Qualifications:
BS The Ohio State University 1979
MA The Ohio State University 1986
Started at Woodward High School, January 1987
National Board Certified teacher
Quiz Bowl and Yearbook Advisor

The continuing transition of the US from a manufacturing to an information economy has made a college education nearly indispensable. Recipients of bachelor’s degrees earn 70% more than of a high school graduate. For young people today, a 4-year degree is an entry ticket to career opportunities and the middle class. Toledo Early College High School offers students a significant jump-start down this path.

I am thankful every day to have the opportunity to teach at this school. After having taught in a large urban high school for nearly twenty years the advantages of a small school with a focus like Toledo Early College High School are clear. Large comprehensive high schools cannot serve students like TECHS can. Our students are challenged with a rigorous curriculum with academic support from a dedicated staff and university resources. The small school format allows meaningful relationships to develop between staff, students and parents that lead to a sense of collegiality and common purpose that is often missing in large schools. Learning becomes relevant with projects such as National History Day and the Congressional Academy.

One of our goals at TECHS is to break down the artificial barriers that exist between academic disciplines: history cannot be taught without bringing in art, music, literature, religion, geography, science, etc. Students leave our school with a beginning of an understanding of how these components fit together.

We also believe that young people must be taught to tame the media onslaught by becoming discerning consumers of information and using critical thinking skills. Writing and other communication skills are equally important as well as the ability to collaborate with others. Technological literacy is necessary. We teach that context is everything.