1. Mr. Devore A.K.A. Mr. D. About Me: 1 st I am an old guy, yea you can say it, I don’ t mind. 2 nd Teaching is a second career for me. 3 rd Before I became a teacher I was in the U.S. Air Force not as a pilot or even an officer but as a sheet metal technician basically a body and fender man for the aircraft.

2. As a former service member I bring a lot of life experience to the table. When we discuss Europe in social studies you should know I lived there for ten years and can probably give some pretty good first hand accounts on the regions and cultures. As a sheet metal worker math was critical to my success, so when you ask me “when will I ever use insert math topic ?” Chances are I can come up with some real life application for just about anything.

3. Reading- I LOVE reading usually I read science fiction or fantasy but I can get into just about anything as long as it is written well. Games- I like all kinds of games, board games, card games, mental and physical puzzles, anything that challenges my mind.

4. Pre-college Education- I went to a small public school down state. Not really important but I want you to know we are not so different. Life experience- 20 years in the Military traveled the world including Europe Asia and the Middle East. College- University of St. Francis with a degree in elementary education.

5. My primary goal is to create a safe learning environment. No one likes to be laughed at or made fun of so eliminating that is one of my first priorities. My next goal is to make learning fun. Yes we have to study and work hard, but I want us to enjoy what we are doing. Finally as a new teacher I want to learn to be better at what I do. Unfortunately for you this is my first year in 5 th grade too, so I will be making mistakes right along side you but if I can learn from those mistakes next year’s class will have an even better teacher then you did.

6. Be respectful- of others and yourself. Come to class prepared Be honest- don’t compound a mistake by lying about it. Ask for help if required. Give help if asked. And finally remember we are all in this together so lets take care of each other.

7. Now lets show this school what a motivated group of 5 th graders can accomplish when they set their minds to it. ANYTHING…