me with more energy and a more positive outlook on life.
The last thing I wanted to share is my portfolio which is another way I have created to help illustrate the work I have accomplished in my educational career. If you want to know more, please check out my portfolio. I have also created a site showcasing student work. Please take a look at the incredible projects students have produced.