Elizabethtown Area Middle School 

I am very much looking forward to meeting this year's students and parents. This year marks my 26th year as an educator; having taught General Science, Physical Science, Biology, AP Biology, Genetics; Biochemistry, Environmental Science and Chemistry. I have also served as a school administrator for 8 years, but always missed the direct interaction with students while serving as an administrator. My wife and I have two children: Victoria, who is in her third year of college and majoring in Physical Therapy; and Harrison, who is a sophomore at Cumberland Valley High School. 

 

I was born and raised in Buffalo, NY, then moved to the suburbs of Charlotte, NC to start my professional career. We moved to Pennsylvania shortly after my son was born in order to be closer to my wife's family in Central, PA.  I have always been highly involved in the teaching profession; including serving on several national committees and earning my National Board Certified Teacher credential.  In addition to teaching/administration, I have been fortunate to have authored several science publications and to have worked on several national science initiatives.  I earned my M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from York College of Pennsylvania and my Ed.D. in Educational Management and Leadership from Drexel University.

 

All of my 8th grade science classes are centered on a great deal of direct interactions with students; employing the use of experiential learning, Socratic methods of discussion, and consistent reference to PDE Standards.  Students will be using the district's computer carts (Chromebook) frequently during this course and complete assignments through Google Classroom and other web-based applications.  This will provide students with greater flexibility in assignments; provide for greater collaboration; and foster the presence of a Student(Learner)-Centered Classroom.