First things first, we have to address the photo. So, you’re married to your prom date?

Yes! My wife and I met our senior year of high school and we’ve been together ever since. She’s actually a teacher as well; teaches Kindergarten over in Pleasant Valley. She eventually inspired me to become a teacher myself. We have two boys, Nathan and Nicholas, and a dog named Lucky.

Where did you go to college? 
Shippensburg University for Undergrad (Journalism) & Western Governor’s University for my Master’s (English Education)

What subject do you teach and why? 
English, Journalism and Graphic Novels

What is your goal as a teacher? 
To, in any way possible, stress the importance of reading. I believe it should be the foundation of any person looking to become the best version of themselves.
Read. Please.

What’s your favorite sports team? 
Unfortunately, the Miami Dolphins. They have filled my years with misery and woe.

What was your first job? 
My family owned a restaurant when I was growing up called The Swiftwater Inn. I did everything there: Dishwasher, bus boy, waiter, line cook and anything else that needed to be done.

If you could teach another subject what would it be?
History. As an English and Journalism teacher, I feel like I’m halfway there as it is. Watergate, the Great Depression, the Roaring 20s, WW2, the Red Scare, etc. I teach all of this already in my classes.

What is your greatest weakness?
No one can make me feel worse about making a mistake than myself.

What is one piece of advice you would give to your students?
Believe in yourselves. Dream. Try. Do good.

What is the best lesson you have ever taught?
Any lesson where students are actively engaged in the discussion. Not just one or two but the whole class.

Why do you enjoy teaching?

There’s a line in a film titled “Tick, Tick, Boom!” where the main character sings, “What a way to spend a day.” He, Jon Larson — a famous musical playwright who also wrote “Rent” — wrote it to express how great it felt to spend a day making and performing music.

On one of my first days of student teaching, I went home and thought the same thing, “What a way to spend a day.” I had just spent a day discussing Atticus Finch, Tom Robinson and the rest of “To Kill a Mockingbird” with my students and I felt the same sense of fulfillment.

I worked in retail for a decade as a manager, and there’s no comparison.

How long have you been teaching in the Stroudsburg Area School District?
This is year 3!

Where did you grow up?
Right here. Born and raised in the Poconos.