Mr. John Fears

Growing up in Murrysville, PA, I attended the Franklin Regional School District.  Upon graduation in 1993, I enlisted in the United States Army where I gained an appreciation for hard work, responsible citizenship, and all of the freedoms that our country has to offer.  After receiving my Honorable Discharge in December of 1995, I enrolled in The Pennsylvania State University where I earned my Bachelors of Science degree in Environmental Resource Management.  Pursuing an opportunity to be a white-water tour guide for O.A.R.S (Outdoor Adventure River Specialists), I moved to Jackson, Wyoming where one of my main duties was to educate the clients on the flora, fauna, geology, and history of the areas we traveled.  The lakes and canyons in the Jackson area became my classroom, and it was in this place where I was first bitten by the teaching bug. 

In January of 2002, I enrolled in the Elementary Education program at Saint Vincent College where I truly realized my love for the teaching profession.  I have always loved the challenges affiliated with learning, and I have found a passion in helping students learn.  For me, there is no greater satisfaction than watching a child’s eyes light up because he or she “gets” a difficult concept or topic.  In December of 2004, I accepted a full-time teaching position with the School District of Philadelphia.  In August of 2006, I accepted a position with the Central Bucks School District teaching 6th grade.  From August of 2009 to January of 2010, I taught for the Downingtown School District as a long-term sub, teaching 6th Grade Science at Lionville Middle School. 

After many years of traveling from school to school, I found my home at SMS.  Given the many schools where I have taught, I know exactly how special out little school is.   My first year I taught 8th grade science and social studies.  Since my second year, I have been teaching the same subjects in 6th grade and loving every minute.

Degrees:

Penn State: B.S. Environmental Resource Management
Saint Vincent College: Elementary Teaching Cert.
Arcadia:M.A. Environmental Education
Gratz: M.A. Differentiated Education

Teaching Certificates:

Elementary Ed
Middle School Science
Middle School Social Studies
Middle School Math
Biology