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| Here is some information about your teacher. |
| In August I began my eleventh full year at Oakdale High School, once again teaching psychology, A.P. U. S. history, A. P. psychology and A. P. U. S. Government and Politics. I truly enjoy being a part of the Oakdale community and the Oakdale Joint Unified School District, and I look forward to challenging my students to reach their fullest potential, while trying to make my courses relevant, interesting and fun. Below are some elements of my education and background. Education I earned a master's degree in government from Georgetown University in 1975, complementing my Bachelor of Arts degree in government from the University of San Francisco in 1973. In November 2000, I earned a California State Single Subject Teaching Credential in Social Studies, doing my academic course work at the Modesto campus of Chapman University. Additionally, in September 2003 I earned my CLAD credential, also through Chapman University. As a retired Army officer, I am a graduate of the United States Army's Command and General Staff College (1989) and was an American Political Science Association Foreign Affairs Congressional Fellow, studying at the Johns Hopkins University Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, in 1994. Teaching Experience I began teaching at Oakdale High School on February 20, 2001. Prior to that, I had taught Junior ROTC at Stockton's Edison High School, from August 1999 until February 16, 2001. I have also taught at California State University at Fresno (1982-1985), Claremont McKenna College (1992-1994), and Springfield College in Illinois (1996-1998). From January to May 2005 I taught a graduate level Introduction to Teaching course at the Modesto campus of Chapman University. Since August 2005 I have taught an evening American Constitutional Government course at the Oakdale satellite campus of Columbia College. In the summer of 2011, I served as a reader for the National A. P. U. S. history test essays portion, under the auspices of the College Board. I am also honored to have been selected as the 2009 Stanislaus County High School Teacher of the Year. Pertinent Other Work Experience I am a veteran of 23 years commissioned service in the United States Army, retiring in 1996 as a lieutenant colonel.. Included in my career highlights is a total of 5 years experience teaching ROTC (see above). While serving in those assignments, I also taught history and physical education. I also served for 5 years in the Pentagon, one of which was as a congressional fellow, working as a legislative aide for former Senator John Warner of Virginia. From September 1991 to July 1992, I was honored to serve as an Army White House Liaison Officer. I have also served in the 3d Armored Division and the 82nd Airborne Division. Immediately after retiring from the Army, I served as the Dean of Student Affairs (and part time instructor of political science and physical education) at Springfield College in Illinois. Other Campus Functions In addition to my teaching responsibilities I am also the Department Chair for the Social Studies Department and the public address announcer for many Mustang sporting events. I also serve as the host for many public events in Oakdale. Additionally I serve as a member of the Oakdale High School Site Council, as a support provider in the Stanislaus County BTSA program, and as an Oakdale High School site representative (one of 7) for the Oakdale Teachers' Association. I was also formerly the founding coach of both the Model United Nations and Mock Trial Teams. As you can see, I am a very busy person, but I enjoy every minute of my time at Oakdale High School. |
| Places my family and I have lived include: Springfield, Illinois; Washington, D. C. (Alexandria, VA); Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; Moreno Valley, CA; Heidelberg, Germany; Friedberg, Germany; Fresno, CA; Fayetteville, NC; and Columbus, GA. I am a native of Ukiah, CA. My goal is to utilize my education and experiences to provide my students with the best education possible. I am committed to making Oakdale High School the best school it can be, particularly since my daughter, Niki (Class of 2003), and my son, Peter (Class of 2007), are both OHS alumni. Keeping with our family educational theme, my wife, Becky, is a secretary at Oakdale Junior High School. |