This is my twelfth year of teaching and my third year teaching at West Port High School.  I have previously taught a variety of courses in mathematics, engineering, and physics.  In 2005, I completed a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering from the University of Florida.  I intend on obtaining a masters degree in computer science in the next few years.  I believe learning is most effective when students are fully engaged.  Engagement is accomplished by creating a learning environment that is both fun and exploratory all while providing a safe place where students are free to take educational risks with their learning.  A student who is too scared to fail cannot fully explore what is unknown to them.  As many have said, failure can be the best way to learn.