I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you. Most of my life experiences have been in West Virginia. I attended school at Parsons Graded School and then advanced into Tucker County High School. I graduated from high school in May of 1985 and attended Fairmont State College that fall. My expectation of college life was not what I had anticipated it would be, therefore, I left college to seek other opportunities. A few years later, I looked on the time spent at college as a missed opportunity to enlighten myself. With some sacrifice, I returned to college to achieve a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education specializing in Social Studies.

I have learned a great deal from my education. It has formed a very positive outlook on how I view learning and given me strengths in all aspects of my life. I have come to appreciate those in the field of education by observing first hand the hard work, patience and dedication required to make a professional in the educational field.

Because I am a father of two, I have been given the opportunity to experience both sides of the teacher/parent relationship. I can appreciate a dedicated professional as well as appreciate the concern of a parent.

I continue to grow as a teacher, experience like the RARE CATS program and HSTA have made me realize my responsibility to the educational profession and to society. My involvement with this profession has provided me with the motivation to pursue a career in the teaching of our children. My experiences and education have made this career a realistic goal for me.

HSTA Home Page at WVU