Welcome

This is my first post. Accordingly, I'll let you know a little about me--where I'm coming from, what I do, and why I created this blog.

"Who am I? Why am I here?" If you recognize that quote and got a kick out of it, you're just the type of reader I'm looking for!** I'm Darren, your friendly host. Currently I teach high school math at a nice suburban Sacramento high school. Prior to teaching high school I taught 6 years in junior highs, worked as a production/manufacturing manager in a few Silicon Valley startups, and served as a lieutenant in the Army. I'm a 1987 West Point graduate.

I teach. In California. Yes, I'm a member of the California Teachers Association. I'm also a registered Republican and hold fairly conservative political beliefs--although you'll find I hold fairly independent social views. Still, using the political colors so in vogue these days, I'm "red awash in a sea of blue", especially where I work.

When did red, the color of communism, start being associated with Republicans, anyway? Sheesh!

I often feel like a voice in the wilderness. Because of that I've created this blog--on which I'll periodically share anecdotes, give opinion and/or commentary, and provide links to articles or other interesting blogs. I'll write about education, I'll write about politics and current events, I'll write about what educators say about politics and current events!

I hope you'll be intellectually satisfied by what you read, even if you disagree.


**The quote is from Admiral Stockdale, Ross Perot's vice presidential running mate, at the beginning of a candidate debate. He came across as a fool. In fact, I've heard Admiral Stockdale speak in person and have read articles he's authored. He's a brilliant man. Unfortunately, he was a much better admiral than a vice presidential candidate, given our television-oriented culture.