John Dewey wrote, "I believe that education, therefore, is a process of living and not a preparation for future living." The process of living to which Dewey refers lies in the tension between theory and practice, truth and relationship. Over the last 14 years, I have taught individuals from nine years old to 65 years old, and I have explored the education process as a teacher and as a life-long student.

I began teaching fifth grade public school students in 1996. I spent hours at night and on the weekends preparing lessons and learning experiences for my students. That group of 26 students and their accompanying parents became my family. Since that first teaching job, I have taught fourth through seventh grade outside of Chicago, Illinois and Nashville, Tennessee. Each of my students has impacted me as a teacher. With those students always in mind, I have mentored, coached, developed curriculum, written grants, created summer academies, written state science assessments for a variety of states, and attempted to be a teacher worthy of my students. I am the director and founder of Ultimate Sports and Science Camp, which was created to provide students a place to focus on inquiry-based, engaged learning in chemistry, physics, and sports.

In May 2008, I completed a doctorate in leadership, policy, and organizations from Vanderbilt University. This degree exposed me to the vast world of education.

In 2008-2009, I continued my education in the real world of leaders, policy, and organizations at the U.S. Department of Education. This opportunity allowed me to serve in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, and after the inauguration, in the Office of the Secretary. I was able to work with great people on policy issues related to school leadership, teacher compensation, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, as well as issues related to human capital domain.

In the fall of 2009, I became an Assistant Professor of Education at Wheaton College, a small liberal arts college 25 miles west of Chicago. In addition to teaching and supporting some amazing pre-service teachers in the college classroom as well as diverse elementary and middle school classrooms, I was able to continue my research and policy work. I was able to serve as a peer reviewer and consultant for several organizations including the U.S. Department of Education, the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching, and the Center for Teaching Quality. I have been able to travel around the country studying how states and districts are supporting and compensating teachers in ways that improve student outcomes. Most importantly, I am continually reminded of how great teachers change the lives of students every day. My research has resulted in several articles and trips to Washington, DC to continue to magnify the voice of teachers in policy discussions.