About Me

I am a business instructor at Marion High School who primarily teaches Accounting, AP Economics, Investments, and Marketing. I am the co-adviser for Chapter 737 of Future Business Leaders of America as well as the sponsor for MHS Friends in Christ.

Philosophy of Education

My approach to the classroom is to provide students with as many opportunities as possible to experience real world application through individualized project-based learning. I strive to make my classroom a safe haven where students find encouragement to think for themselves and learn skills that allow them to weave their passions and talents together in a manner that propels them toward success.

Education

Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, Liberty University, May 2023

M.S. in Workforce Education, SIUC, May 2006

B.S. in Accounting, SIUC, December 1990

Certification

National Board Certified Teacher, 2008

Certified Public Accountant, Licensed in Illinois, 1992-2016

Work Experience

Business Instructor, Marion High School, 2004 to Present

FBLA Adviser, Marion High School Chapter 737, 2005 to Present

Friends in Christ Sponsor, Marion High School, 2013 to Present

Substitute Business Instructor, Marion High School, 2003 to 2004

Audit and Financial Accounting Software Consultant, 1995 to 2003

Business Instructor, Shawnee Community College, 1995 to 1996

Audit Manager, Rice & Yucus, CPAs, 1991 to 1994

Professional Affiliations

National Business Education Association, Member since 2006

National Business Education Association Policies Commission, 2013-2015

Illinois Business Education Association, Member since 2004

President 2013-14

Vice President 2012-13

Southern Illinois Business Education Association, Member since 2004

 President, 2007-08 & 2017-18

Illinois Future Business Leaders of America Board of Directors, 2007-2015, 2017-2018

President, 2012-13

President, 2011-12

Awards

Southern Illinois Business Education Association Teacher of the Year, 2011

Illinois Business Education Association Secondary Teacher of the Year, 2013

North Central Business Education Association Secondary Teacher of the Year, 2014

Professional Presentations

"Building Enrollment with Student Organizations" IBEA 2012 Fall Conference

"Toolkit for New Teachers" IBEA 2011 FAll Conference

"What is National Board Certification?" SIBEA 2009 Spring Meeting

"Incorporating Community Service in Project-Based Learning" IBEA 2008 Fall Conference

"Integrating Investments in Your Curriculum" IBEA 2008 Fall Conference

"How to be  a Millionaire Without Really Trying" Illinois FBLA 2008 SLW

"Starting an Investments Class at Your High School" SIBEA 2008 Spring Meeting

"Why Teaching the Markets Works" IBEA 2007 Fall Conference