Andrew started his teaching career at The Phillips Brooks School in Menlo Park, where he was an assistant 5th grade teacher. It was during his time at PBS that he connected with Society of Young Inklings and began working as a mentor. Since then, he taught 6th grade and 8th grade World History at The American School of Quito, Ecuador, 8th grade U.S. History at St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School, and is now a history teacher at The Harker School. Andrew’s interest in writing began at a young age, but was really fostered by his middle school English teacher who encouraged him to keep a writing journal. He soon filled that journal with stories and reflections. He also wrote a blog during his time living overseas. Andrew is excited to return to Young Inklings and looks forward to sharing his love of writing with students.
Tell us about when you first knew you were a writer.
I first knew I was a writer when I was in elementary school. Originally, I struggled with reading, and I needed additional support at school. Once I conquered how to read, however, I began to consume stories. My favorite ones were by Roald Dahl. By the fifth grade, I started writing my own stories. I remember my fifth-grade teacher, Ms. Griffin, commenting to my parents that she pictured herself on a beach reading one of my novels one day. My writing took off in middle school when my English teacher introduced me to the idea of keeping a journal.
What’s something you have learned while mentoring youth writers?
Something I have learned while mentoring is that we all need to be kind to ourselves, and we should not discredit any idea too quickly. We are generally more capable than we give ourselves credit for, and we should be just as patient with ourselves and our process as we are to others.
Beyond writing books, what is another way you express your creative voice?
I most obviously illustrate my creativity through my work as a teacher. Outside of working with students, my favorite part about being a teacher is writing and developing curriculum. I love thinking of engaging, meaningful ways for my students to interact with the content I teach, and this often
requires me to be very innovative. I also like to be creative in the kitchen, often to mixed results.
What are you working on now in your own writing?
My current goal is to journal consistently. I know the value of writing regularly, and I want to do a better job of holding myself accountable towards meeting this goal.
We each have stories to tell.
Plus, our own unique ways of telling them.
That’s why we personalize each mentorship at Society of Young Inklings. Our mentors are professional writers, storytellers, and illustrators who help students understand how they think, learn, and best achieve momentum. Our mentorships are designed for writers ages 8+ who are ready for a challenge.
