Al Cypher

Subjects:
Technology (6-8th Grade)
Physical Education (all grades)

Degree: BA and MS

Responsibilities: Athletic Director

Mr. Cypher has much more information about himself and his subjects on Mr. Cypher's Homepage

Where I've Been

I was born and raised in Queens, New York. I lived in Queens until I went to college in Chicago were I spent most of my time until I graduated. After earning my BA I went straight to graduate school. I did this for two years full time earning a master of science degree in physical education with a specialization in athletic training. While in grad school I also taught at the university's lab school. I then accepted my first teaching position in Cleveland Ohio area. I spent 9 years in the Cleveland area. From there I moved to Huntsville Alabama where I'm currently working.

All of my teaching except the two years in grad school have been in Lutheran schools. Each of the schools that I've taught at have been as the result of a Divine Call from the congregation I taught at. In our schools, the teachers are called the same way as the pastors. This is what brought me to Alabama.

My Life as an Educator

Most of my classroom experience has be at the middle school level. However, for the last 19 years I've taught all the Physical Education at the school and therefore teach all of the students at the school from the 4 year olds up through the 8th graders. It is fun to teach all of the grades but I really enjoy working with the older students.

One of the things I enjoy most about teaching is sharing my knowledge with the students and see them grow in their own knowledge and skills.

When I'm Not Working...

When I'm not working I enjoy cooking and woodworking. It gives me great pleasure to cook and then watch people enjoy the food I've prepared.

To relax I enjoy watch TV shows on The Learning Channel, DIY network as well as the Food Network. I also enjoy shows on The History and Discovery channel. My favorite network shows are Law and Order and The West Wing.

I enjoy reading books by John Grishim, Tom Clancy and other historical fiction books. I've also read all of the Harry Potter books when my kids get finished with them.

Web Sites I Like

• Tour Bus is a biweekly news letter that is free via e-mail. This site contains the archives of all of the past Tour Bus postings.
• Patrick Crispin's home page
• Kathy Schrook's home page
• Lynda.com this site has great tutorials available. The downside is that there is a $25.00 a month charge but you can sign up for 1 or as many months as you want. Great place to learn how to use some of the the more popular but complex programs.

This is a personal homepage and doesn't represent the opinions of Grace Lutheran School.