Philosophy and Personal Statements

Snapshot of Mr Dralle:

Graduate of Iowa State University (B.S. 1988 Forestry and Resource Education; Teaching License 1989; M.Ed. 1996 Curriculum and Instruction - Special Education Emphasis)
Iowa Board Of Educational Examiners Folder #604372
Years of Teaching Experience (Science and Special Education): 32
Science Areas of Interest - Science Pedagogy and Lab Development, Environmental Sustainability and Permaculture, Nutrition and Fitness

"How can I help?" - Trauma-Informed Care In School

Our public schools are often the first line of communication for students and parents to learn about mental health and work through mental health difficulties. Within the myriad of mental health theories and treatments, "trauma-informed care" may be most applicable to our public school population. The links to the right outline trauma-informed care in a school setting.

Transforming Schools with Trauma Informed Care.pdf

Trauma-Informed-in-Schools-Classrooms-FINAL-December2014-2.pdf

Iowa State University

Majors

My original major at ISU was Forestry and Resource Education. I had hoped to be a park naturalist. When park jobs diminished in the 1980's, I went back to ISU to complete an education degree.

ISU Landmarks

The most noticeable landmark at ISU is the campanile on central campus. My wife and I were engaged under this campanile.

Favorite Quote

This quote sums up my time at ISU - "We come to college not alone to prepare to make a living, but to learn to live a life". The quote is in the Memorial Union at ISU.

Science Research and the Medical School Process

My youngest son, Ben, graduated from Iowa State University with a double major in Nutritional Science/Genetics and a minor in Global Emerging Diseases. His area of research emphasis was childhood obesity. Currently, he is an M3 student in The Ohio State University College of Medicine. Ben is one of my primary sources of information on the science research process, research posters, and the pathway to medical school.

BenSVURSPoster.pdf

My oldest son, Zach, graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a Criminal Justice degree. He is a former wildland firefighter with the US Forest Service. Currently, Zach is wrapping up the hiring procedure for the Columbus, Ohio Metro Police Department.

Looking for a college major?

Check out Nutritional Science at Iowa State University!

Most Influential Books

These are the books that have caused the most impactful change in my life. I hope you have some books that have done the same for you.

The Meaning of Life

"Man's Search For Meaning" is one of the most famous books I've read regarding the search for purpose in life, and the impact of a purposeful life.

Make It Stick

The "Make It Stick" method of studying and learning is on the suggested reading list for most medical schools in the US. The method goes against the way most students learn to study.

Falling Upward

I read this book after going through a rough time in life. It helped me to understand how to move through the ups and downs that occur as we move through life transitions.

Wild At Heart

This book is a must read for any male... especially those who are or will be a husband or father someday.

Peace Be With You

This book is not your typical viewpoint of the events surrounding 9/11, but rather the thoughts from the inside of secluded religious communities. This was the last book my father read before he died in 2015.

Braiding Sweetgrass

"Braiding Sweetgrass" changed my view of how everything in the world is inter-connected. As a gardener, I appreciated that most of the examples were plant related.

Favorite Activities

Gardening

Gardening is my calling...the one thing I can't live without. My favorite area of gardening is growing fruit trees and roses. (Reiman Gardens, Seed Savers Exchange )

Training and Working With A Therapy Dog

Since 2019, I've trained a Maltese-Shih Tzu cross named Gus to be a therapy dog. The end goal for Gus is to be a visiting dog in nursing homes and hospice facilities. (Alliance of Therapy Dogs )

Baking

Baking is something I've done since I was a little kid. My favorite baking tool is a cast iron pan. (Lodge Cast Iron )

Hiking

Hiking is both my relaxation and exercise activity. I do my best thinking while hiking.

Fixing Things

I'm a "fix it" person - "jack of all trades, master of none". Growing up on a farm, I learned to fix things rather than throw them away.

Amateur (Ham) Radio

Since 2019, I've had an amateur radio license. This is my one past time that involves technology. (Arrl - Amateur Radio Relay League)

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