About
"The complete education gives one not only power of concentration, but worthy objectives upon which to concentrate."
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
This quote can be found in a paper Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote during his time at Morehouse. For many years I used another quote from the paper, "Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education," as my mantra in teaching. I still think it's a great quote, but the sentence right after it really speaks to me now because our students today have so many social issues to concentrate on, it can feel really overwhelming. I want to help my students concentrate their passions, find ways to act on their passions, and then act. Our students have more access then ever to raise their voices and let them be heard. This might be the perfect time to harness the opportunities of social movements, learn from them, and teach these lessons to our students to help them raise their voices to be heard by the world.
A little bit about me...
I was born in California, but moved to St. Louis when I was 1 year old. I grew up in Webster Groves, Mo a suburb of St. Louis. I did have a privileged childhood, however, early on I recognized their was social injustice in the world. In middle school I won first prize in the Urban League essay contest writing about the racism I saw in my school. I've been motivated throughout my life to seek social justice. I went off to college to get a degree in education. I also met my wife during this time. We've lived all over South City, St. Louis for the past 22 years. We now have a son who attends a neighborhood school in St. Louis Public Schools.
Academic and Professional Timeline
1997- graduated from Webster Groves High School in Webster Groves, MO
2002 - graduated from Truman State University in Kirksville, MO with a BA in History, and a BA in Art History and a Minor in Women's Studies
2003 - graduated from Truman State University in Kirksville, MO with a MAE in History
2005 - started teaching Social Studies at Long Middle School with St. Louis Public Schools
2012 - graduated from the University of Missouri St. Louis with a MAE in School Counseling
2018 - started as the school counselor at Long Middle School with St. Louis Public Schools
Memberships in Professional Organizations
American School Counselor Association
St. Louis Public School Counselors
