Biography

	Mr. Tyler's House of Math! Biography

Here lies all of the information that you never wanted to know!

My photo Name: Erven "Skip" Tyler, Jr.
Birthday: September 7, 1967
Married: November 21, 1992
Kids: Several collies and cats (they are my kids!). The number always changes!
Likes: Virginia Tech Hokies, Boston Red Sox, animals, humor
Dislikes: People who do not work to their potential.

My life story: I was born in West Point, NY and was the youngest of three children. My father, who was in the Army for 30 years, my mother, and my two older sisters grew up in a life filled with travel. By the time I reached 8th grade, I had already lived in New York, Massachussetts, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Kansas, Florida, and finally Virginia. Because of the traveling, I got to see a lot of new places, make a lot of new friends, and learn a lot about the country. In 1980, I moved to Poquoson (in Tidewater near Hampton and Newport News) and went to Poquoson High School. I graduated in 1985 and made the best decision in my life - going to Virginia Tech!

Hokie Bird I began my Virginia Tech career with a Computer Science major but changed it to Mathematics after my second year. I also continued taking Art classes and ended up getting a minor in Art as well. At this point in time, I never wanted to become a teacher. Being somewhat shy and reserved, I had no desire to get up in front of people and talk. Future events would change my mind and shape me to what I am today. In my final semester of college, I met a wonderful girl who would soon become my wife! (I told you VT was a great decision for me!).

After graduation in 1989, I worked at Norfolk Iron Works as a computer programmer designing programs for estimating and costing. After six months on the job, I realized that I was not happy and quit in search of a new one. While searching, I was a substitute teacher, football coach and private tutor at Hampton Roads Academy. I realized very quickly that I enjoyed teaching and had overcome my fear of presenting to a group. I went to Christopher Newport University and got my teaching certification in 1990.

I taught summer school at Lafayette High School prior to accepting a job at Varina High School in 1991. In my years at Varina, I have continued to grow and learn new things as I have taken on added responsibilities. I taught myself computer skills and began implementing them into my classroom in 1996. I analyzed my teaching practice and made changes and revisions to how I teach and interact with staff and students. I completed my Masters degree in Instructional Technology in 2003 and National Board Certification in 2004. I continue to implement these ideas into my current instruction. As a teacher, I feel it is very important and necessary to model that learning is lifelong as I keep growing and learning with my students. I have continued this growth as I changed jobs in September, 2009 and moved to Central Office as the Educational Specialist for Mathematics. Boy, have I got a lot to learn! :)

I hope to share my excitement and passion for teaching with every one of you. You will find that I incorporate humor, sarcasm, and music into everything I do in an effort to have fun while learning. By the time I am through with you, I hope that you will adopt the attitude that it is necessary to have fun while giving 100% in all that you do (even if you don't like doing it!). My motto for my students - You may hate math but I want you to love hating math! My motto for my colleagues - Step out of your comfort zone and continue to do the best that you can do.

With that said, feel free to contact me and talk with me about anything that's on your mind. As I get to know you, you become part of my family. Every one of you is special to me in a unique way!