Teaching as a Profession
Teaching chose me. During my undergrad years, I was a camp counselor at Red Arrow Camp in Minocqua, Wisconsin. Actually, Chris Farley was a camper in my cabin for about two summers. Can you imagine going canoeing with a young Chris Farley? When I graduated from college I didn’t have a teaching certificate; in fact, my first job was in sales. It appeared that I would be good at sales, but I was encouraged to oversell to my customers—to me, this was dishonest. I couldn’t live with myself and do what I was told, so I quit and started working a general labor job. After a while of working with molten steel, I decided to pursue another career and went back to school to get a second degree in education. Now I don’t feel dishonest in my job and only lie to my students when I play devil’s advocate.
Professional Accomplishments
Receiving the Great Teacher Award at Mount Union was quite humbling. There are so many of my colleagues at Mount Union who deserve this award. I felt quite blessed to be chosen, but I think that I feel proudest when former students come back and share stories with me about how they’ve made a difference in children’s lives—that’s a big, BIG deal.
Teaching Style
I try to keep things as interactive as possible and be as humane as possible. I tell stories of my successes and failures in teaching and try to show them that our failures are probably our greatest learning experiences. Jokes (at least they’re funny to me), lateral thinking puzzles, dance cards, etc. are ways that I try to mix it up.
Global Research
My most recent research project involved global mindset and a four-month trip that took me to India, Singapore, Japan and South Africa where I interviewed over 100 students about cosmopolitanism. This research has added to my expertise regarding international comparisons of educational systems. Believe me when I tell you that students around the world can be just as engaging as they are right here at Mount Union.
Best Part of the Job
No doubt about it, it’s the TEACHING. My students are the best.
Ghostly Adventures
My favorite building is Chapman Hall because of the ghosts! I plan on doing some haunting eventually.
Atmosphere and Traditions
Mount Union is unique in its amiable atmosphere and unique traditions.