I believe learning happens through connections. My teaching philosophy challenges me to get to know what motivates my students and present material in a way that they internalize and utilize the concepts within my class.

I was born and raised in Western Pennsylvania, graduating from West Middlesex Jr./Sr. High School in 2004. Upon graduation, I entered the workforce as a laborer for a local factory working midnight shifts for several years. At the age of 21, I followed my passion for the outdoors and enrolled at Slippery Rock University for Parks and Resource Management. I discovered a passion for teaching, writing, and literature and changed my major to Sec. English Education. I earned my degree in 2013.

I have worked as an educator in many areas, geographically as well as areas of study. I have taught Middle School ELA in Orange, VA and various county, country, city, and vocational schools in PA. I now am an educator for Lawrence County CTC’s English Department. Although I have taught all English levels at the CTC, my main areas have been English 10 and English 12. During the 2019-20 school year, I taught several courses with the Social Studies Department including Psychology, Fin. Lit. and US History. I am the advisor for the LCCTC’s Conservation Club and have been since my arrival in 2017. I am now certified in ESL instruction as well.

I am a loving husband, proud father, avid outdoorsman, dedicated advocate for my students, hobby farmer, and a member of Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association (POWA).