The PBL Professor

I have taught high school social studies for seven years. The subjects I have taught include the following: AP Macroeconomics, AP Microeconomics, Honors Economics, Economics, U.S. History, World History, and World Geography. I have teaching certifications in the states of California and Texas. I have been truly fortunate to have taught in low-income, middle-income, and upper-income school districts throughout my career. The varying demographics that I have instructed between California and Texas have been extremely eclectic and diverse.

My pedagogical philosophy has always been to make learning come alive for my students. Staying in a learning routine, in my opinion, has not been as advantageous as mixing lessons up and keeping the students guessing and engaged. However, a "typical" day in my class (if there is such a thing) might consist of a 1-3 minute video clip (the hook), followed by a brief lecture (10-20 minutes) with interactive notes, followed by a project-based activity or group-oriented critical thinking problem to solve, and concluded by students' oral reflections.

*Honorary member of the Carmel Valley Rotary Club, 2008: This honor was bestowed upon me as a result of my classes' partnership with Rotarians through a business mentorship program. *W!SE Financial Literacy Gold Star Teacher, Carmel High School, Carmel, CA: In 2009, I received an award in New York City for guiding over 90% of my Economics students to passing the nationwide financial literacy test (W!SE is "Working in Support of Education"). -Teacher of the Year Finalist, Hendrickson High School, Pflugerville, TX, 2011-2012: Out of 150 teachers, I was the runner-up for the Teacher of the Year award. It was not quite first place, but I was very honored and humbled nonetheless!

-Texas State University, San Marcos, TX: Master’s in History (in progress); Estimated completion date May 2014. -Master's of Arts in Education from Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA, completed in July 2007. -Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA, completed in May 2004. -Texas Social Studies Composite Certification and California Social Studies Credential

In addition to teaching varying subjects throughout my tenure, I have also enjoyed coaching high school basketball, volleyball, and softball. I am AVID trained, certified to teach student financial literacy, and certified to teach advanced placement courses. I have also served as junior and senior class adviser at numerous high schools, as well as an adviser to the Model UN Club, Diversity Club, Young Entrepreneurs Club, and several others.