All About Mr. Lakes!!!

     The thing I like most about teaching English is that there is a story to EVERYTHING! I love a good story. Stories teach us things like: life lessons;the world around us and what's going on in it; belief systems. Another thing I love about stories is that every story has a hero. I love learning about heroes. I've been a comic book collector since childhood and have read many comics. 

     Comic book heroes not only taught me many important values, but comic books taught me how to love reading. It was because I had a teacher that recognized my love of comics and related it to high school English that sparked my love of literature, books, writing, and teaching.

     I pursued my love of literature and writing in my education after high school by studying English at UVU. There I completed my bachelors degree in English with a minor in Technical Writing. From there I went on to complete my Masters degree in Secondary Education at the University of Phoenix. I started teaching at Reagan Academy in 2007, and I love it!

     As a teacher, I love teaching my students about the world around them through the stories we read and reflect about. I love showing them that there are still heroes in the world, doing good in the world we live in. And, that they can be a hero too.

     If I had to pick one thing that I think is the MOST important thing students should learn and that I can teach them, it would be this : Common Sense and Common Courtesy. If everyone in the world practiced both of these things the world would be such a better place. Common sense means knowing when and whether its appropriate to do something. Common Courtesy means treating others as you yourself want to be treated. Both of these things are such minuscule things to do, but the impact they have on those around you is astounding!