Though born in Boston and raised in Minneapolis, I have lived in San Diego since 1991. I was educated at UCSD, where Art History and Education were my foci. I have been teaching at Del Mar Heights School since 2001. I live in Del Mar with my wife, Amy, who is a teacher at Del Mar Hills Academy, my son, Grant, who is in fourth grade here at The Heights, my daughter, Lauren, who is in Kindergarten at The Heights as well, and my old dachsund. I enjoy surfing, soccer (Tottenham Hotspur are my team), Baseball (Viva Los Padres!), and great books and films. I also coach, write, and play music regularly.
My classroom is a caring and rich environment where children can immerse themselves in learning. Students learn to work autonomously and cooperatively on assignments that challenge them appropriately. Students learn that reading and writing can be fun, preparing them for a lifetime of enrichment and enjoyment.
I hope that you will want to spend some time in our classroom as a parent volunteer. You might tutor individually, you might sing a song with us, you might get a little messy, but you will be involved. Please make it a priority to visit your child in class a few times during the school year. The children are really encouraged by a parent who comes to spend time with us. Additionally, they learn that school is important- just like Mom and Dad’s work. If you want to volunteer, I only ask that you sign up for the time you are coming- it helps me make the best use of you as a resource for the children. More information about signing up will be forthcoming
Your child needs to bring a body that is well-nourished and a mind that has had enough sleep. He or she needs to bring appropriate clothing for the weather since we will be outside daily. He or she needs to bring a HEALTHY snack to nibble during our daily morning recess. No candy, I plead to you, for my own sake.
It is my goal that each student develops a passion for learning and the responsibility and confidence necessary to follow that passion. I work hard to teach each child as an individual, meeting their specific needs and encouraging their strengths. I also strive to teach each child that they are part of a larger community- a community who will care for them and to whom they are responsible.
In order to reach these goals I:
-Create an environment that nourishes confidence and allows students to feel safe while pushing themselves towards greater goals.
-Create an environment that nourishes both positive individual decision making and community spirit.
-Offer motivating and meaningful activities that both teach skills and authentic applications of those skills.
-Implement structures that allow a maximum of individual instruction time with each student.
Statement of Beliefs:
-The parent is the child’s most profoundly influential teacher.
-Student self-esteem and security is critical to development of an enthusiasm for learning.
-Each student is important and must be taught at their level, offering challenge and support in instruction.
-Achievement requires hard work.
-Learning does not stop when the school bell rings.
-Student activities should prepare children for thinking and living both in and out of school.
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