I am an Arizona native. My education began at Saguaro Elementary and then Moon Valley High School, graduating in 1981. After high school I started in the construction industry, which continued for several years. Eventually, I became a self-employed roofing contractor and completed all of my contracts successfully. Over time I began to contemplate my life. Specifically, how would I look back on my life when it was all said and done? I asked myself the question, “If a happy successful life is more about the journey; what could I do to serve a better purpose?”. Contrary to popular American culture, I knew it wasn't about acquiring as many toys as possible, and retiring early. After much thought, I decided to sell my company and return to school to earn a degree as an educator. I picked up my books and started back to school at Glendale Community College and Paradise Valley Community College. By 1997, I had completed an Associates of Fine Arts Degree. I was accepted to Arizona State University West and graduated Suma Cum Laude from the College of Education in May of 1999. My area of specialization was Early Childhood Development with an emphasis in Fine Arts. Immediately following graduation, I accepted a position with Pendergast School District, teaching a 1st grade class at Villa de Paz Elementary School. In the spring of 2001, I decided the time had come to organize my approach to professional improvement. I was accepted into the Masters in Education Degree Program with an emphasis in Educational Technology at ASU West. By the Spring of 2004, I had completed the Masters Program and graduated. The PresentThe 11/12-year will be my thirteenth year of teaching in the Pendergast School District. I taught at Villa de Paz Elementary School for nine years and moved to Garden Lakes Elementary School in 2008. This will be my third year as a co-coach of the G.L. Cross Country Running Team. I enjoy working with the student runners to help them reach their individual goals. Sharing my appreciation and a positive feeling about the sport of running is an important and enjoyable part of coaching the team. I feel very lucky to work at an such an AWESOME school like Garden Lakes. From the very first day I walked on the campus, I noticed there was something very special there. I have since realized it is because of the high level of parent involvement, a great teaching staff, and an amazing administration. Together we all make Garden Lakes an A++ school. Some of my Favorite things: Favorite Childrens Author: Dav Pilkey Favorite book: The Road Less Traveled Favorite children's book: Oh the Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss Favorite Food: Any type of pasta, Mexican food, and Pizza When i'm not teaching I enjoy running. I have been running for 26 years. |
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