The Calling I Could Not Ignore: How Losing a Job Led Me to the Classroom

There are moments in life when everything seems to fall apart at the same time. I have lived through those moments more than once. Losing a job is never easy, and when it happens in law enforcement the weight feels even heavier. Your work becomes part of your identity. Your uniform, your badge, and your […]
Preparing Young Readers for 3rd Grade Success: What Every Parent Should Know

As a former teacher and a lifelong learner, I have seen firsthand how early reading skills shape a child’s future. Parents often hear that third grade is an important turning point, but many do not fully understand why. In the early years, children spend their time learning how to read. By the time they reach […]
Why Reading Early Matters: Preparing Children for Lifelong Learning

The Foundation of Lifelong Learning When I think about education, I always come back to one fundamental truth: reading is the gateway to learning. Early literacy is not just about knowing letters or sounding out words. It is about opening doors to curiosity, imagination, and critical thinking. My upcoming book, 4th Place… Gaining Momentum through […]
Why Discipline Still Matters: Building Character Through Education

Building Character Through Education Education is about more than textbooks, grades, and test scores. It’s about shaping the kind of people our students will become long after they leave the classroom. As someone who has spent years working with students in structured programs like JROTC, I’ve seen firsthand how discipline, respect, and responsibility can transform […]