Bio

I'm a retired educator based in Tucson, Arizona. I was born and raised in what's now known as Silicon Valley, in Northern California. I was educated at UCLA and at UC Santa Cruz, where I earned a Fine Arts degree, specializing in printmaking. I moved to Tucson thirty years ago, and it's my favorite place in the world. Prior to my teaching career I was a freelance journalist, cartoonist, illustrator and editor, and author of four books on American history and politics. I am uniquely qualified to coach students through the writing process, to help them to become better readers, and to guide them through their courses in civics, history and social studies. My daughters have gone off to college, and I live here with my wife Nan, a social worker, and my cat Abbott, a goofball.

Teacher Specialization

I spent 16 years teaching here in Tucson, Arizona: Three years in elementary school; one year as a floating K-12 sub; four years as a middle school art teacher; and eight years teaching social studies for grades 7 & 8. I am also certified as an ELA instructor, and have taught courses in yearbook production, video technology, cartooning, and career counseling. In 2019 my colleagues selected me as Teacher of the Year. Since retirement, I have occasionally worked as a K-12 substitute.

Courses