What subject(s) do you teach, and how long have you been teaching?

I teach American History and this is my 22nd year overall, 15th at NA, 14th at NAI.

What inspired you to become a teacher?

I was on a 7th grade team at MMS with some amazing teachers who seemed to have fun every day at work. When I was 13, I knew I wanted to have fun at my job, and if being a professional baseball player wasn’t going to work out, maybe teaching could. As I got older, my priorities shifted a bit to wanting a job & career that mattered, and teaching was the perfect combination of an important career in which I could have fun every day.

What’s your favorite thing about teaching at NAI?

I’ve taught grades 9-12 at various points and 9th and 10th graders are the most fun to teach. My favorite professional moments have been with the kids in this building.

If you weren’t a teacher, what other career would you choose and why?

I’d pursue something in economics and/or finance. Economics is fascinating and financial planning is so important, yet it seems too many people don’t embrace it early enough.

What’s one thing about you that your students might not know?

I enjoy watching (binging) cooking shows or YouTube videos and trying new recipes in my kitchen or on my grill.

Do you have a favorite teaching memory or moment?

It’s always rewarding to see former students years after they left our class, to meet their spouses & children, and to hear about the great lives they’ve built. It’s also amazing that more often than not, when you guys see us years later, you tell us we were right!

What’s your favorite way to spend your time outside of school?

Outside school, if I’m not reading, cooking, or golfing, I’m with my family. I love being a dad. 

If you could have lunch with any historical figure or celebrity, who would it be and why?

Until about a month ago, I’d have said the three living members of Led Zeppelin. But I recently saw a great video where the adults were asked a question like this one, and their answers were the collection of historical figures, musicians, athletes, etc. that we’d expect. When their children were asked with whom they wanted to share a meal, they said their parents and/or family. That video changed me. I’ve shaken hands with two US presidents and met a handful of other celebrities or famous people, but if/when I have the opportunity to sit down to a meal, I want every seat at the table to be occupied by close friends and family.

What’s a book, movie, or TV show you’ve enjoyed recently and would recommend?

American History: Reconstruction to the Present – Seriously, kids, read it!

Do you have a fun or unique classroom tradition you’d like to share?

Through dating advice, self-deprecating humor, stories, etc. I try to get everyone to laugh (or at least smile) at least 1 time in the 40 minutes we’re together.

(Bonus question) If you could teach any subject or class outside your current one, what would it be?

I’d love to teach a course like Dewey Finn (Jack Black’s character in School of Rock) did on the history of Rock music.