Mr. Eck

My science careeer began in the United States Navy where I served as a Nuclear Reactor Operator on board the USS Truxtun (CGN-35). The Truxtun was the smallest nuclear-powered surface vessel in the US Navy. While onboard I served as one of the two reactor data officers and was responsible for calculating how much fuel (Uranium) was consumed. I used the calculus, physics, and chemistry I learned in school - real world STEM! 

After comnpleting my commitment ot the Navy, I used my GI Bill to attend Bloomsburg University where I completed a degree in Psychology, focusing on early childhood and adolescent development. After college, I worked in children's mental health as a caseworker. 

After a few years of casework, I decided to become a foster home for teenagers on juvenile probation who needed to be placed outside of their home. While a foster parent, the comnpany I worked for asked if I would be interested in teaching math at their Alternative Education Program for Disruptive Youth (AEDY). I continued as a foster parent for ten years and have been teaching for seventeen years at AEDY programs. 

Last summer I had three different colleagues at summer camp encourage me to look into getting a teaching position at St. Columba School. There were no positions available, but I did find a posting for the Science position at St. Joseph. One of those camp friends had also given me a copy of "Who Moved My Cheese" by Dr. Spencer Johnson. One of the points of the book is that it is usually not good to get stuck in the same old routines. We had several conversations, shared some prayers, and believe that God was opening up a door for me. I stepped through.

Outside of school, I serve as the Camp Director for Camp Lavigne, the area Boy Scouts of America Camp. I am also a National Camp School certified Aquatics Director and a Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor.

I enjoy watching Steelers football, finding unique places to stop when on vacation, and hanging out with our grandson.