Experience Summary
Even though I have been very active in the performing arts, teaching is my primary passion. I received a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Music from the College-Conservatory of Music of the University of Cincinnati. However, I completed a Ph.D. in Education at the University of Florida in 1990. I was a full-time special needs teacher at Oak Park School in Sarasota, Florida from 1998 until 2006. I was responsible for teaching elementary, middle school, and high school grade levels. It was a very rewarding job and gave me experience in many different areas in education. Since retiring from Oak Park I have spent a considerable amount of time tutoring in several different areas, including English, history, and math.
Teaching Style
I firmly believe that all children are capable of learning and are entitled to an atmosphere that is most conducive to the learning process and their individual needs. Personally, I like to incorporate many different learning styles, whether they are auditory, visual, or kinesthetic. Regardless of the subject matter, I constantly try to find ways in which to make the material exciting and relevant for the student. Motivating my students has always been a primary goal. Even though the main focus has been mainly the mastering of various academic skills, I am also somewhat of an academic rationalist in that I feel that all students deserve to be exposed to great ideas that have shaped our civilizations.