War Games

I just finished my book talk on War Games by Audrey & Akila Couloumbis.  It is a good book.  It would be a good book for insight into World War II in other countries.  It is a fiction book but it is based on a true story.  It recounts what Akila Couloumbis' family went through during World War II.  He was born in the U.S. but his family is Greek.  His family moved back from the U.S. to Greece during the Great Depression and was caught there when Germany declared war on Europe.  In the book, the family is faced with the fact that the German army is invading Greece and this particular family has U.S. ties.  They have to hide their identity from the Germans.  A German colonel moves into their house to live there while the army occupies their town.  The main character of the book is a twelve-year-old boy who is faced with decisions that could affect his family and possibly his country.  The book has some intense moments and would be a good read for 6th to 8th graders.  Once I got into the book, it was hard to put down. 

Jobless: Blessing or Curse?

After going to class on Saturday, I have mixed emotions on my current position.  I currently do not have a job as a teacher.  It definitely sucks to know that I will have to wait another full year to graduate.  But, after talking to my fellow MAT's on Saturday, teaching and going to school has been tough on them.  It is good to sit back and try to learn from others, but at the same time, I want to be on the front lines learning for myself.  I learn by doing.  So, having to sit back and wait has been very difficult for me.  I will be substituting in the near future, but how much can that prepare me as a teacher?  Sure, I am in the classroom, but I am following someone else's planning, procedures, etc.  It could possibly help me a lot.  I guess I won't know until I get in there.  Can't wait!!!

All About Me

Hi, my name is Zach Dean.  I am an Arkansan, born and bred.  I have lived here all except nine months of my life.  Those nine months were spent in Charlotte, NC.  It is a beautiful place.  I would recommend it to anyone.  I am married to my beautiful wife of nine years (we just celebrated our anniversary) and have two handsome boys (7 and 10 months) and one beautiful girl (5).  These four people are my life!!! 

I graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville (Go Hogs!!!) with my Bachelors of Science in Education.  My emphasis was in recreation.  UofA Monticello is my fourth college to attend.  I started at the UofA Fort Smith, attended the University of the Ozarks and finally ended up at the UofA Fayetteville, graduating from there.  I was the executive director of our local Boys & Girls Club for three years before deciding to get my Masters and teach.  I love seeing kids use their giftings and helping them reach their full potential.  I would one day like to coach at the high school level.   

I have a passion for sports.  Most sports will do for me as long as I am playing them.  I am at home if I am on a field, court or course.  My favorites are golf and baseball.  I enjoy watching baseball, golf and football.  I am an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.  I am not so happy right now with them being four games back to the Reds with just over a month to play.  However, Albert Pujols just hit his 400th career homerun last night.  A truly amazing feat.  I cannot imagine hitting that many homeruns.  I am definitely excited about the upcoming college football season.  The Hogs are ranked 17th in some polls and that is their highest preseason ranking in a long time.  There are high hopes for this year, I just hope there won't be a huge disappointment!