I am from Hanna City, Illinois. It is a small town of around 900 people just west of the city of Peoria. I have two brothers, one older and one younger. I have always loved sports and history. In high school I played football, basketball, and baseball while taking as many history classes as possible. My favorite teacher in high school was my history teacher, who also happened to be one of my basketball coaches. I went to college at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois. I double majored in Secondary Education and Social Studies while also earning a minor in History. I played varsity baseball and football all four years I was in Galesburg. I completed my Master's Degree in Sport Management and Athletic Administration from Southern New Hampshire University in 2015. My long term goal is to become an Athletic Administrator at the high school level. 

Defining Moment

I think I realized I wanted to be a teacher when I was a sophomore in high school. I had my first class with what would become my favorite teacher and I was hooked. I fell in love with teaching. I wanted to be just like this teacher. He made learning fun, sociable, interesting, and relatable. Even before I started taking his classes I knew I wanted to do something with Social Studies (initially I wanted to be an elected member of the state or federal legislatures). 

Core Educational Beliefs

1) I believe that students need to feel loved to produce their best work.

2) I believe that it is my job to help guide students through their best and worst times.

3) I believe that school should be fun, frustrating, fluid, and for everyone. 

Prior Experience

This is my 9th year teaching Middle School Social Studies. I have taught in Illinois, Colorado, and Arizona. I have also worked at a sleep away camp in New Hampshire for 6 years. 

2009-2011: Tri City Middle School, Buffalo, IL - 6-10th Grade Social Studies, Coach

2014-2015: Cherry Creek School District, Aurora, CO - Paraprofessional

2015-2017: Limon Junior High School, Limon, CO - 6-8 and 11th Grade Social Studies, Coach

2017-2020: Altar Valley Middle School, Tucson, AZ - 7-8th Grade Social Studies, Coach

2008-2011, 2014-2015: Camp Winaukee, Moultonborough, NH - Camp Counselor, Coach, Lead Counselor

Why AMS? 

I have always taught in smaller, more rural school districts and I really wanted to move into a larger school. I wanted to challenge myself with a new group of students that are different from what I am used to. I want to learn as much from your students as they are going to learn from me. 

Hobbies and Interests

I love sports. I really do not play much anymore, but I love to watch baseball and soccer. I love all things Disney (Land, World, Plus) as well as movies and Broadway musicals (yep that includes Hamilton).