EduClaytion

About

ABOUT

My name is Clay. I’m a writer, professor, and speaker from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Thanks for checking out my site.

I’m all about edutainment. I am endlessly fascinated, love to laugh, and guarantee unique perspectives that will make you laugh and think.

You’ll get healthy doses of pop culture references while we laugh at life and ponder the meaning of it all. I’m a Gen Xer all the way, so don’t be surprised if I sprinkle some love for the1980s and 90s around.

I usually post 3 times a week about life, culture, and education. Most of the stuff around here is light and fun, but we’ll get serious from time to time. I hope that everything you see here helps make your day go a little better.

Where did eduClaytion come from?

I love learning and have been in classrooms my entire life including teaching I’ve done at 4 colleges & universities. On the academic side I was a history and political student. They tell me I’m a master of the social sciences, but mostly I just like to observe and write about how absurd we often are.

Personally, I’m just a dork who made it. I’ll never lie to you and am honest about all the ridiculous things I’ve done and experienced. Hopefully you’ll feel better after watching my roller coaster life!

I’ve written professionally off and on for years. My first big gig came at Infinity Broadcasting where I edited and wrote for a biweekly publication. That’s where my column “EduClaytion” was born. I brought back the name when I began putzing around in the blogosphere a couple years back.

If you would like to see examples of my published work check out a couple of pieces which appeared in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

I stepped back from writing after getting the opportunity to teach college history, government, and political science in 2006. I absolutely love teaching and connecting with students of all ages. I’m never bored, discover new things every day, and am passionate about life.

I got serious about this site in the fall of 2010. Since then I’ve discovered a wonderful community of fellow writers and thinkers.

If you really want to know about me, go ahead and dig into the writing. After all, words are the windows to our souls right?

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A Few Posts For Your Viewing Pleasure:

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or already know the secret handshake you may be interested in some posts from the past that other readers have enjoyed. Consider this breakdown an eduClaytion anthology.

Personal tales because my life makes people feel better about theirs:

Don’t Forget The Toilet Paper: A Memoir

This piece got me a ton of run as WordPress selected it to be Freshly Pressed.

The Tangled Web I’ve Woven (Scenes of Humiliation Included)

Once everyone started saying I looked like a new Disney character I figured I should examine the meaning of my life through the history of my hair.

Visits With Dead People: Family Memories

I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about dead people since my family forgot me at that funeral home when I was four years old.

The Greatest Teacher I Ever Had

“There really was no one else like Ron Forsythe. Ever.”

How to Survive A Riot and Rock the G20 Summit

When world leaders and enraged protestors descended upon my city I knew I had to go in but never expected to land in the mouth of madness.

Scientologists Gone Wild

How I infiltrated the scientologists headquarters compound in Clearwater, Florida.

Please enjoy these popular faves as well:

I’m In Grammar Rehab

A shocking discovery sent me to the brink of madness.

Michael Myers vs. Facebook

Ever wonder how modern technology would’ve affected classic movies? I have.

A Night With Female Gymnasts

It’s probably not what you’re thinking.

Proof that I’m actually a professor:

I Know You’re Cheating On Me!

The truth about cheating students and what teachers know.

Terrible Students & The Teachers Who Deal With Them

Having a little fun with slackers. This post includes the famous “What Failing Students Sound Like” video.

A Classroom Survival Guide For Teachers & Students

Here are the rules of classroom etiquette we all need to follow.

…a history professor:

The Braveheart of Robert the Bruce–Braveheart was my 27th great-grandpa. Seriously.

The Myth of Christmas

What About Emmet Till?

How Should We Remember 9/11?

Every once in a while we get philosophical:

The Right To Be Heard

We all take turns being the person whose life is spinning out of control.

Meaning Amidst The Violence

Reflections on a painful anniversary about how to overcome the damage of hurt.

Quicksand Jesus

Some hair metal based theology.

Memorial Day: Honoring Sacrifice

So that true heroes will not be forgotten.

Doing Small Things With Great Love

My 7 part series on social justice continues to generate discussion. You can begin here at the first part and follow the links at the end of each post from there.

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Thanks for reading! If you have any questions or comments that you would like to get to me feel free to use the Contact page.

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