About

Bio

I've been interested in Latin for over 20 years. It all started when I began learning the language in the 7th grade at Cole Junior High School. I had two great teachers who inspired me to pursue it at Vassar College, where I obtained a degree in Classics with minors in Philosophy and Medieval Studies.

From there, I returned to Rhode Island, obtained a Masters in Teaching from URI, and was able to sit on the other side of the table as a teacher at Cole. After two years, I returned to EGHS where I've been teaching since. It has been a surreal experience to teach Latin in the room where I first learned it, and to live only a few houses away from the one in which I grew up.

I live with my wife, Ilana, a viola and violin instructor, and my children Maya and Adina. I loved growing up in EG and continue to enjoy living and working in this town.

Most people, upon meeting me, would probably describe me as quiet, calm, or introverted. I am not great at small talk, and if you told me I'd be a high school teacher when I grew up, I wouldn't have believed you. My interests have often been slightly off from "the norm" (for example, I'm not into any sports, but I have dabbled in charcuterie, pickling, sourdough, gardening, and HIIT, to name a few). I tend to get really excited about organization, arcane knowledge, and linguistics.

Those who get to know me, including students, will find that I can be funny (in a dry Dad-joke kind of way), showy, random, and, dare I say, zany. I care deeply about my students and hope each one rises to their potential. When I get excited about something, I can talk too fast and trip over my tongue.

I look forward to getting to know you better!

Educational Philosophy

I believe all people have the capacity to learn at all ages. It does not mean that learning is easy or natural for all. There are many hindrances, including poor organization skills, time management, attention, and interaction, but these all stem from a lack of passion. Passion drives engagement, which in turn drives all the other components of success. As the saying goes, "where there's a will, there's a way."

I strive to make what I teach interesting and compelling for my students. Learners should be there because of a genuine interest in the topics covered. I find that my most interesting students are those that are most interested in the material, whether or not it comes easily to them.

I also recognize that in the pursuit of knowledge, stumbling blocks often occur. The impediments should not dissuade the student but serve as a reflection point. The analogies are countless; when fighting the "boss" in a video game, upon defeat do we throw away the game? When learning to ride a bike, upon falling do we throw it out? Of course we don't. The defeats help us to learn and to grow better. I treat defeats in assessments the same way, as opportunities for students to learn from mistakes and to show me again whether they've mastered the content.

Class should be a place where all students feel comfortable, respected, challenged, and curious. I view my job not only to teach Latin, but also to instill those traits to help students become better learners in all their classes and engaged members of society.

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