Thuwal, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
From as little as 15, my adventurous nature, coupled with incredible opportunities, took me all over the world to sing, to grow, and to live. I traveled all over the United States visiting churches and meeting people from all walks of life. My eyes were opened and I couldn't ever close them again. Internationally, I traveled to Russia, Belarus, Scotland, England, and France. Everywhere I went I discovered something new about life, the world, myself. My love of learning was enflamed and I was hooked. The world opened to me and I realized that I had a place in it. My humble beginnings spawned a new career focus as I continued leading conferences every summer in different parts of the country. I truly found my calling when I coupled my love of travel and experiencing new cultures with my love of education. International teaching, of course! My first teaching post in Seoul, South Korea led me to my wife and an even brighter future. We returned to the States after Korea and in 2009 I began teaching in my home district as a Learning Behavior Specialist. After two years back home, we accepted our next international adventure at Escuela Internacional Sampedrana in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. The Catarachos welcomed us in and we loved our time speaking Spanish, adventuring in the jungles, and making meaningful relationships with kids and colleagues alike. We have since moved on to experience the Middle East, a part of the world our paths had yet to cross. I served as Head of Department for the American International School of Jeddah’s High School English department. During our four years in Jeddah, I taught AP Language and Composition, coached varsity basketball and softball, and designed a pilot program called “S.H.I.F.T.” which stands for Seniors Helping Incoming Freshmen Transition. This school year will see my seventh at The KAUST School located on the campus of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology; I will be the new High School Associate Principal as well as teaching Drama in the IB program at the DP level. My whole life has been shaped by the places I've been and the people I've met. I hope that my professional development fosters my continued growth in working with people from different backgrounds who strive to create a shared, safe place for students to grow and learn. As a school leader, I strive to foster positive school cultures, and I welcome the chance to experience, to learn, and to grow personally and professionally.
MYP/DP Theater Arts Teacher Grade 10 Level Leader Arts Department Events Coordinator