This page is about my two passions, cycling and libraries. I have never been accused of not having any interests, they go far beyond just these two things, but when I advocate, I advocate for cycling and education, libraries specifically. I do have a family who I stand up for, but this is not the space for my discussion of them. However, they do show up in many of the posts. Hope you enjoy my thoughts and please comment on things you find interesting. It is always nice to know there are readers out there.
Education
I have a degree from Eastern Illinois University in Speech Communication with an emphasis on television and film. After working in the radio industry for several years, I returned to school to earn my second degree, this one in education, from Illinois State University. While teaching, I earned my Master's in Educational Leadership from Saint Xavier University, and I also became National Board Certified in 2008. I recieved a school library endorsement from Illinois State University.
Teaching
I taught speech and English at Pekin Community High School in Illinois for 10 years, then moved to Illini Bluffs School District to become the District Librarian. I managed the elementary library (K-5) and the High School library (6-12). Currently, I am the high school librarian at Illinois Valley Central high school.
Advocate
In 2008, I accepted the position of Vice President of the Pekin Education Alliance and earned the Silver Apple award in 2010. I attended the Illinois Eduation Association Summer Camp at Illinois State University in 2008. I visited Springfield on Lobby day and visited with several local, central Illinois representatives and our Senator to lobby for retirement benefits, fair pay and education funding. In 2012, I accepted appointment to serve on the Illinois Valley Central Education Alliance board and accepted the position to serve as Vice President in 2013. In addition, I attended the 2014 IEA Representative Assembly in Chicago.
Personal
I am a human being, therefore I live outside of the school too. I have a terrific wife (who also teaches), and two fantastic young daughters! I have a real passion for cycling, running, and overall fitness. Of course, I love to read. Marvel comics and graphic novels are my favorite to read, but I enjoy science fiction, young adult literature, history, and anything my daughters will stop and listen too. Technology confounds and confuses me, but I enjoy the challenge to figure it out.
