Teaching Philosophy:
I strive to create learning opportunities that engage students in
personal inquiry. I believe that students achieve more when
education is relevant, fun, and challenging. With high expectations
for every student, I look forward to an enriching year.
About Mr. Ballard:
Echo Lake has a strong reputation in the district and I am honored
and eager to be part of the team. After receiving my BA at Western
Washington University, I was overjoyed to teach in Shoreline where
I was raised. I received a Master’s degree in education
from the University of Washington in 2004. My proudest
accomplishment came in 2007 where I became a National Board
Certified Teacher—the highest teaching certification
available in the country. I currently serve as a facilitator
for other teachers going through the certification process. I
reside minutes from Echo Lake with my loving and supportive wife
Julie, our two young boys Alexander and Nathaniel (2 and 4), and
our not so little lap dog Ozzie (Great Dane). Some of my
favorite things include playing guitar/piano, solving Rubik’s
cubes, playing sports, hiking, watching movies, and most notably
spreading peanut butter on a small piece of dark chocolate. I
should also mention that I have a slight obsession with the
Seahawks. I am looking forward to bringing my skills and
energy to the Echo Lake community.
