: About Me

In my younger days I had lots of fun and success with math, so my focus was on becoming an accountant. Although I'm still pretty good with numbers, my focus shifted to words as a college student.

I found that I loved writing stories for newspapers and other publications. And I had a great time working on the design of those publications, too. This eventually led to a major in communications and a career in the newspaper/publishing industry. I have worked as a newspaper reporter and editor, sports editor and a publications assistant at a local publishing company.

A combination of different factors slowly brought that career to an end, but my love of writing and editing has been rekindled here at helium.com. And I still get to work with English and spelling skills quite often in the classroom while helping young people as a paraeducator (special education) and substitute teacher in various roles.

I am married with two children in Missouri, where I have lived my entire life, and the son of a preacher man. I am in tune with classic rock, but like several other kinds of music as well. And on top of it all, I am a huge sports fan (baseball beats all).

My passion is ...

Sports

I know too much about ...

Life as a newspaper man

My parents always told me ...

Smile...it will get better soon

My childhood ambition ...

Playing for either St. Louis Cardinals team

My favorite memory ...

Meeting my newborn children

Why I write ...

To express, explain and make others aware

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

Faithful (by Stewart O'Nan and Stephen King)/ESPN Networks/Classic rock (Aerosmith tops the list)

My first job ...

Cooking in a steakhouse

My best moment ...

Leaving the hospital following a near-death experience

My inspiration ...

God and my father

Jobs & Careers > Education Jobs How to have fun as a substitute teacher

1 of 4

Regardless of what it is called, there is no substitute for spending a day or even a few hours with a group of enthusiastic young people at school. The wishes of every absent teacher are different, and the needs of each grade level elementary, middle school, high school, and even special education classes are as diverse as the students themselves. But when it comes to having a good time, that is something everyone involved is interested in. After all, aren't kids (and teachers) always looking for something fun to do at school? When students see that their "regular" teacher is gone, they au...

More..

Writing:

Rating:

• Creative Writing Bronze
• Professional Journalist
• Editorial Advisory Board
• Marketplace Approved Writer
• Helium Charter Member