Currently Teaches:

• AP Economics, Economics, Honors World Studies 9
• Scholar’s Bowl Coach

Background:

• History and Education at Norwich University.
• Has been teaching at Rice since 2014

Get to Know Him:

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I enjoy teaching Economics because of how important it is to everyday life. One of the most annoying questions to get as a teacher is “why do I need this…?” Students can’t ask that in Econ with a straight face, it is that front of mind. It is also something that lots of students don’t have much if any experience with, so I get to introduce them to so many new things in a given year.

I choose to teach at Rice because: It is a smaller school that has a deeper appreciation of the importance of learning. In most cases, academics and learning are top of mind for folks here. I am also less restricted as a teacher in my choices of assignments, grading, and educational strategy. I don’t have the ever-changing state standards forcing new and shiny ideas into my classroom. If something works, I can keep doing it. If something doesn’t work, I can quit doing it.

What is your favorite thing about your job? Getting to show students some of the crazy parts of the world that exists behind their economic day to day. Getting to see students come to the realization after realization about their world is extremely rewarding.

If you had an unexpected afternoon off, what would you do with your time? I would probably walk my dogs at the park if the weather was nice, and then pretend to do something productive in my shop.

Best vacation/trip you’ve ever been on: My best vacation ever was to Meteora in Greece. Amazing location and history tucked a bit away from hustle and bustle.

Favorite tradition/fieldtrip/project you do in your classroom each school year: My favorite project is the Stock Market Game. Kids always enjoy it a lot, and because we use real-world data, some kids realize the risks/challenges of investing. It is especially interesting when the market tanks during the project and kids watch their funds evaporate. Really good life lesson to watch $100,000 just disappear, even if the money is fake it really makes kids think.

Favorite Rice tradition or event: Lots of kids say thank you when they leave class. It isn’t a big thing but it really matters.

Favorite Rice Sports Team to watch: Lacrosse or Hockey

Favorite Professional Sports Team or Athlete: Red Bull Racing (Formula 1)

If a prospective family asked you “why should I send my student to Rice,” what would you say? Give it one year, and see how it goes. If after one year you think a public school is a better option for your student, you can go there no matter what. It isn’t for everyone, we ask a bit more of kids, but there is a reason we do that and it keeps working for students who graduate here.