How has teaching virtually been so far? What have been some challenges? How did you overcome them?

I was ok with remote learning. I think the challenges are with the hybrid, but you have to overcome these challenges by remembering that it's still a class and every successful class has a classroom culture that allows students to be students. I have to forget that it's hybrid/remote and do what I do best and that is; teach my subject.

What do you miss most about the normal school year?

I miss the normal.

What can/do students do that make the virtual experience better for you?

Actually my virtual experience really hasn't been bad. My students really have worked hard and I am getting very good artwork from them. So really, my students have made me very happy.

What’s your most memorable experience teaching?

It actually happens every year- The Senior Art Show. It's just a time for me to reflect on everything that happens in a given school year and gives me a great sense of pride that my students have met my challenge and are ready for the next phase of their lives.

What’s your teaching philosophy?

Make your life a work of art!

What is something most people don’t know about you?

Most people don't know I have a black belt in Tang Soo Do. Which is a Korean Martial Art. It's based on a set of moves demonstrating a defensive or aggressive action. Basically you are learning counter moves in self defense.

What’s your biggest advice to high school students?

Pay attention!!

What’s your favorite movie?

This could be tough. I have a few; Rocky, Goodfellas, Airplane and every Batman movie in existence.

What’s your favorite book?

Every Stephen King book but The Stand, stands above all of them.

Who is your favorite musical artist?

Is this a loaded question? There is no way I can name one, so get your pen ready; Kiss, Led Zeppelin, Sabbath, Iron Maiden, U2, The Cure, Judas Priest, Metallica, The Smiths, Motley Crue, Prince, Depeche Mode, The Beatles, Earth, Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, Queen, Van Halen, Ac/Dc,Hall and Oates, Bruce Springsteen, The Cars, Cheap Trick, The Spinners,The Ramones, The Jam, Talking Heads, Ozzy Osbourne, The Police- just a few of the top of my head.

New bands The Struts, Volbeat, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Nightsweats, The Glorious Sons, Greta Van Fleet and Royal Blood.

Any hobbies?

I play electric guitar, collect records, and love riding my bike at the beach.

If you weren’t a teacher, what would you want to be?

A beach bum.