How many years have you worked at Baldwin?
15
Any issues or hobbies that you are passionate about?
I like [inadvertently] injuring myself on my mountain bike, smoking meats, learning martial arts with my son, and playing Shopkins with my daughter. (It's a thing. Believe me.)
If you could have anyone as your teacher, who would you pick?
It's probably not the most interesting answer to this question (I mean, Plato, Aristotle, or Socrates would all be pretty good choices too, right?) but I'd like to double down on my 5th grade teacher, Mr. Philips. I would love to speak to him now as an adult about teaching, learning, and character. He was an amazing influence on me and light years ahead of his time from a pedagogical standpoint. Rest in peace, Phil. (Yes, his name was Philip Philips. His parents were obviously hilarious.)
Where did you grow up?
West Milford, NJ
Have you lived in any other countries?
Puerto Rico is my other country.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
My middle name is Theodore. (Jealous?)
Name one thing on your bucket list.
I think I'd like to restore something awesome like an old Triumph motorcycle. (I don't know... I'm not really big on bucket lists.)
Who inspires you?
My wife and my children. Seriously.
What do you like about your job?
Since I started at this job in the 2002-2003 school year, it has been a constantly evolving series of challenges and joys. It is impossible to work here without growing as both a professional and a person in general. I love children and I love that my efforts have a tangible effect on their success. I also love that part of becoming a better professional is intertwined with becoming a better father of my own kids. Finally, I love the Baldwin community. I am convinced we have something special here and I am so proud that myself and my family are part of it.
What's your favorite thing about Puerto Rico?
Rincón has been one of my favorite destinations for years, but there are so many that are incredible. I like trekking into the mountains and finding hidden places to hang, building a makeshift dam in an El Yunque stream, eating amazing frituras in el Malecón de Naguabo... so many things to do. Getting my family out of the metro area in general is my favorite thing to do in PR! My favorite thing about this island is the generosity of spirit you continually encounter with Puerto Rican people. They (you) are the most wonderful people I have ever come across in my life and I have learned so much from living here.
What are your top five personal values?
- If people depend on you, be dependable. Be true to your word and come through.
- Be committed to growing and learning forever.
- Laugh at yourself
- Don't ever write off a child. They are not done learning how to be people yet. Forgive mistakes immediately after you administer appropriate consequences and make sure they know you did. I have seen some of the most challenging children in a classroom turn into amazing adults.
- Don't be intractable; especially in our current political/social situation. When faced with new evidence, new and different perspectives, and - yes - even opposing viewpoints, allow yourself to be open to make micro-corrections to your own views. It's a responsibility you owe to yourself.
What would you sing at Karaoke night?
I wouldn't. I'd be too busy fixing the mic.
Anything else you would like to share?
Yes. The Hershey's brand Krackel bar is a far superior crisped rice chocolate bar than its more commercially popular competitive counterpart. It is so superior, in fact, that anyone who disagrees is either a plant for another corporation or engaging in an elaborate and egregious form of cognitive dissonance. There. I said it.