School of Rock

Middle School, High School, Higher Education • Rock and Roll History • U.S. History / American Government

I thrive on creating engaging and unique opportunities where students can gather information (with guided support and instruction), process and analyze that information, formulate thoughtful opinions, and then share their conclusions with teachers and classmates.

• Teacher of the Year - Honorary Service Award from PTA (2007) • LIVESTRONG Award from Lance Armstrong (2008) • Scott Delgadillo Kindness Award (2009)

• B.A., Political Science, History, Education • M. Ed., Instructional Technology • K-12 History Credential for the State of California • Certified California Teacher of English Learners (CTEL/CLAD)

I have been passionate about music from an early age, singing and playing piano and guitar since I was a child. While attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I studied black music history with renowned jazz bassist Richard Davis, performed as both a solo artist and with several bands, and managed a live music venue in downtown Madison. After earning my master's degree in education, I settled in Los Angeles, where I became an award-winning social studies teacher and created a very successful Rock and Roll History course for secondary students. In 2008, Lance Armstrong awarded me with the LIVESTRONG Award for the programs that I developed in support of students and families battling cancer in Southern California. After teaching Social Studies and History coursework to middle school and high school for over ten years, I currently work as an author, music historian, and the archive director for the Chuck Boyd Photo Collection. “The Rock & Roll Alphabet” (Mojo Hand LLC), was my first publishing endeavor. In my capacity as educator, music historian, and a dad, I created this critically acclaimed ‘Rock and Roll ABC’ book using engaging rhymes and beautiful photographs. My second book, entitled “Forever Young: The Rock & Roll Photography of Chuck Boyd,” (Santa Monica Press) will be released in October 2012. Each of these books showcase incredible images from legendary Rock and Roll photographer Chuck Boyd, and reflect my expertise and passion for rock history and music education.