Despite starting my teaching career at Gemini in 2001, I continue to be incredibly appreciative of the opportunity. We are blessed with cultures, religions, and philosophies from around the world and these things afford us a tremendous benefit in our social studies classroom. It is only through this global perspective that we can get the most comprehensive view of our place in the world historically and currently. 

On a more personal level, I would love to share a bit of my family history. My  wife and I were married in 1985 (she claims it feels more like 1965) after meeting as college sweethearts at Loyola University of Chicago.  Our greatest joys are the three children that complete our family, additionally our four grandchildren (Addie, Albert, Jude, and Simon) bring us immense pleasure. Our oldest daughter is a special education teacher. This position fits well with her lifelong personality type that always shows concern for those that need it most and the patience to deliver what is needed. We could not be more proud.  Our son holds a position as a Clinical Pharmacist in Internal Medicine and in the Pysch Unit at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. We are so glad to have him back in town after chasing his dreams and education in Indianapolis and Ann Arbor.  Our youngest daughter recently received  her physical therapy doctorate degree at the University of Illinois in Chicago. She has demonstrated the ability to give wonderful attention to her studies while making sure that there is time for relaxation and fun with her college friends. She works at a physical therapy center in Lincoln Park. 

Getting back to the concerns of the parents of my students..."What the heck does this have to do with my child?!"   I believe that my many years of teaching, compiled with my experience with my children, their friends, and as a coach in many park district sports,  leaves me with a wealth of experience to draw on when interacting with my students.  I am fully aware that there is no "one size fits all" when it comes to working with students. Rest assured that your child has a teacher who cares and wants nothing but the best for each student and that their emotional well being is always at the forefront of any teacher/student interaction.