An inspired and well educated America can accomplish so much, from developing the fields of science and technology to great humanitarian endeavors.”
Ian’s Story
Ian is a teacher at heart, but he took a winding path before deciding to teach high school at 27. After high school, Ian toured professionally with circuses, but was more interested in coaching. He danced competitively with a swing dancing team, but was more interested in teaching dance. While studying Physics, he was also drawn to Psychology, Sociology, and education research courses. Finally, a friend who noted this pattern, sat Ian down and told him he needed to look into education.
While finishing his degree in Physics at the University of Colorado at Boulder, Ian took an intro to teaching course and observed a middle school mathematics teacher who opened his eyes to the fact that the type of instruction he cared about was possible in a traditional public school setting.
Between a variety of upper-level Mathematics courses, inspiring pedagogy teachers, and playing with math with students, Ian has come to love teaching math. He believes that everyone should study math for the same reasons everyone should study the arts – it is beautiful and enriches our lives. He is most passionate about supporting students who have a rocky relationship with mathematics and helping them see themselves in the subject.
After teaching in Colorado and Arizona, Ian is now teaching in Bellingham, Washington, where he lives with his partner and 4 cats.