My Professional Career

I began my undergraduate schooling at Suffolk Community College in Selden New York. It was here I began exploring my interest in children's cognitive processes. I can still remember the entire class, as I now know personal interest plays a major factor in memory retention. I received my first degree here, an Associate in Arts with an Emphasis on Early Childhood. The education itself was not the only major thing that happened here, this is also where I met my wife, Lisa Ann. After graduating I knew I wanted to continue my education, and I now knew that I wanted to become a teacher.

At this point Lisa had already moved to San Antonio and had begun her schooling at U.T.S.A; she was really enjoying her experience and encouraged me to give it a try. So I did, I packed all my things and moved clear across the nation to Texas to be with Lisa and finish what I started. It was very challenging at times, working as much as possible and still trying to get through my coursework. Fortunately, I had extremely supportive parents and family as well as the love and support I received from Lisa's parents, the DeStefanos. Had it not been for all their help and encouragement I don't know if I would have made it, but I did! I worked really hard and achieved my goal, my Bachelors of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (education).

During my final semester at U.T.S.A. I was very lucky to have my student teaching placement in the district I had hoped for, N.I.S.D. and in a school that was amazing. Raba Elementary was a dream come true. The staff was very friendly and amazingly supportive. I student taught in Fifth Grade and Kindergarten. As luck would have it an opening in third grade popped up and I was fortunate enough to receive the position and started even before my graduation! Along with all this tremendous excitement I also recieved the UTSA "Excellence in Achievement Award" given to only two elementary graduates. My first year was very exciting, and equally rewarding. 2003-2004 brought even more excitement as my wife and I were the first married couple in NISD history to receive the honor of campus representtives for "New Educators of the Year" in our fist year of eligibility. Additionally, I was accepted into NISD's PAVE II program, which was a federal grant enabling myself and 100 other elementary teachers the chance to get their Master's Degree. I am proud to say I received my degree with a perfect 4.0 GPA!!!. During my graduate work I taught fifth grade for two years, where I was able to really implement my new learnings. I then had the oppurtunty to move bcak toteach third grade again. 2006-2007 was a phenomenal year, my kids lead me to to the "Educator of the Year" ceremony as a representative for my campus! The 2007-2008 school year, has brought even more excitement. I moved to Mary Burns Michael Elementary when I accepted a position as their Campus Instructional Technologist. Where will the upcoming years take me next???