Hello!  My name is Mr. Philip. 

I have lived in Oregon most of my life, growing up in Eugene and on the Central Oregon Coast.  I have a Bachelor's Degree in Urban & Physical Geography from the University of Oregon, and a Master Degree in Teaching Methods from Pacific University  (Forest Grove, Oregon).

I worked for 15 years as a middle school teacher in the Beaverton School District and have also worked in the David Douglas, Hillsboro, Reynolds, and Riverdale School Districts.  Through substitute and permanent assignments, I've taught students in grades 1 - 12.  I especially like project-based learning, as I believe it best approximates a real-world/job situation. 

Before teaching, I was a commercial travel agent, and made travel arrangements for business travelers, as well as the sports team of The University of Oregon and Oregon State.  I was able to travel to several places in Italy and the former Yugoslavia, and extensively in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. 

I have a ten-year-old boy who will be in 5th grade next year.  I love to read, especially non-fiction and the newspaper, while keeping up on world events and cultures.