David Bedell
I am drawn to teaching through my own desire to learn and grow. I believe that our potential as individuals is larger than we can imagine on our own. We all need others to show us what we don’t already know, to encourage us to try new things and to master those things we enjoy doing the most. I endeavored to inspire my middle school science students, and colleagues, with this outlook for thirty-two years. During this same time, I spent my summers leading expeditionary wilderness outings, challenging and supporting participants of all ages in their own spiritual and emotional growth. I believe that we are most alive while we are learning.
Professional Experience: 32 years teaching middle school science at Saddleback Valley Unified. 27 years teaching outdoor experiential education at Summit Adventure and BIOLA University
Personal Experience: Eagle Scout (1976), AMGA Top Rope Instructor, Wilderness First Responder, Science Department Chair, BTSA Mentor.
Scholarly Interests: Standards-based grading and pedagogy, moral and political philosophy
Honors and Awards: Spectrum Award for Teaching Excellence; Harden Teaching Excellence Awar
Publications: Destiny Writers Workbook
Recommended Reading: Live No Lies, John Mark Comer; Escape from Reason, Francis A. Schaeffer
Favorite Bible Verse: Ps. 16:6-11, Ps. 23, John 17:26, 1 Cor. 1:18-25
Favorite Music: Acoustic jazz trio or quartet, fusion jazz, flat picking fiddle tunes
Favorite Activities: Rock climbing, backpacking, mountain biking, vacations with family
Family Info: Married for 27 years to Jill, two daughters - Jennie (24) and Julia (21)
What Matters: What matters most in our world today is that the kingdom of God is at hand. As Christians, we need to become better acquainted with this reality and live our lives accordingly.
Pet Peeves: Ideas that sound good and promise happiness but have no ability to enhance human flourishing.
What I Like About FPU: I have been welcomed graciously as a new instructor and have felt encouraged and supported as I developed my first course.