First thing you should know is that I’m no average teacher. In fact, I’m just coming to the teaching field, having recently done an about-face with regard to my professional career. How about some background?
Just the important details…
I’m in my 40th year on this planet, a fact that, I know, has no bearing on a decision to hire, but which is nonetheless important because it helps me to illustrate that I have lived a life, I have learned important lessons that only time can teach, I have worked very hard in pursuit of personal and professional goals, and though I have in many ways succeeded beyond anything I could have imagined, I’ve also failed utterly.
Which is to say, I have much to offer.
Towards the end of this journey, I decided to go back to school to obtain a teaching credential. It was something I’d always dreamed of doing (teaching, that is), but it had always seemed impractical for a husband and father and provider (yes, there were times when I paid far too much attention to the practicality of things). Thankfully, the bumpy road of life forced me to rearrange my priorities, reconsider my purpose, and reconnect to the dreams of a younger me.
I’m not entering the teaching field at, arguably, the worst time in recent history, because I’m looking for safety or a pension or my summers off. I’m becoming a teacher because I want to contribute to the world in more meaningful ways than I’ve done to this point, and because I know I’m capable of that level of contribution. I’ve spent a few too many years ignoring that voice in my head, begging me to change directions, and I have every intention of making sure that change pays more than just lip service to my potential.
Yes, things are tough everywhere, districts are strapped for funding, teachers are being laid off, and schools are in a position to be very selective in who they hire. I think about these things, but I don’t worry. I know there’s a place for me…I know I’ll find a way to contribute.
If I’ve come to know anything through my demonstration teaching experience, it’s that teaching is, at its core, a labor of love. It’s difficult but important work, work that requires a beautiful balance between science and art…a balance that takes years – maybe decades – to perfect. Which is fine with me. Patience and hard work are a pretty unbeatable combination.
Outside of teaching, I write, I run, I’m a bit of a technology nut, building websites for individuals and small businesses, I coach soccer (AYSO) and I surf with my boys.
Broad strokes, for sure, so if you’d like any details, please reach out.
