This is my NINETEENTH(!) year as an educator. I spent my first thirteen years at Geraldton Composite High School teaching mostly English, but also Visual Arts, Computer Studies, and Indigenous Studies courses. I then spend a year as the Vice-Principal of B.A. Parker Public School and Geraldton Composite High School. While technically the VP of both schools, I was responsible for the day-to-day operation and administration of B.A. Parker, a K-8 school with about 130 students. I loved the challenges and the adventures and decided that pursuing full-time administration was the path I wanted to take. In May 2019 I was offered the role of Permanent Principal at Marathon High School where, almost 20 years ago, I graduated. I led Marathon High School from September 2019 to March 2024 before moving up the hill to Margaret Twomey Public School in Marathon where I currently work with an incredible team of educators, support staff, students, and families.
Before my career in Geraldton and the Municipality of Greenstone I spent some time supply teaching in Marathon, Ontario, where I was born and raised. I went to university at the University of Ottawa where I met my wife, Megan. Following Ottawa I spent a year in Thunder Bay at Lakehead University where I received a Bachelor of Education degree. I hold subject specialist qualifications in English and Visual Arts in addition to my principal qualifications with the Ontario College of Teachers. I continue to engage in learning around mental health, instructional leadership, mentorship, and child development – among others.
I’m a dad, a husband, a pet parent (cats and dog), and am so happy to call Marathon my home.
My philosophy of education focuses on students at the heart of every school decision. I firmly believe that strong relationships are the root of success. Like any relationship, a foundation of trust and communication is necessary, and these are the two areas that I focus on in my work. During my career I have gained an excellent understanding of board and ministry initiatives that promote a positive learning environment. I have led teams through learning cycles that focus on very specific goals while using concrete data and evidence-based approaches to make positive change for our students. Relationships help that work move forward – especially as we balance all of the challenges of learning together in a busy school. My interests focus on the balance between academics and well-being, the professional development and support of educators, the promotion of literacy, learning skills and executive functioning, and challenging our students to do their best with the support we can provide.
I am very interested in the productive and effective use of integrated educational technologies, cross-curricular and cross-panel learning opportunities, school leadership, community-building, and inquiry education.
I also enjoy the outdoors and exploring. Random bush road adventures in my vehicle are not uncommon. My favourite place in the world is Neys Provincial Park, on Lake Superior just west of Marathon, Ontario.
Well, that about sums it up. If you have something else you want to know about myself or what I teach please feel free to e-mail me.
