About Me
Philosophy of Education
I believe every child has the right to a free, quality public education, irrespective of their ability level, learning style, primary language, race, country of origin, their religious beliefs or lack thereof, whom they love, or how they identify. Education, to me, is about looking beyond a child's intellect to see the whole individual, providing opportunities to be challenged and yet still achieve success. The optimal learning environment is one that actively celebrates diversity, where students and staff from all walks of life teach and learn from one another. Recognizing that education begins at birth, I ensured my own children were enrolled in ECFE classes at The Pond Center here in Bloomington from infancy through preschool. As a special education teacher, I have witnessed firsthand the profound positive impact of early childhood education on a child's subsequent success in school by building foundational skills and fostering social-emotional growth. Furthermore, I feel our schools must keep pace with a rapidly advancing world to ensure our graduates possess the skills necessary for success in college or a career. To achieve this, we need to expose children to experiences beyond traditional academics through enriching activities including Computer Science, Vocational and Technical Education, the Arts, Music, and Sports.
Personal
After working my way through college and teaching for two years in Albuquerque, my wife Danielle and I moved to Minnesota in 2003. Like so many others, we quickly recognized Minnesota as an exceptional place to build our lives and raise our family. Now, over two decades later, with our two children thriving in Bloomington Public Schools, my commitment to this community and its future is stronger than ever. My journey to serving on the Bloomington School Board is rooted in my experiences as a special education teacher, a dedicated father, and an active community member.
In 2011, I made the decision to put my career on hold to become a stay-at-home father. Staying home to witness my children learn and grow has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. Even while taking a break from teaching, my desire to advocate for children remained strong. I joined the Pond Center's Parent Advisory Council and have continued advocating for free or affordable high quality preschool and early childhood education. I truly feel that investing in early childhood education is the best investment we can make in our society.
During the last few years I have continued my career in education by completing an Ed Specialist degree in Educational Leadership with an administration license in Director of Special Education.
Bloomington's exceptional community and schools make it a city I am deeply proud to call home.
In 2011, I made the decision to put my career on hold to become a stay-at-home father. Staying home to witness my children learn and grow has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. Even while taking a break from teaching, my desire to advocate for children remained strong. I joined the Pond Center's Parent Advisory Council and have continued advocating for free or affordable high quality preschool and early childhood education. I truly feel that investing in early childhood education is the best investment we can make in our society.
During the last few years I have continued my career in education by completing an Ed Specialist degree in Educational Leadership with an administration license in Director of Special Education.
Bloomington's exceptional community and schools make it a city I am deeply proud to call home.
Professional
2021 to Current: Reserve Teacher Bloomington Public Schools
- Came to Bloomington Public Schools as a Reserve Teacher to address the significant substitute shortage following the pandemic.
- Over the past four years, I have gained experience teaching at all grade levels, from birth to twenty-two, across every school in the district.
- While proficient in various classroom settings, my passion remains special education, and I prioritize assignments in Setting III classrooms to support students with the most significant needs.
- Provided substitute teaching services in Edina Public Schools while caring for my ailing mother.
- Returned to the classroom as a Special Education Teacher in Hopkins Public Schools after a six-year period as a stay-at-home father.
- Served as a Special Education Teacher within Burnsville Eagan Savage Public Schools for eight years, gaining experience across all grade levels and in various specialized programs.
- Taught high school students in the district's Setting IV Emotional and Behavioral Disorder (EBD) program.
- Taught elementary students in the district's Setting III Emotional and Behavioral Disorder (EBD) program for three years, working with students whose behavioral needs required specialized support.
- Emphasized building personal connections with students and families and advocating with administrators and staff to ensure student success.
- Dedicated to creating an environment of unconditional care and respect for students facing significant challenges.
- Began my teaching career as a Special Education Teacher in Albuquerque Public Schools, where I advocated for inclusive practices.
- Collaborated with a general education teacher to establish the school's first full-inclusion classroom, challenging the prevailing practice of segregated special education.
- Our inclusion program became a successful model for the district over the following two years, demonstrating the benefits of integrating students with special needs with their non-disabled peers.
- Served as an Educator for the Title I Homeless Project in Albuquerque Public Schools, an after-school and summer program for elementary and middle school students experiencing homelessness.
- Provided a safe and nurturing environment where students could experience the simple joys of childhood while also receiving academic support to reach their full potential.
- I Found this work incredibly rewarding, witnessing the resilience and potential of students facing significant challenges.
Education
Mankato State University (2017) Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership / Director of Special Education
University Of New Mexico (2001) Masters of Arts degree in Special Education
University Of New Mexico (2000) Bachelors of Science degree in Special Education and Elementary Education
University Of New Mexico (2001) Masters of Arts degree in Special Education
University Of New Mexico (2000) Bachelors of Science degree in Special Education and Elementary Education
In the Community
- Bloomington Public Schools Volunteer
- Member of Bloomington League of Women Voters
- President of the Kennedy Instrumental Music Booster Club
- Serving as the band rep on the Kennedy Choirs Booster Club
- Former Fundraising Director for Bloomington Girls Hockey
- Former baseball and soccer coach for Bloomington Athletic Association
- Former Communications Director of the Bloomington Early Childhood Parent Advisory Council
- Yoga and curling enthusiast
