About Mr. Fields
Bio:
I am a full-time Social Studies instructor at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL. This year is my fourth year at GHS and I am excited to be a part of the Hurricane family. Before joining the staff at GHS, I taught various courses at Orange Park High School in Orange Park, FL. At Orange Park, I taught primarily AP US History and grew the program at OPHS from 18 students to over 100 in my last year. In January of 2015, I was honored to be named the 2014-2015 Clay County District Teacher of the Year.
Literally the Sunday before pre-planning, I finished my second Master's of Education in Educational Leadership with Principal's Certification from the University of Florida. I also received my first M.Ed in Secondary Social Studies from the University of Florida in 2008. Prior to entering the graduate program at the University of Florida, I earned two Bachelor of Arts degrees in May of 2007. One of the Bachelor of Arts degrees was in History where my primary research focus was centered on the history of the American South. In the Fall of 2005, I completed an extensive Junior Colloquium program on the Southern Civil Rights Movement. My second Bachelor of Arts degree was in Political Science. In obtaining my degree in political science, I chose to focus on both political theory as well as the politics of the presidency and presidential campaigns. Before gaining admission into the University of Florida, I graduated suma cum laude with an Honors Diploma from DeLand High School where I was chosen both as a Top Dog (Senior Award) and the Top Social Studies student for the 2002-2003 school year.
Literally the Sunday before pre-planning, I finished my second Master's of Education in Educational Leadership with Principal's Certification from the University of Florida. I also received my first M.Ed in Secondary Social Studies from the University of Florida in 2008. Prior to entering the graduate program at the University of Florida, I earned two Bachelor of Arts degrees in May of 2007. One of the Bachelor of Arts degrees was in History where my primary research focus was centered on the history of the American South. In the Fall of 2005, I completed an extensive Junior Colloquium program on the Southern Civil Rights Movement. My second Bachelor of Arts degree was in Political Science. In obtaining my degree in political science, I chose to focus on both political theory as well as the politics of the presidency and presidential campaigns. Before gaining admission into the University of Florida, I graduated suma cum laude with an Honors Diploma from DeLand High School where I was chosen both as a Top Dog (Senior Award) and the Top Social Studies student for the 2002-2003 school year.
Why I Am a Teacher:
There are a couple of different reasons why I became a teacher. First of all, if you get two undergraduate degrees in History and Political Science, there are traditionally two options: law school or teach. For the first half or so of my undergraduate career at UF I was dead set on the former of those two choices. I took classes that I thought would be good practice for law school, I studied and took the LSAT, and I was a member of a Pre-Law Honor Society (Phi Alpha Delta). However, while I was doing those things, it felt to me like I was going through the motions. Doing this because that is what I thought that I should do. It was what I thought someone with my abilities and school performance was expected to do.
That all changed starting in the Fall of 2006 when I got a job working in the Extended Day Enrichment Program at an elementary school. I got the job because it was a pretty sweet gig for a college student. I worked 20 hours a week roughly from the hours of 1-6 a couple days a week. There were no weekend hours and no late nights which I loved because that meant I wouldn't have to worry about a part-time job getting in the way of my classes or my Gator sports activities. Little did I know that I would start a part-time job that would change the course of my career and life. While working in the EDEP program, I started spending time with a student, K., who was spending his sceond year in Kindergarten that school year. Spending time with him and working on his basic skills as simple as simple addition was extremely fulfilling for me. Seeing the light bulb turn on in his head as I was working with him turned on a light bulb in me. I found out that I enjoyed helping students discover that they could learn. After some soul-searching and thought, I decided to drop my law school applications and enter the Master's program at UF when I finished my undergraduate degrees.
I am also a teacher because I think so many students miss out on fulfilling their full potentital in the classroom because they are not presented the material effectively. I was lucky to have some great teachers along my high school career that made things like Manifest Destiny and the Supply/Demand Curve relevant to me. In my pre-law phase, I was never passionate about the law itself. I was passionate; however, about Social Studies. During my decision to become a teacher, I thought what better a job than getting to pass on my passion for American history to a capitve audience; to take concepts that students may have thought too hard or too boring because of previous school experiences, and show them in a different light about how relevant this material is. In this day in age when it seems like everyday there are new problems for us to solve and there are new people/societies to compete with, I feel that it is of the utmost imporance that this generation has there "lightbulbs" turned on with regards to Social Studies so they will have the light necessary to guide us through some tumultuous times.
Am I perfect? No. My wife will certainly be able to tell you that. I do; however, have a genuine passion for teaching in general and teaching the Social Studies specifically. My goal is for you to see that on a daily basis so like I said earlier you can get turned on to Social Studies and get the tools necessary to succeed on the next level (college) and help us create a better tomorrow together.
That all changed starting in the Fall of 2006 when I got a job working in the Extended Day Enrichment Program at an elementary school. I got the job because it was a pretty sweet gig for a college student. I worked 20 hours a week roughly from the hours of 1-6 a couple days a week. There were no weekend hours and no late nights which I loved because that meant I wouldn't have to worry about a part-time job getting in the way of my classes or my Gator sports activities. Little did I know that I would start a part-time job that would change the course of my career and life. While working in the EDEP program, I started spending time with a student, K., who was spending his sceond year in Kindergarten that school year. Spending time with him and working on his basic skills as simple as simple addition was extremely fulfilling for me. Seeing the light bulb turn on in his head as I was working with him turned on a light bulb in me. I found out that I enjoyed helping students discover that they could learn. After some soul-searching and thought, I decided to drop my law school applications and enter the Master's program at UF when I finished my undergraduate degrees.
I am also a teacher because I think so many students miss out on fulfilling their full potentital in the classroom because they are not presented the material effectively. I was lucky to have some great teachers along my high school career that made things like Manifest Destiny and the Supply/Demand Curve relevant to me. In my pre-law phase, I was never passionate about the law itself. I was passionate; however, about Social Studies. During my decision to become a teacher, I thought what better a job than getting to pass on my passion for American history to a capitve audience; to take concepts that students may have thought too hard or too boring because of previous school experiences, and show them in a different light about how relevant this material is. In this day in age when it seems like everyday there are new problems for us to solve and there are new people/societies to compete with, I feel that it is of the utmost imporance that this generation has there "lightbulbs" turned on with regards to Social Studies so they will have the light necessary to guide us through some tumultuous times.
Am I perfect? No. My wife will certainly be able to tell you that. I do; however, have a genuine passion for teaching in general and teaching the Social Studies specifically. My goal is for you to see that on a daily basis so like I said earlier you can get turned on to Social Studies and get the tools necessary to succeed on the next level (college) and help us create a better tomorrow together.
Get To KNow More AbouT Mr. Fields
Here's a little survey I found on Facebook. Just to give everyone a little bit of an idea of where I am coming from. To see that I also am a normal person, and not a robot.
1. First Name: David (or Dave)
2. Were you named after anyone? My great-uncle who actually goes by his middle name, Adriel
3. Do you like your handwriting? I do actually. I have always been competitive. So even early on I wanted to be the best at handwriting.
4. What is your favorite lunch meat? Anything from Lucky's
5. Kids? Twin two year-olds, Theodore Jefferson & Scarlett Joyce. Also, we have two dogs. A yellow labrador (Bruce) and an American Bulldog (Chipper)
6. Do you have a journal? Nope.
7. Do you use sarcasm a lot? It happens to be one of the languages that I am fluent in :)
8. Do you still have your tonsils? Yup.
9. Would you bungee jump? Definitely
10. What is your favorite cereal? Always has been a toss-up between Cinnamon Life and Cracklin' Oat Bran.
11. Do you un-tie your shoes when you take them off? Come to think of it...nope
12. Do you think you are strong? Mentally yes. Haven't really developed that old man strength yet.
13. What is your favorite ice cream? Peanut Butter Fudge Crunch from a local place in DeLand, FL called rodeo Whip. Closest thing I have found to it would be Publix's Buckeye Bonanza
14. What is the first thing you notice about people? Usually their face and their body language
15. Red or pink? Depends on the situation. I have been known to wear a pink shirt or two
16. Who do you miss the most? Usually my family back home in DeLand or my best friend from UF who lives in Chicago
17. The last thing you ate? Fish tacos with a watermelon salsa that I made from scratch for supper
18. Who are you listening to right now? Specifically right now a tailgate playlist on my iPod that has EVERYTHING on it (rap, country, Gator marching band). Lately, it is either Corey Smith, Bruce Springsteen, Zac Brown Band, or Eric Church. Country music is my favorite genre, but I honestly do listen to almost any genre of music.
19. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Green. Always has been a favorite color. Once heard something about it being the most common favorite color of geniuses.
20. Favorite smell? Coffee definitely towards the top with apple/cinnamon a close second. Always makes me remember the Fall.
21. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? My wife on our way home
22. Favorite drink? Sweet tea without a doubt. Used to drink it by the gallon. Now, water to be more health-conscious.
23. Favorite sport to watch? If you know me you know that I am not picky about watching sports either. Ranking in order my preferences would be: 1) College football 2) NFL 3) College basketball 4) MLB 5) College baseball 6) NBA (if there is any time left and nothing else is on the DVR)
24. Hair color? Black
25. Eye color? Blue
26. Do you wear contacts? Nope. Never had an issue with my vision *knock on wood*
27. Scary movies or happy ending? Happy ending I guess. Scary movies just usually seem corny to me.
28. Last movie you watched? Miracle with my classes at the end of the school year.
29. What color shirt are you wearing? Red polo shirt.
30. Summer or winter? Being a teacher, you have to say summer, but I do love cold weather better.
31. Favorite dessert? Cheesecake, especially the ones my wife/momma make. Again, not picky about food. Also love peanut butter chocolate brownies.
32. What book are you reading? See my book shelf below. It's the book on the far left of the top row.
33. What did you watch last on TV? AMC's Turn: Washington's Spies. Amazing show that does a great job with the history.
34. Favorite sounds? Probably marching band music on a college football Saturday.
35. Rolling Stones or Beatles? Neither. I think that they are both overrated. Springsteen > Beatles > Rolling Stones
36. What's on your DVR? Last Week Tonight, Big Bang Theory, Modern Family, Blackish, Fresh of the Boat, Yard Crashers, Fixer Upper, Turn, Game of Thrones, and a TON of detective shows that my wife likes to watch and I am then forced to watch as well in between sporting events :)
37. Furthest you have been from home? San Francisco, CA for a week for one of my friend's wedding. In September, I am going to Dallas for the Gators opening game against Michigan!
38. When were you born? September 6, 1984
39. Where were you born? West Volusia Hospital, DeLand, FL
1. First Name: David (or Dave)
2. Were you named after anyone? My great-uncle who actually goes by his middle name, Adriel
3. Do you like your handwriting? I do actually. I have always been competitive. So even early on I wanted to be the best at handwriting.
4. What is your favorite lunch meat? Anything from Lucky's
5. Kids? Twin two year-olds, Theodore Jefferson & Scarlett Joyce. Also, we have two dogs. A yellow labrador (Bruce) and an American Bulldog (Chipper)
6. Do you have a journal? Nope.
7. Do you use sarcasm a lot? It happens to be one of the languages that I am fluent in :)
8. Do you still have your tonsils? Yup.
9. Would you bungee jump? Definitely
10. What is your favorite cereal? Always has been a toss-up between Cinnamon Life and Cracklin' Oat Bran.
11. Do you un-tie your shoes when you take them off? Come to think of it...nope
12. Do you think you are strong? Mentally yes. Haven't really developed that old man strength yet.
13. What is your favorite ice cream? Peanut Butter Fudge Crunch from a local place in DeLand, FL called rodeo Whip. Closest thing I have found to it would be Publix's Buckeye Bonanza
14. What is the first thing you notice about people? Usually their face and their body language
15. Red or pink? Depends on the situation. I have been known to wear a pink shirt or two
16. Who do you miss the most? Usually my family back home in DeLand or my best friend from UF who lives in Chicago
17. The last thing you ate? Fish tacos with a watermelon salsa that I made from scratch for supper
18. Who are you listening to right now? Specifically right now a tailgate playlist on my iPod that has EVERYTHING on it (rap, country, Gator marching band). Lately, it is either Corey Smith, Bruce Springsteen, Zac Brown Band, or Eric Church. Country music is my favorite genre, but I honestly do listen to almost any genre of music.
19. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Green. Always has been a favorite color. Once heard something about it being the most common favorite color of geniuses.
20. Favorite smell? Coffee definitely towards the top with apple/cinnamon a close second. Always makes me remember the Fall.
21. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? My wife on our way home
22. Favorite drink? Sweet tea without a doubt. Used to drink it by the gallon. Now, water to be more health-conscious.
23. Favorite sport to watch? If you know me you know that I am not picky about watching sports either. Ranking in order my preferences would be: 1) College football 2) NFL 3) College basketball 4) MLB 5) College baseball 6) NBA (if there is any time left and nothing else is on the DVR)
24. Hair color? Black
25. Eye color? Blue
26. Do you wear contacts? Nope. Never had an issue with my vision *knock on wood*
27. Scary movies or happy ending? Happy ending I guess. Scary movies just usually seem corny to me.
28. Last movie you watched? Miracle with my classes at the end of the school year.
29. What color shirt are you wearing? Red polo shirt.
30. Summer or winter? Being a teacher, you have to say summer, but I do love cold weather better.
31. Favorite dessert? Cheesecake, especially the ones my wife/momma make. Again, not picky about food. Also love peanut butter chocolate brownies.
32. What book are you reading? See my book shelf below. It's the book on the far left of the top row.
33. What did you watch last on TV? AMC's Turn: Washington's Spies. Amazing show that does a great job with the history.
34. Favorite sounds? Probably marching band music on a college football Saturday.
35. Rolling Stones or Beatles? Neither. I think that they are both overrated. Springsteen > Beatles > Rolling Stones
36. What's on your DVR? Last Week Tonight, Big Bang Theory, Modern Family, Blackish, Fresh of the Boat, Yard Crashers, Fixer Upper, Turn, Game of Thrones, and a TON of detective shows that my wife likes to watch and I am then forced to watch as well in between sporting events :)
37. Furthest you have been from home? San Francisco, CA for a week for one of my friend's wedding. In September, I am going to Dallas for the Gators opening game against Michigan!
38. When were you born? September 6, 1984
39. Where were you born? West Volusia Hospital, DeLand, FL
My Favorite Sports Teams
Who to root for to get extra credit :)