John worked in elementary education for 18 years.  His career in education includes 5 years as a third grade teacher in the Fairfax County Public Schools system in Virginia, 9 years as a second and third grade teacher in the Cherry Creek School District in Colorado, and 4 years as a Dean of Students in the Aurora Public Schools district in Colorado.  John earned a Masters degree in Elementary Education from George Mason University and has an elementary teaching license in Colorado.

Here's what John has to say about why he started Wayfinders:

"For years I witnessed the frustrations that students, families, and teachers experience when children don’t fit into the mold designed by our public education system.  Worst of all, I’ve seen countless students whose curiosity and passion for learning diminished every year as they accommodated themselves to the structures of the traditional classroom.

I had been slowly coming to the realization that the fault lay more in the system and less in the students who are required to participate in it.  My thinking crystallized when I read Peter Gray’s book Free to Learn.  Gray outlines how public schools were created specifically to develop compliant citizens rather than individuals who are creative, independent problem solvers.  He also describes how children historically learned about their world through cooperative play and exploration instead of having adults tell them what to do and learn.

When I discovered the microschools movement and the KaiPod Catalyst program, I knew that I needed to start my own microschool.  With Wayfinders, I am creating a safe, caring environment for children that actually supports them in learning the skills they need to succeed and developing the passions and interests that give them joy and meaning.  I'm excited to offer this opportunity to our community!"