Resumé

I have a BS degree in applied ecology from Western Washington University/Huxley College of Environmental Studies in Bellingham, Washington. I also studied wildlife biology for one year at the University of Alaska at Fairbanks, and I received a scholarship England’s famed Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust. However, I’m primarily self-taught.

I was a bookworm as a child and have long been a self-learner, with a very questioning mind. Most of what I know about natural history, politics and writing I taught myself; the world is my classroom.

Ironically, the classroom where I learned about education was the classroom, even if I never studied education in college. Instead, I worked in public education for sixteen years, frequently as a de facto teacher, when many certified teachers don’t last more than one year.

My travels and employment with several government agencies (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, National Park Service, Alaska Department of Fish & Game, North Slope Borough Environmental Protection Office and University of Washington) and one school district have given me insights into many of the things I write about. Living in one of America’s most corrupt cities (Seattle) and running for public office four times have also been invaluable experiences.

My lifelong interest in natural history has transformed me into a fairly proficient zoologist. As trivial as the subject may seem, I’m probably the foremost authority on state symbols. At the risk of sounding arrogant, I think I know more about education reform than just about any teacher you’ll ever meet.

But you’re free to judge for yourself; my qualifications are on display for the entire world to see. (See also Accomplishments)

> Resumé