I’m excited to begin my journey of teaching and learning at Middle Way School in the 2026–2027 school year. I have been an educator for most of my adult life and strongly relate to the approach and philosophy of Middle Way. I believe I will contribute compassion, humor, and deep content knowledge to my students at Middle Way.

 

I grew up on a small farm in central Illinois. I earned an undergraduate degree in environmental/agricultural engineering at the University of Illinois. I continued to pursue a career in engineering by coming east and receiving a master’s degree in environmental engineering at Cornell University. After a brief career as a hydrologic engineer, I decided to become a math teacher and studied math education at Syracuse University. Upon completion of my degree, I was hired to teach math at Arlington High School, just outside of Poughkeepsie, where I taught courses ranging from introductory algebra to advanced placement calculus over the span of nearly 20 years. Eventually, I founded a math curriculum company (eMATHinstruction) with my wife Shana, where I wrote 10 books and recorded over 500 instructional videos, covering all grades from 6th through 11th. My wife and I sold our business in 2024.

 

I enjoy spending time with my wife and two adult children, Max and Evie. In addition, I also love working in my vegetable/flower garden, cooking and baking, and making fermented foods. One of my favorite activities is boating on the Hudson River and its tributaries, where I like to observe wildlife and see our beautiful area from a different perspective.

 

I am a big believer in an active role for learners of mathematics. Math is not a spectator sport nor is it simply a collection of algorithms and formulas for students to memorize. Fluency in basic math skills is critically important for children, but becoming good problem solvers is even more so. I am committed to creating a learning environment that is respectful, nurturing, and rigorous—one where students explore and discuss concepts at a deep level, while having fun at the same time. I believe that Middle Way provides the perfect environment for this approach.