nJeff’s philosophy about teaching is simple. He agrees with Madeline Hunter when she said, “Kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” What this means to Jeff is that you are not going to reach some kids academically until you first reach them on the “human-to-human” level. Often times, the main ingredient missing in a lot of our classrooms today is an authentic connection with kids. Jeff believes that the research is clear, when students know you value them as human beings they will work harder and challenge you less. He also believes teachers don’t need new, trendy programs with catchy names. Jeff believes teachers need to be given research-based, proven, practical strategies and applications that teachers can start implementing immediately – without throwing anything out that is working in their classroom.

Jeff believes educators have one of the toughest jobs in America as they are asked every day to wear many different hats – mom, dad, nurse, counselor, teacher, advisor – just to name a few. He also believes it can be one of the most rewarding vocations.

Jeff understands that students come into our classrooms and schools with different backgrounds and cultures and their cognitive abilities, assets and experiences are just as wide-ranging. The “one size fits all” approach does not work to reach all students, honor their unique genius, and help them thrive.

Jeff also believes that perhaps the biggest unchallenged assumption by many today about education is that kids are coming to school willing and ready to learn. As educators, we know this is often not the case. We have a generation of kids coming to our schools basically un-socialized. It is essential to intentionally teach the behaviors that lead them to success in our classrooms and beyond!

Jeff is dedicated to helping educators be successful and find joy in teaching through motivation, inspiration, humor and a common-sense approach to classroom management and instruction. Most importantly, he offers educators many proven, practical strategies that they can use immediately. Ultimately, he believes we can change the world, one student at a time, when our schools are led by enthusiastic, well-prepared, and loving teachers who have more time to do what they love…TEACH.