California State University, Long Beach: BA Anthropology; Archaeology focus 

• California State University, Long Beach: MA World History 

• Advisor, Poly Green Schools Campaign https://www.polygsc.com/ 

• Teacher and Advisor, Model United Nations https://www.jackrabbitmun.com/ 

• Advisor, Poly California Scholarship Federation

• LBUSD Sallie Mae 1st Year Teacher of the Year, 1996

• Poly HS Teacher of the Year, 2016

• Long Beach Unified School District PTSA Teacher of the Year, 2020  

From the day that I started teaching at Long Beach Poly in 2004–as I started a Master’s Program, a second story remodel, a band, and a second child–I knew that I was at the school where I would eventually retire. You can feel it when you walk the campus: kids are proud to be at Poly. Music, Sports, Academics, competitions, clubs… there is always so much happening and so many opportunities for students to “find their tribe.” These 19 years have been extraordinary. I sent all three of my boys to Poly, two of whom went through the PACE Program (one is still here), and my wife and I have been so impressed and pleased with what this program has done for the growth and development of my own kids. It is not lost on me that I teach extraordinary students every year, and I do not take that honor lightly. I believe very strongly that to prepare students for the rigors of college level reading, studying, time management, critical thinking, and independence, that students should be challenged, yes, but must also be thoroughly supported to experiment, take academic risks, and try to expand their talents while developing new ones. I am so proud to work with my extraordinary colleagues in not just the tenth grade team and this program, but with the incredibly dedicated staff of this historic campus.