Hello and thank you for taking the time to get to know a little more about me!
I am a good ole' mountain boy and grew up mainly in beautiful Boulder, Colorado. I say mainly because as my mother is Puerto Rican, my father French, and my step-father American, I spent my formative and early adulthood bouncing between Boulder, Puerto Rico, and France.
I attended UCLA graduating with a degree in Anthropology before coming to the University of San Diego for graduate school.
I have always had a passion for learning and teaching and was fortunate enough to have opportunities to work for both the UCLA Fowler Museum as an educational docent ,where I was able to plan curriculum around the exhibits and teach in both the class room as well as the museum itself, blending content with real artifacts, and the Museum of Man in San Diego in both the curatorial and education departments.
My free time is often occupied by my mountaineering, rock climbing, backpacking, sailing, as well as making the circuit of our fantastic San Diego Museums and play houses. I am proud to volunteer, I enjoy a good book, a good play and a good movie when I am winding down but my biggest off-time passion has always been learning, traveling and teaching.
My experience in education has been varied and very fulfilling. For the last seven years I have been an international educational trip tour leader with EF, Education First International Education, NETC, and Smithsonian International, taking high school kids across the globe to places like Peru, Puerto Rico, France, Greece, Turkey and many other places. Last summer I had another incredible opportunity to travel to Kenya with a small group of professors and graduate students from the University of San Diego. We visited many private and public schools before traveling past the remote village of Nanuki, to an all girls school primary school, the Daraja Academy (I have included a button/link to an clip from an award winning documentary about the school below). Once there we integrated into the daily life of the girls and staff and worked with teachers and students to help implement mobile technologies. Schools in remote regions often lack resources and we were investigating possible uses of how these technologies might offer the ability for remote East African to connect to 21st century learning. This trip was, truly, life changing. Beyond our specific goals I befriended some of the local staff and students and on several occasions I was able to walk with them to their respective villages and, well, meet the whole meet the whole town. These were wonderful experiences and I made lasting and life long friendships.
I was able to student teach 7th grade students in a middle school here in San Diego, before going on to student teach high school students in U.S. history and government. Student teaching is always hard. We are starting to stretch our wings while working long hours, being constantly formally observed for a year or more all while balancing finances without a paycheck. That experience, however, is what really made me realize how much I love teaching. I loved it. I had some amazing co-operative teachers who allowed me to explore who I was as a teacher and how I wanted to teach but, I think, the thing I realized, really realized, is how important and wonderful it is to be able to make a positive difference in students' lives at this time of their life. Because of the challenge, I realized that I love being a teacher.
Most recently and as a general background,
Los Angeles: The Commencement of an Educational Odyssey
My teaching journey commenced in the heart of Los Angeles, where I first discovered my passion at UCLA. The city's vibrant and diverse environment served as the perfect canvas for me to lay the foundation for my teaching career.
Meeting My Wife at UCLA
It was at UCLA that destiny intervened, bringing my wife and me together. Our shared love for education and adventure sowed the seeds of a deep connection that would guide our shared journey.
San Diego: A Hub of Learning and Growth
Our educational expedition led us south to San Diego, where we pursued advanced degrees in education. Here, my wife's journey took an exhilarating turn as she embarked on a path towards becoming a marine biologist and archaeologist.
From Education to Marine Biology and Archaeology
While I pursued my master's degrees in education, my wife's academic journey was multi-faceted. She delved into marine biology, where her research ranged from studying octopus prey choices to creating integrated multi-trophic systems. Simultaneously, she ventured into the world of archaeology, immersing herself in actual dig sites, unearthing the secrets of civilizations past.
Teaching Across San Diego's Diverse Landscape
In San Diego, we were privileged to teach in a multitude of diverse communities, from the vibrant neighborhoods of Chula Vista to the serene coastal areas of San Diego. These experiences deepened our understanding of education and solidified our commitment to shaping young minds.
Northern California: A New Chapter in Humboldt
Our journey then took us northward to the tranquil landscapes of Northern California, specifically Humboldt County. Here, amidst the natural beauty, my wife's expertise in marine biology and archaeology found new dimensions. Her work in this environment was a testament to the profound connection between education and the natural world.
Silicon Valley: Amidst Innovation and Technology
Our path eventually led us to Silicon Valley, where teaching in a high-tech environment was both thrilling and demanding. It was during this phase that I honed my skills while navigating the fast-paced world of innovation.
Summerville: Merging Expertise and Education at CLS
Our journey culminated in the picturesque town of Summerville, where I joined the CLS community. This tranquil setting provided us with a serene backdrop to merge our collective knowledge and experiences. Here, we continue to shape young minds, drawing upon my wife's deep expertise in marine biology and archaeology.
Our teaching journey, from UCLA to Summerville, has been marked by continual growth, learning, and the harmonious blend of our passions and expertise. Each chapter, whether in Los Angeles, San Diego, Northern California, Silicon Valley, or Summerville, has enriched us as educators and individuals. We are excited to continue shaping the future of education in Summerville, drawing upon the unique combination of our backgrounds and experiences. Our journey celebrates the transformative power of education, the remarkable connection between knowledge, the natural world, and the mysteries of civilizations past.
Please feel free to comment ask questions or tell me a little about yourself!
Daniel