Educational Background

BA, Classics, Hillsdale College; MA, Classics (Greek), Indiana University; MA, Classics (Latin) Indiana University

Favorite Quote

“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo. “So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times.  But that is not for them to decide.  All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”  -- J.R.R. Tolkein, The Fellowship of the Ring

Welcome!

This is my fifth year at BFHS, but my 14th year teaching Latin at the secondary level.  I’ve taught every level from 5th grade up through AP and post-AP.  Here at BFHS I’ll be teaching all the way from Intro to Latin through Latin III/IV.  We’ll be continuing on from where we left off last year, for any student continuing in Latin!  

Educational Philosophy

I believe that the education and development of a life-long learner should be holistic, as expressed by Juvenal: one should hope for a healthy mind in a healthy body.  Part of a healthy mind is the curiosity of a true learner.  I do not believe in the complete segregation of academic subjects; many of the borders are permeable and those sections of crossover in method, content, or ideals should always be explored.  Often, the most important lesson learned in a day can fall outside the specific lesson plans.

BFHS History and Purpose

I have loved Classics since I was a child.  I was initially engrossed by the stories of the mythology, then entranced by the subtleties of the Latin language.  I have always wanted to share my passions with others, and the best way I could find to do so was to teach Latin.  I have a deep respect for the Roman/Western tradition, and treat my subject with love and intelligence.  I believe strongly that we can learn to shape and improve our own world from the foibles and ailments of Roman society, and that BFHS provides an ideal place to pursue that mission.

What I’m Looking Forward to...

I am looking forward to doing things both great and small in pursuit of truth and goodness!  This is a new chapter in all of our lives, and I can’t wait to read what we write together.  Excelsior!