I never teach my pupils. I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn"
--- Albert Einstein
"It's the inspired student that continues to learn on their own. That's what separates the real achievers in the world from those who pedal along, finishing assignments"
--- Neil DeGrasse Tyson
Those quotes are lofty goals, but a line I try to walk every day in the classroom. We do lots of labs, demos, critical thinking, and problem solving along the way.
I started at Clayton High School in 2024. Before Clayton HS, I taught at Parkway West HS for 24 years and before that I taught at St. John's HS for 5 years.
Throughout my teaching career I've coached soccer, softball, and golf. One of my favorite coaching memories is having the opportunity to coach my own son at Parkway West HS. That's him and I on the right of a team picture after winning a golf tournament that was hosted by Clayton HS!
Before becoming a teacher, I worked as a chemical engineer in the petroleum industry for five years before deciding to leave the business world for a more fulfilling life in education. I've been teaching ever since and have never looked back!
Education
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering - Washington University, St. Louis, MO (1989)
Master of Business Administration - University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN (1993)
Teacher Certification - University of Missouri, St. Louis, MO (2000)
30 graduate credit hours in education - Lindenwood University, St. Louis, MO.
Family, Personal Interests
My wife & I have 3 kids, who are all graduates of Parkway West HS. They were students there while I was teaching, and I truly enjoyed getting to spend that extra time with them while at work. Our oldest is now saving lives as a paramedic, and our twins are in college. Our daughter is studying marine biology, and her twin brother is studying computer science. Family and work keeps me busy, but when I get time I also enjoy...
Poker - I particularly enjoy the math, deductive reasoning, and psychology behind the game. I mostly enjoy No-Limit Holdem cash games but play tournaments as well. My best tourney finish is 27th out of 552 players in a Heartland Poker Tour event.
Restomod 1972 Corvette Stingray - a bucket list item for me since my youth. "Restomod" means a full body-off restoration (every nut and bolt!) with some modern modifications such as the braking system & suspension. It's about 1/3 done at the moment and will have a 496 cubic inch (8.1 L !) engine. Along the way, I've learned many new skills such as welding, fiberglass work, and engine building.
