My History and Background

For my brother and several friends that often tell me that I should write some ideas for parents... this one is for you.

Let me start by explaining where my experiences and philosophies have come from over the years.

Throughout my career and even way before that, I have always been fascinated by children's behavior.  I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher, and even that I wanted to work with some of the youngest students.  I have always noticed their behavior, in any setting, whether I have been a participant or just a distant observer. 

In college I majored in Psychology and applied for every possible opportunity to work with or observe children's programs.  Among my experiences is several years of Pre-School, as an observer, assistant and as a teacher.  I also had an opportunity to work as an assistant in a behavioral program for students that were Autistic, Psychotic and Emotionally Disturbed.  I student taught with First Graders and have now taught 26 years of First Grade.  I have taught in a  Second Grade Basic Skills after-school program for about 16 years.  I was also the Regular Ed. partner in an In-Class Support team for 5 years.  That program provided so many opportunities to learn and work with such specialists as Special Education Teachers, Psychologists, Behavior Specialists and all of the members of the Child Study Team. I have implemented and developed many behavior modification and management programs specific to individual students. I have a Bachelors Degree from Binghamton University, NY,  in Psychology and a Masters Degree in Elementary Education from Dowling College, NY.

My observations have come from every single educational setting throughout my career, as well as personal experiences within my own family and amongst my friends.  When giving examples of behavioral situations, just know that they have occured either in my professional life or my personal life and over the span of about 30 years.