Where did you grow up?

I was born in Salt Lake and loved a few places around Utah until we settled in Pleasant Grove Utah when I was in kindergarten. I lived in Pleasant Grove until I graduated high school.

What is your favorite food?

Pizza with pepperoni, sausage, and olives.

What is your least favorite food?

All kinds of seafood.

What is something unique or surprising about you?

One thing kind of unique about me is I play the sport of disc golf. This is my favorite hobby outside of work. This is a sport like golf but we use flying discs and a metal basket target. I really enjoy playing this sport and spending time with my family.

What is your favorite subject to teach?

Math is my favorite. I really enjoy being able to teach someone something that seems very complex and difficult anfd seeing them “get it”. These light bulb moments are the reason I love teaching all things, especially math.

Who was your favorite teacher and why?

I would say my 6th grade teacher Mr. Sandstrom. I had a really hard 5th grade year and started to not enjoy school. Mr. Sandstrom helped me overcome these feelings and begin enjoying school again.

Why did you choose to be a teacher?

I actually became a teacher later in life. So my teaching story starts with my wife. I was working construction and was injured and had to find a new career. My Amanda is the one that suggested teaching, and when she said it, it just made sense. I thought about my school experience and my love for seeing people learn new things and decided teaching was what I needed to do. Best decision I ever made.

What would you like your students to remember this year?

That making mistakes is part of learning and it is ok to not get everything right every time. I want them to know that learning from and persevering through these mistakes is where true learning takes place.