I am a teacher. I've always been a teacher. Even as a child, I was a teacher. I love the smell of a books, the scent of schools, the touch of pen to paper, and the way chalk makes your hands feel. Yes, I know and actually love the shiny sleek touchscreen surfaces of iPads, SMARTBoards, and the increasing intelligence of our smartphones. I genuinely appreciate all the modern conveniences available for today's tech-savvy classrooms; however, nothing beats the the smell of a book, the sturdiness of a pen in your hand, or the silky feel of chalkdust on your fingers. Much of what I do every day and largely what defines me to the people in my world rests on the laurels of being a teacher. I have had the tremendous fortune and great responsibility to teach both children, adolescents, and adults. As a high school English teacher, I took great pleasure inspiring teenagers to tackle difficult texts, to love literature, and to express that love in coherent and meaningful writing. I have equally been blessed to motivate teachers in the perfection of their craft. Currently, I am growing eduConsulting Firm, a professional growth agency. Much like teaching high school, this work is a passion that drives my waking hours and consumes many of my nights--researching and designing innovative, engaging, and pragmatic ways to translate theory into practice. My professional goal is to impact positive growth in the lives of teachers and their students. Although my specialty , if I must profess one, is grounded and rooted in English curriculum and instruction, other pursuits have bloosomed: teaching children living in poverty, applying motivation theories to instructional practice, advancing teacher leadership, enhancing school culture, increasing professional capital, infusing academic rigor, tightening instructional alignment, exploring picture books, using emerging technologies, researching for results, reading for leisure, writing for work and pleasure, traveling for escape, solving difficult puzzles, and capturing life in film. In all cases, in every arena, I am a learner for life. In all hope, in every effort, I am blessEd to have an opportunity to impact the lives of others.