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Philosophy
I became a teacher because I love learning and I love books. I couldn’t imagine having a career that doesn’t involve learning or reading. Teaching provided the opportunity to do both. I love the teaching moments when I disappear as “the teacher” and become a member of a learning community. It is this, that shapes my teaching philosophy.
I believe that students learn best when they are active in the learning process. This means that I avoid delivering knowledge as much as possible. I prefer to pose problems to the students and let them work with their peers to discover the knowledge they need to answer the problem. This often leads to new insights that I might not have had and consequently I learn new ideas in the process.
Education
I am currently pursing a Master’s Degree in English with an emphasis on teaching. I’m also taking courses in Educational Leadership at Western Michigan University.
I received my teaching certification for Secondary English at Sierra Nevada College.
I received a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Philosophy/Religion from Adrian College.
Ultimately I will pursue a Doctorate in English with an emphasis in teaching.
Personal
I am the father of two. I have a son that is four and a stepdaughter that is sixteen. I love being a father, it has brought such a new and wonderful perspective to my life.
I confess that I play video games, mainly with my son. I read constantly, usually two to three books at a time. One is always for simple pleasure, one is to enhance my knowledge and often a third to help me with teaching. In addition to reading books, I read quite a few blogs.
Between classes, work, and raising my children I don’t get out much these days, but as my son gets older we will be doing more traveling. I love exploring the U.S., but I am particularly fond of England and Ireland. I am a huge fan of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. My favorite place in the world is Oxford, England. It has such a rich history of learning and writing.
Mr. Pippenger 