Mr. Shaddox
8th Grade Humanities
I was born, raised and have lived in San Diego all of my life. I spent my formative years chasing coyotes and exploring the hills of Dehesa Valley, where I attended an 80 student K-6 school. My experiences in the rural, back country of East County definitely helped to inspire my creative side and nurture my passion for learning about all things.
Our family moved to the city when I was a senior at Valhalla High School. My favorite class, 10th grade humanities, opened my mind through paradigm smashing literature like Ray Bradbury’s “Farenheit 451” and our Renaissance fair project where I performed guitar and sang publicly for the first time. I attended Cuyamaca Community College and in 1998 graduated from SDSU with a degree in graphic design.
After working as a graphic designer for 6 years I decided to continue my life’s journey by taking a sojourn in Mexico, teaching English. I lived and worked in Guanajuato, Mexico and then Quetzaltenango, Guatemala for nearly 2 years. Upon returning to the U.S., I began teaching at King Chavez Academy of Excellence.
“Not all who wander are lost.”
Playing and listening to music
I am a die hard music fan and part-time musician. My musical tastes range from electronica (Daft Punk, Air, The Album Leaf, Brian Eno) to Americana (Bright Eyes, Wilco, Delta Spirit) to African music (Baaba Maal, Youssou N’Dour) to heavy metal (Anthrax, Kiss and Thin Lizzy). I play drums, guitar and sing. My band has been performing up and down the California coast since ’99.
Surfing
In the summer of 2001 I learned to surf. Since then I have been addicted and do so at nearly every opportunity. I prefer mellow, clean, shoulder high rights on my 9’ 6”.
Traveling
Since graduating from college I have backpacked throughout French Polynesia, Fiji, Mexico and Guatemala. I love being surrounded by unfamiliar things. I am fascinated by learning about a country’s culture, heritage and language.
When Not Planning Lessons and Projects You Can Find Me...
Contemplating the fall of the Mayan Empire at Tikal, Guatemala in October, 2005
Volunteering as a kindergarten teacher in a village near Xela, Guatemala in 2005.
Taking a moment to rest near Big Sur on a roadtrip north
Bashing the skins with The Alibi Club way back in 2003
A FEW OF MY FAVORITES
Favorite movie: Planet of the Apes
Favorite food: 4 rolled tacos with cheese, lettuce and salsa
Favorite place on Earth: Maruata, Mexico
Favorite author: Madeleine L’Engle
Favorite t.v. show: I don’t watch t.v.
Favorite song (right now): “Me Voy” by Julieta Venegas
About Me
