1. What do you currently teach at SAS? 

Seventh grade English Language Arts (ELA)

2. Where are you from and where did you go to grade school/university? 

I'm from the great midwest of the United States. I was born in Des Moines, Iowa. I moved to Chicago for my undergraduate studies where I studied theater at Loyola University. We lived in Cairo for a year, then returned to Chicago where my kids were born, before moving to Singapore.
 

3. What is your favorite part about teaching ELA? 

I suppose I was drawn to ELA because of its connection to art. I have always been in love with art and making art. I was an actor when I was younger and even went to school to study theater. There is a profound impact that art has on our society, and I really loved being a part of it. As an ELA teacher, I get the opportunity to open up that world to my students in some small way. Often they think of ELA as just writing and reading. While that's true, I hope to show them that they are writing and reading about art and that we all have a role to play. 


4. What books would you recommend your students read at home?

Any book, really. The act of reading has such a massive impact on how we view and interact with the world. It teaches us about other people and other cultures. If I had to pick just one (for students), I suppose it would have to be To Kill a Mockingbird. It's a classic.

 

5. How can we encourage children to foster an interest in reading and writing?
When we feel that we are a part of a community, our passions grow. So, if a student is a part of a true "reading community" (ie: with their family at home), then they will develop a passion for reading. It's really that simple. If we read alongside our friends and family, talk about our reading experiences, and share in this activity then we are going to fall in love with it.


6. How have you overcome challenges in your classroom? 

Tough question. I am not sure that I know how to answer this. There are new challenges every single day in the classroom. Some are serious, some are not...but, with teaching, every single day is so different and with it comes new challenges. I suppose patience and faith in myself, trust in my colleagues, and respect for my students. When I care about the people involved, they don't feel like challenges—more like manageable hurdles.


7. We heard that you have a huge love for Star Wars, tell us a bit about that? 

HA! Huge love for Star Wars, I do have. I can't exactly explain how or when Star Wars came into my life but there has always been something interesting to me about the struggle of Luke and his friends. Watching them face these insurmountable tasks with only each other to rely on? That's great theater. It's also something that we can all connect with. We can empathize with the emotions and struggles of the characters. We face uphill challenges in our own lives. It feels like we're too small to do anything about them. But somehow we persevere and face each day anew. It's a universal story. Also, laser swords are really cool.


8. How has your experience at SAS been? What is your greatest memory? 

I've love teaching at SAS. It's been an incredible experience for my family and me. I'm not sure about the "greatest memory." Though, one thing that tends to stand out in my mind is Classroom without Walls (CWW). I think it's such a cool experience for the students and teachers alike to spend time together, away from the classroom, and get to know each other on a deeper level. I first started working with students through summer camps. CWW has always felt a little bit like that. Getting away from it all, for a few days, and having no one else to rely on except your advisory mates. This allows for a special bond to form. This is not to say that everyone becomes best friends. But that advisory bond is a special one that I think has made my time at SAS more memorable for me (and hopefully my students too!).

9. Favorite thing about Singapore?

Hawker food. Hands down.

    
10. To you, what is teaching? 

Connecting with others. Sharing your experiences with others to help them enrich their own.
 

11. What is the most important advice you would give to a student now and for 5 years from now? 
Work hard, every day, to make your life "good." Don't settle for "good enough."

12.  What inspired you to become a teacher?

I was a summer camp counselor for many years. One summer, during my time at university, I had just returned from a week at camp. My roommate remarked how happy I seemed. He said, "You are always your happiest when you come back from camp." That really struck me. At the time, I was studying to be an actor. Something about his comment changed everything for me. That's basically how I decided to switch paths and pursue education.
 
    
13. Favorite music/book/activity?

Favorite music: 90's breakup rock 
Favorite book: A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius 
Favorite activity: Playing catch


14. What would be your greatest advice to parents? 

Read with your kids. You grab a book, they grab a book, and you both sit in the same room, close to each other and read. Put on some quiet music and just read. It will have a profound impact on you and on your child. I promise everyone will love it.


15. Favorite place you’ve traveled to?

St. Peter's Basilica. Absolutely breathtaking.

16. What is a perfect day like for you?
Having no plans. Just letting the day go in whatever direction it wants. My wife, my kids—just being with them and having no set agenda.