Education: Student Questions for Mr. B

 What is Mr. B's favorite thing to do in class?

I am most happy when students that I am working with achieve a learning breakthrough.

I also really like students giving each other compliments, when they are deep and meaningful (We do a compliment circle in our class once a week).

What stuff do you like?

You have probably already figured out that I like my dogs, music, tabletop games, and reading.   I also like acting (stage), watching movies, building models, and doing volunteer work in my community.

Do you have any allergies?

Yes, I am allergic to onions.  They give me stomach cramps - and other, nasty symptoms.

When did you start teaching?

There are a couple of different answers to that.   I was a swimming instructor when I was a teenager, and a peer coach when I was in the Army.   When I went to college I worked as a "teacher"/"counselor" at after school programs and summer camps, and taught elementary PE "specials" classes.  In the Air Force, I was a firearms safety instructor.

I also volunteered in elementary school literacy/reading programs.

I started teaching in the K-12 classroom in January of 2005, as a high school teacher.    I have taught every grade from Kinder to 12th grade, as well as adult students.   I taught at high schools and middle schools before becoming an elementary teacher   I first taught 4th grade as a student teacher in 2010, and havetaught seven 4th grade classes.   This is my first year teaching 3rd grade.

When is your birthday?

My birthday is the same as the birthday of one of my childhood heroes - a man I still admire.  His birthday is a national holiday.  I will share more clues to my birthday and age throughout the year.

Do you like being a teacher?

No, I don't "like" being a teacher - I love being a teacher.  I would not be a teacher if I didn't love it.  It is a hard job, takes a lot of time and energy, and there are bad days - but when there are good days, they are the greatest in the world.

How long were you in the military?

I started participating in ROTC two years before I enlisted in the Army Reserves, and then served in the Army, Army Reserves (again), Army National Guard, Air Force Reserves, Air National Guard, and Air Force over a period of almost 20 years.  During part of that time, I was a military spouse.

Have you done something really fun in your life?

Yes.  I have done a lot of fun and enjoyable things.  I try to do fun stuff as much as possible. I hope we have a lot of fun learning together this year.

What is your greatest fear?

My biggest fear is not being able to help my students when they really need help.

Did you do something really embarrassing?

All the time.   I make a lot of mistakes - because if you are learning and trying new things, you won't be perfect from the start.

Are you married?

I am not married.   I was married once, a long time ago, but made some mistakes, so it didn't last.  I would like to be married again, but only if I meet the right person.  I hope I learned from my mistakes the first time, and would do better if I get married again.

Do you have kids?

I do not have any kids of my own, just the ones I work with at school.   I think of my students as my kids, and care about them just as if they were my own. 

Why do you like Totoro so much?

Totoro is a creature in one of my favorite movies.  He is fat, loves nature, loves taking naps, and protects children.  He can also be super-loud when he needs to be.  I think he is a lot like me.  He is my "spirit animal".