In the Beginning... 
      I was born and raised here in Shelbyville.   I have an older brother who lives in Bloomington, IN. and a younger sister who currently lives in Australia.  My dad retired from SHS last year, and my mom is a nurse at Major Hospital in the Oncology Department.  

School is Cool...
    I went to St. Joe for kindergarten-5th grade.  I was part of the first class to go through Shelbyville Middle School from 6th -8th grade.  After middle school, I went to Shelbyville High School for four years.  I graduated from SHS in May of 1998.  Next stop: Indiana University!

Indiana...My Home...
     In the fall of 1998, I began an exciting four years.  I attended Indiana University from the fall of 1998 to the spring of 2002.  My first job at IU was working at Binford/Rogers Elementary where I was an after-school supervisor with other college students.  While at IU, I decided to major in Elementary Education.  My second job was with the IU Auditorium where I was a student manager.  Who doesn't want to see concerts, musicals, and comedians for free... better yet... get paid!  Through the IU Auditorium, I met some of the most influential and respectful people ever in my life.  Working at the auditorium, I had the honor of assisting former IU President, Herman B. Wells.  Mr. Wells made Indiana University what it is today.  I also met other university personnel who I worked with over the next three years in various aspects.  During the summer of 2000, I worked for Indiana University's Orientation Programs where I welcomed incoming freshman and their parents to the university during two day programs.  Working for IU gave me the opportunity to share my knowledge, experiences, and advice on the university.   I continued to work for IU for the rest of my college career.  The friends and connections I made will always be special to me.

Student Teaching...
     In January of 2002, I packed my bags and moved back home with my parents.  I was entering the final semester of my college days, and I had to student teach to finish my degree.  I student taught here at Coulston Elementary in 4th grade with Mrs. Vaught.  I had a wonderful experience with Mrs. Vaught and her students.  Mrs. Vaught provided a framework for teaching that was engaging, exciting, and fun.  I returned to IU in May of 2002 to graduate with a degree in Elementary Education.

Welcome to the Real World...
      I began teaching here at Coulston in August 2002.  I taught 5th grade for four years, and now I am teaching 3rd grade AE.  I am very happy to be at Coulston working with a wonderful staff that seems more like a family each passing day.  In the spring of my first year of teaching (2003), I joined 6 other teachers from Coulston in distance education classes to receive my Masters Degree in Administration from Ball State University (I still love my Hoosiers).  I graduated in May 2006 with my Masters in Administration.  I plan to teach for a while, at various grade levels, then I will pursue an administrative position. 

A Little Family Time...
     I married my wife Jyll in December of 2002. Jyll  and I had our first baby in October of 2004.  Our baby boy's name is Luke and we love to watch him grow.  Jyll works at Major Hospital in the OB department (babies).  Jyll and I spent seventeen days traveling around Europe this summer.  I would love to share some stories with you!

The Next Chapter of My Life...
     What is next in my life?  You are!  I am eagerly anticipating this school year.  I can't share how much I have learned in my first four years of teaching that I am ready to improve on.  Welcome to 3rd grade, welcome to my class, and welcome to a new school year! 

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