Comments:
I took me awhile, several jobs, and changing cities to find my "calling". Since the mid-90's I've been coaching and teaching at good ol' Horseheads High School! Mr. Kent actually supported my being hired by the district! (Thank you Mr. Kent for letting the past, be the past!)
The old saying, "If you enjoy what you do for a living, you'll never work a day in your life" is very true. After 5 tumultuous years of college at West Chester University, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, so I joined forces with my brother Gregg Bittler ('81) to buy a family business. This was great for a few years, but my interest in teaching and coaching started to surface around 1992. I finished my teaching certification in social studies at Elmira College, and was hired as a full time teacher in 1996 - 10 years after high school!!! Not bad for the start of a real career by the age of 30!!!
I enjoy every aspect of teaching, and trying to relate to the kids, whom I consider to be just like us way back when... only nuttier!!!
While at EC, I met my awesome future wife, Gretchen, who tolerates my continuing to play hockey and lacrosse, even at my "advanced" age. We now have two boys Zane (9) and Brody (5) who are going through Ridge Road Elementary School, just as I did... only with way fewer visits to the principals office!
I couldn't think of a better place to live, (that I can afford). I now am the school district's version of the Truant Officer, which is challenging and different everyday. I coach lacrosse at the high school, and look forward to my 3rd year as head coach of the program. I have since completed my administrative certification, so in the near future I may move to the administrative level of education, but only if it doesn't feel like work!!!!! ;-)
