The school year is officially done. We did it! Nice job.

The next school year is still a ways away; no need to think about it…not yet anyway!

July is a month to chill, relax, reflect, and recharge! ⛱?

The end of the school year also concludes season 3 of the Chromebook Classroom podcast!

But don’t worry, season 4 will start in August!

Rather than bombard you with new ideas for your classroom, I thought I would introduce myself.

I’m the guy behind the microphone!

Here are 10 quick facts about my life that will explain my perspective on education, business, and life!

1️⃣ I am the oldest of 7 kids….and we were all home schooled

This year, my youngest sister graduated from high school. My mother has been home schooling for more than 25 years! This summer we have wedding #5 which will bring us all together for a brief moment.

2️⃣ I have taught in many different countries.

After high school I spent a lot of time traveling eastern Europe, volunteering in schools. I have taught in Romania, Serbia, Hungry, Kosovo, England, and the Philippines.

I spent three months teaching in Bucharest, Romania between high school and college.

3️⃣ I attended the University of Oxford in England

My degree is from Spring Arbor University in Michigan which has an exchange program with Oxford University. I completed my English degree in Oxford and my biology minor at Spring Arbor.

My wife (girlfriend at the time) attended Oxford as well. She is smarter and better looking than me.

4️⃣ My wife, Nellie, and I have 5 kids and have been married 12 years.

Five kids in 10 years: Jonelle (11), John (9), Lillian (7), Ellie (5), Caleb (3)

5️⃣ I taught high school biology outside of Detroit, Michigan

I have taught biology, AP biology, anatomy & physiology, heath, PE, Bible, yearbook and coached the Science Olympiad team.

6️⃣ I have a masters degree in administration and was the principal of a virtual high school for two years.

This is a  view of the Liberty University Campus in Lynchburg, Virginia where I earned my M.E.d. in school administration.

7️⃣ My wife and I are serial entrepreneurs.

We have worked on seven different businesses together over the past 12 years.
One of our business ventures was a traditional retail store called Bloom Baby and Kids. That one didn’t go so well. Being an entrepreneur isn’t for the faint of heart!

8️⃣ It was never my plan to be an EdTech consultant!

It all started quite accidentally when I helped my school launch a 1:1 ipad program in 2011.

9️⃣ My company, Sowash Ventures, is a small, 1-man show! (Just me and a Chromebook!)

I work from home in a converted walk-in closet upstairs! I have many “visitors” throughout the day.

Most of the work that I do, I give away for free on my blog, podcast, and social media accounts.

If you like my free content, you can invite me to speak at your school, buy a copy of my book, or register for one of my online courses.

It is truly remarkable that I get to serve educators full time by writing, speaking, and recording.

Thanks for listening to the Chromebook Classroom podcast! This recording officially ends season 3 of the show!

But you won’t have to wait long; season 4 starts in August!