"I am a middle school math teacher for 7th and 8th grade, using the EnVision curriculum. My goal in teaching math is for students to not just memorize math facts, but to conceptually understand methods and processes. In doing so, students learn valuable critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are applicable beyond the classroom.

I recently completed a voluntary and intentional career change, starting as a classroom teacher in September 2023. For the prior 10 years, I was a statistician/manager of data analytics for a nationwide law firm. I also have graduate-level teaching experience at CU-Denver and taught English in Japan for one year. Other prior career steps include six years working at the Colorado State Legislature and as a newspaper reporter.

From CU-Boulder, I have bachelor's degree in journalism. From CU-Denver, I have a master's degree in political science and a PhD in Public Affairs, where my research agenda was almost exclusively focused on quantitative methods.

My preferred teaching style is to first introduce concepts - "show the student" the concept. Then work together applying those concepts to actual problems. Then let the student, with guidance as needed, solve additional problems by applying new and prior concepts. Of course, I am always willing to be flexible based on parental preferences and/or student needs.

Personally, I am a parent of two boys. My wife has been a public-school teacher for almost 20 years. Growing up and now, my family has always placed a high value on education." less...