John Dewey wrote, "I believe that education, therefore, is a process of living and not a preparation for future living." The process of living to which Dewey refers lies in the tension between theory and practice, truth and relationship. Over the last 13 years, I have taught individuals from nine years old to 65 years old and I have explored the process of living as a teacher and as a student.

I began teaching fifth grade public school students in 1996. I spent hours at night and on the weekends preparing lessons and learning experiences for my students. That group of 26 students and their accompanying parents became my family. Since that first teaching job, I have taught fourth through seventh grade outside of Chicago, Illinois and Nashville, Tennessee. Each of my students has impacted me as a teacher. With those students always in mind, I have mentored, coached, developed curriculum, written grants, created summer academies, written state science assessments for a variety of states, and attempted to be a teacher worthy of my students. I am the director and founder of Ultimate Sports and Science Camp which was created to provide students a place to focus on inquiry-based, engaged learning in chemistry, physics, and sports.

In May 2008, I completed a doctorate in leadership, policy, and organizations from Vanderbilt University's Peabody College of Education and Human Development. This degree exposed me to the vast world of education beyond my myopic perspective as a classroom teacher.

This past year, I continued my education in the real world of leaders, policy, and organizations at the U.S. Department of Education. This opportunity allowed me to serve in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, and after the inauguration, in the Office of the Secretary. I was able to work on policy issues related to school leadership, teacher compensation, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, as well as issues related to human capital domain.

In the fall, I will be an Assistant Professor of Education at Wheaton College, a small liberal arts college 25 miles west of Chicago. As a professor charged with preparing pre-service teachers for our nation’s students, I look forward to applying what I have learned in the classroom and at the Department, to best serve my students. If I am able to do this well, I am confident that they in turn will positively impact their students.

When not teaching, I like to play tennis, basketball, read, and spend time with my wife and our three children.