Education is in my blood. As mentioned on the Meet Mr. H page, I am the proud son of two educators. I have great admiration for their careers, as I do for many educators who have braved the volatile, rigorous, and rewarding field of public education.
Dad teaching math in Denver.
So drawn to this vocation, I transitioned from a sporadically successful turn in private industry in my mid-30s to pursue a teaching career through Colorado’s Alternative Teacher Licensing Program (ATLP). My first full-time position was teaching science in a newly formed Expeditionary Learning School (ELS). At the time, I had no idea what an ELS was, and come to find out, they had no idea what the ATLP was. It was not a good fit, but through trials and tears, I survived the year. The powers that be awarded me my Initial Teacher License and kindly asked me to teach elsewhere.
Fortunately, I landed a great job teaching biology at a large high school in Denver. Over the next nine years, I had the opportunity to teach not only biology, but also zoology/botany, anatomy/physiology, AP environmental science, and even physics and chemistry. I also started an ACT prep program, worked on committees to implement the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and redesign the district’s biology curriculum, and coached football.
It seemed I had found a home, gained a foothold in building a solid career. I started a master’s degree in science education to fortify my content knowledge. Then, in October 2014, my mother passed away, and it broke me. She was my mentor and inspiration, not only for teaching, but life in general. I remember our annual August shopping trips to buy school supplies for the upcoming year and helping her work my school’s holiday craft fair, where she sold handmade quilts and other crafted wares.
Mom helping out with one of my school’s excursions.
I lost all passion for teaching. Following the 14-15 school year, I resigned, not knowing what to do next. At the time, it didn’t matter. Over the next several years, I worked as a substitute teacher in Denver, taking assignments in areas that might offer me some direction, such as elementary education and small-group intervention. I eventually accepted an assignment in an autism center program and lo and behold, the spark returned. I felt an immediate connection with the remarkable, challenging, and exceptional students in the program. This was where I needed to be. These were the students I needed to support.
I became the program and school’s preferred sub, and over the next three years, I spent 60+ days a year in that building, working mostly in the center program. I vowed to earn a degree in special education and make it my new career. I transitioned to subbing in Jefferson County and sought out assignments in center programs. During one assignment, while shoveling snow with the principal, I was offered a long-term sub assignment in the school’s center program. This led to a paraprofessional position in the program and allowed me to finally begin a master’s degree program in special education.
This is also where I met an extraordinary young man who would become my inspiration and friend (as well as the case study for most of my master’s program’s field work). A brilliant, unpredictable, twice exceptional (autism/gifted in general intellectual ability) second grader at the time of our first meeting, we hit it off right way, sharing our interest in science, science fiction, and of course, cats. He challenges me in the best ways possible, and he receives the best support and understanding I have to offer.
Over the last three years including summers, I worked with this student individually and continue to do so. His growth in all areas, academic, social/emotional, adaptive, and behavioral, has been nothing short of spectacular. Surprising? Not at all. This kid is a genius, the most intelligent person I’ve ever met, and I have Cal Tech PhD alum, Mensa members, and noted historians in my family.
Speaking of family, I built a strong working relationship and friendship with his. His mother is heavily involved in the autism and neurodivergent communities. Her support, mentorship, and encouragement has been invaluable as I pursue this venture.
So, after 50-odd years on this rock, I believe I finally found my niche. I’m not done growing and learning, and humble enough to realize I don’t have it all figured out. But I know what I’m good at and where I can be of the most service and offer the best support.
So, why Rapport Tutoring? It’s all about building relationships and offering individualized support in an environment conducive to learning. Our students are very intuitive. They can tell when someone is invested in the work they do, invested in them, and they can tell when someone isn’t. Rapport unlocks the door to engagement, which leads to fostering a growth mindset. It’s the most powerful tool I have at my disposal and one I’ve become an expert in using.
If you’d like to know more, please contact me.
Thank you for reading and have a great day!
Rapport Tutoring 