Our students and staff know him as Mr. B. Around the community he is known as an advocate for the rights of children to grow into the best version of themselves. We asked Mr. B a few questions about his path to education and what he loves most about his role at AACA. You might be surprised to know that when he’s not busy making AACA an incredible place to learn, he is also enrolled in a graduate program! Mr. B is a terrific role model for what we hope our students will be: life-long learners.
How long have you worked at Almond Acres?
It was my privilege to help open AACA in 2012. Prior to AACA I loved teaching social studies, counseling high school students, being a high school principal, and teaching new teachers at the University of LaVerne. I began my career as an educator in 1985.
When did you know you wanted to work in education?
In my senior year of college, I had to decide whether or not I was going to go to law school or work on a teaching credential. I absolutely loved studying history, government, and economics. What to do, what to do? I was invited to teach a class at a local high school and was hooked. I find great joy in helping people to learn and working with parents to help them grow great kids. My enthusiasm and joy back in 1985 is as fresh and gratifying now as I work with our AACA children.
Who was your favorite teacher and why?
The most influential mentor I have had in my career was Fr. Tom Buckley. Tom was an outstanding history professor at Loyola Marymount University and the dearest friend I could ask for. Tom encouraged me to pursue my gifts and talents and was the one who invited me into the teaching profession. He witnessed our marriage and baptized my children. To this day his encouraging words brighten my mind and help me to “do the next right thing”.
What do you love most about your role?
I love the privilege of being Mr. B. I feel like a superhero when I walk into a classroom or play with the students on the playground. There is nothing more satisfying than to know that you can make a positive influence on a child.
What else would you like us to know about YOU?
I am blessed to have seven wonderful children and five grandchildren. I live out in the countryside of Creston and find great joy in life on a ranch and working in my woodshop. I am currently in a graduate school program with Santa Clara University studying theology and hope to use my ministry skills in my retirement years.
About AACA
Almond Acres Charter Academy is a public, tuition-free K-8 school that employs credentialed teachers and administers state-mandated testing to provide families in northern SLO County an additional choice in public education. Open to all students from all communities, AACA is currently in a temporary Paso Robles location until our new purpose built building opens for the 2021-2022 school year. AACA’s mission is to help students succeed academically and socially by educating the whole child: heart, mind, body and soul. We grow great kids!
