6th-8th Grade Math Teacher, 6th grade Social Studies and Homeroom
I was born in eastern Pennsylvania, in the heart of anthracite coal country, several miles off the Appalachian Trail. In 2005, I went against the grain of 200 years of family history and moved out to Missoula to begin studying at the University of Montana. In 2009, I completed my degree in wildlife biology and immediately began working on my Master’s of Education degree with emphases in biology and mathematics. Around the same time, my wife, Jamie, and I got married at Caras Park in Missoula on a beautiful May day. Jamie, who is originally from Bethel, Alaska, is currently a CPA working for Anderson ZurMuehlen in Missoula. We have a wonderful mutt, Ali, from the Humane Society and we own a house conveniently located a few blocks from Sussex School. Over the next couple of years, I plan to finish my master’s degree and continue to engage Sussex middle school students in the joys of mathematics!
What is your teaching philosophy? I believe that teaching mathematics is a lot like guiding students through the wilds of Montana. When you give students the tools necessary to problem solve on their own, they get excited about learning mathematics and engage in exploration at their own pace. In my mind, a great teacher creates opportunities for students to discover and apply their knowledge to real questions and meaningful contexts. I use this philosophy in the classroom, encouraging students to become confident learners of mathematics.
Is there anyone in particular who has inspired you as a teacher? My parents have always been my inspiration for working hard and striving to be a great person. Likewise, my high school calculus teacher, Mr. Fliggy, changed my life by challenging me and always holding me to the highest of standards. Finally, my college professors at the university taught me how to make mathematics both applicable and engaging.
What do you love most about teaching? My two favorite parts of teaching are being around my students, whether it’s in the classroom, at lunch, or on a fieldtrip, and watching their expressions when they come to their own understanding of a math concept. The students at Sussex bring a smile to my face every day by starting off my day with a hug, singing a song as they walk around, or seeing them smile because they simply feel good about learning.
What do you like to do when you are not teaching? When I am not teaching, I love spending time at home with my wife, roommate, Grace, and dog, preferably watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, or playing some cribbage. If I am not at my house, then you can often find me somewhere out in the wilds of Montana, chasing elk in the fall and trout the rest of the year, especially before tourist season. My favorite place is the Rattlesnake Recreation Area/Wilderness where I love to bike, backpack, and most importantly get newcomers addicted to fly-fishing.
Who is the person you admire most in the world? I admire my family, because only together can we begin to understand who we are and what we want to accomplish in this world!