Meet Phil 

Phil has dedicated his life to teaching kids!

Early Years 

Phil was raised by immigrant parents in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan. When he was a teenager his mother’s health struggles made it difficult for her to care for his 5 year old brother and Phil stepped up to help raise him — making sure he was fed, got to school, and did his home work.

Discovering a love for teaching 

While attending Bucknell on scholarships, Phil spent his summers working in the Dominican Republic. There he helped build a school in a small town and discovered his calling as a teacher when he taught young students English. 

7th grade science Teacher 

After graduation, Phil joined Teach for America. He was sent to the Bay Area and became a 7th grade science teacher. Students loved him because he was able to make difficult subjects fun, and he was recognized by school leadership for his ability to reach kids who were struggling. 

Working for the School District 

After years working in schools on science curriculum. Phil went to work for the San Francisco Unified School District, where he worked to address the District’s most pressing challenges. He brought that same Science Teacher enthusiasm to the district office where he worked to improve curriculum, support teachers, and get resources where they were needed most.

Our School Board President

After watching our school board spiral into dysfunction, with few real educators at the table, Phil decided to run. After coming in as runner up, the Mayor — impressed with his energy — appointed him to the board. That same year his colleagues elected him School Board President. Now, Phil is using that seat to do what he’s always done: bringing people together to help kids.