Where I've Been

I was born in the Bronx, New York where I spent the first three years of my life. My family moved to the New York City suburbs where I attended my kindergarten through High school years in the Ardsley School District.  The district was composed of three schools made up of approximately 1100 students. I went to The State University of New York for my bachelors degree which was a wonderful learning experience for me.  Other significant parts of my life were the marriage to my wife and the birth of my son, Jared.  Many family members were in the education field which led me to explore teaching as a career.  I have worked as a physical education teacher with elementary age students through the high school level.

My Life as an Educator

This is my tenth year as a teacher.  I taught high school special education for one year and have been a physical education teacher for the last nine years.  As a physical educator, I have taught all grades, Kindergarten through twelfth. I am fair teacher and over the years have learned ways to improve my classroom management strategies. The students I teach come from an urban area and can be very challenging.  At times, I am laid back but compensate for this by developing a good rapport with my students.  My favorite level to teach is high school, where I also coach cross country, basketball and track.  This year I introduced the game of badminton.  My students were really enthusiastic about playing and they asked me for assistance with their stroke.  I enjoy helping students that are truly interested in learning as well as sparking an interest in as many of the students as possible.  Another satisfying lesson was using the parachute in the elementary school.  The parachute is not only  motivates students but allows the teacher to work on many skills without the students even realizing it.  For example, students learn work cooperatively when they are asked to keep the parachute in the air or to to keep an object on the surface of the parachute, like a ball. 

When I'm Not Working...

I enjoy many activities such as bicycling, skiing and both playing and watching basketball. After school, I spend quite a bit of time coaching cross country, basketball and track.  In the summer, I spend time at the beach and the pool as well as trying to pick up the game of golf.
I enjoy going to the movies and spending time with my family.  It is fun to watch my 21 month old son run around the playground.  I enjoy teaching him new skills and watching him reach new milestones.  

Web Sites I Like

http://www.nba.com/finals2003/index.html

http://www.armorytrack.com/

http://www.carfax.com/cfm/general_check.cfm?partner=gt2_p