Comments:
2nd & Cheltenham Blasters from the Past,
This is Andrew Heller who lived at 118 E. Walnut Park Drive. My parents are still there, believe it or not. I graduated from Central High School in Philadelphia in 1978 and from Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1982 with a B.S. in Business. I got an MBA from LaSalle University in 1986. I was a Computer Programmer from 1982 to 2003. I moved to Tucson, Arizona in January 1987, at the age of 26, where I continued my career in computer programming. Between 1995 and 2003 I got an additional Associates Degree as a "Programmer Analyst" from Pima Community College in Tucson, Arizona. Since I left my Pima County job in October 2003 I have pursued becoming a teacher. I entered the Teacher Certification program at Pima College in February 2004. I am currently working as a High School Math Teaching position as of August 01, 2009.
I wanted to become a teacher in order to make a difference in the world. It takes one person at a time to change the world and I believe that school age children is where I can have the greatest influence. This is all entirely new to me and I have much to learn. There are many lessons that await me and I am both eager and scared. I was in the computer field for the last 20 years and I resigned from my last computer on 10/28/03. I have never been able to keep a job for more than 6 years due to my Attention Deficit Disorder. I have been told many times that I am very good with children and that I would make a great teacher.
My philosophy of teaching is to create an atmosphere of learning for every student. What that looks like is my ability to use whatever tools are available and to tap into the mind of each child and support that child no matter what the outcome. My purpose for teaching is to foster students with various learning styles without stifling them. One method to support students is to focus on their unique learning styles in the classroom and seek resources when outside of the classroom.
I consider myself a very supportive person. When you combine that with my having Attention Deficit Disorder it makes for a unique opportunity to connect with those students who have special needs. Teaching to diverse learners and motivating them to strive forward at their own pace is a gift that I know children respond to. It works like magic outside of the classroom and I can’t wait to bring that magic into the classroom. Each and every student is a gift to the world.
My wife, Lisa Goldman (she kept her mom’s maiden name), just got her M.D. and is starting her 1st year internship as a Neurology resident. She was born on 01/25/1963 and is pursuing her dream. Our daughter, Lucy, has been the greatest gift to both Lisa and I. Lucy was born on 02/09/1997. Lucy has been going to a Montessori school since she was 2 years old and is now at a progressive public charter middle school a few miles from our house.
I enjoy playing and refereeing volleyball and I am currently thrilled to be part of "The Mankind Project" (www.azwarriortraining.com) where I get to sit in a circle of men and get the support I need to live a more passionate and authentic life (that means 'growing up' for me right now as a middle aged man). That's enough marketing for now. I am continuing my path on understanding the man that I am and the man that I can be.
My sister, Linda, has been married for 24+ years now and has 2 teenage daughters. I try and get to Philly once every couple of years and my parents still drive out to Tucson every May. Yes, my dad, at 85 years old, prefers to drive out here every year. Who knows how long that will last.
I am currently unemployed as of October 2010 and I am back in school full time at the local Community College where I am pursuing an Associate Degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. We'll see where things go from there. My wife is interviewing for a Psychiatric Residency position and we don't know where she will end up when she starts in July 2011. I should know more around March 2011.
Have been so blessed to have a family here in Tucson although most of my relatives are in Philly and elsewhere! My mother in-law and father in-law are here in Tucson most of the time.
Moved to Memphis, TN in July 2013 for 4 years. Moved back into same house in Tucson in July 2017.
I create a world where everyone speaks their truth and I do that slowing down, listening, and feeling.
Take care and keep in touch.
Andy Heller
Spouse: Lisa E. Goldman (married 9/4/94)
Daughter: Lucy Heller (born 02/09/97)
3201 E Fort Lowell Rd Apt 2061
Tucson AZ 85716
Cell Phone: (520)954-4395
Email: ahelleraz@gmail.com
