Derek Wiback is a Chicago native who grew up loving to ride his bike and play sports. His college education started in Illinois and finished at San Diego State where he earned a bachelor’s degree in International Business and Japanese language. He stayed on for a master’s in business and that’s when he met his wife, Sharon. Derek and Sharon were both cyclists in college and would see each other at bike races on the weekends.

Derek lives in Encinitas with his wife and high school age daughter. He has another daughter in college. The family has a dog named Louie and they also foster puppies from time to time. Derek earned his credentials in elementary and special education from CSU San Marcos and has a passion for teaching phonics (Orton-Gillingham style) and word problems.

Derek loves to help his students push beyond barriers and achieve new skills in reading and math. Being a kid at heart, Derek likes to use play and games as part of his instruction and believes that learning from peers is key to a student’s success. He is trained in various reading and math teaching techniques and is educated to support students with behavioral and emotional needs as well. Derek loves his Cedar Cover team and families.