Mr. Sturm's Bio

     Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, I grew up in a household with four sisters.  My Dutch mother was a hardworking housewife, and my father was a carpenter/construction worker.  My father was in the Army during World War 2 and met my mother in Holland.  They ended up in Los Angeles after the war and began raising their family in the city, and later, in Canoga Park.

 

     After attending Canoga Park High School in the 70s, I headed to California State University, Northridge as an Art major in 1978.  After several years in and out of CSUN, Pierce College, and a slew of part-time/full-time jobs, I finally graduated from CSUN with a Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology (Exercise Science) in 1987.  

 

     I began my career as an educator at Montague Street School in July of 1987.  I was working with an emergency credential, which means I was a classroom teacher (getting real-life experience during the day), and at night, taking the credential coursework at CSUN.  I feel that this unusual and authentic way of learning and implementing instruction helped me develop strong skills in the classroom, both in my relationship-building with my students and improving my teaching practices.

 

     In the 35 years of working at Montague, I've seen and experienced many changes in curriculum, leadership, and student achievement.  We became Montague Charter Academy in 1996.  In the years since then, I've taught mostly 3rd grade.  However, I have also taught 4th, 5th, and 6th grades over my time here, with one odd year as a 2nd grade teacher.

 

     My own son and daughter attended school at Montague because there is such a feeling of family and camaraderie from this incredibly committed group of teachers.  I am very proud of this school and of all of the students who have come and gone through these gates.  I hope they are proud of themselves and their achievements, as well.