First of all, I love the teaching process. In my mind, ultimately, teaching is about growth. There is an excitement of possibility in teaching. I love the interaction, the “aha” moments, the challenge, and the creativity it requires. I love every chance I get to spur people on, challenge them, encourage them, and introduce them to new ways of thinking about the world. I believe it is in these stretching, challenging, and learning moments that growth happens. Growth is contagious, and essential for the health of not only the student, but our society as well. As a student grows, so does the community. As a student falters, so does the community. It is my goal as a teacher to help students feel that they are valued and that their perspective matters. It matters because their views, their thinking, and their perspective could hold the key to unlocking new learning, new growth, new possibilities not just for themselves but for those around them.

While I love teaching, I also love learning. Equally so, during the teaching process, I find that I am often being challenged, encouraged, and introduced to new ways of thinking about the world. The world fascinates me. The subject doesn't matter to me. It could be math, science, history or literature, it all says something to me about life and the power and possibility of discovery. I have a passion for learning because learning helps me become a better person. It is the key to unlocked potential. It informs the way I live, and how I can better contribute as a citizen and peer to those around me.

These two passions, teaching and learning, are rooted in a desire to impact the world for good. My hope is that as a teacher, I will be granted the unique opportunity to have a lasting influence on my student’s lives. My desire is that I can instill in them an excitement for discovery, no matter what the subject, and ultimately, inspire them to think critically and creatively about the world and how to address its problems. If they can do this, then I believe that they will face the challenges of this world with confidence as innovative problem solvers.

Structurally, I want my classroom to be a safe place—where students can feel that their voices are heard and valued. I want them to feel safe to be themselves, to try new things, make mistakes, and reach for new goals.

How to Be Successful in Mr. Mays Class:

1. Display OPE Pride.

2. Treat others with dignity.

3. Show up ready to go.

4. Be cooperative and not disruptive.

5. Take risks and ask questions (change your mind about failure).

6. Do your best (Growth Happens).

Growing up near Gladstone, I attended Middle School and High School as a Gladstone Gladiator. After graduating, I jumped in my car and drove the 7 1/2 hours to Nampa, Idaho where I attended college at Northwest Nazarene University. There I received a Bachelors and then a Masters degree in Philosophy and Religion. After moving back to the Portland area, it wasn't long until I finally decided that I loved teaching! By the fall of 2014, I enrolled in a two year Master's in the Art of Teaching program at Multnomah University.