Philosophy. Of Education.

I have long admired Thomas Jefferson's vision for the University of Virginia as an academic village.  His vision has always provided me inspiration and has greatly afffected my philosophy on education.

My vision parallels his.  When I close my eyes and dream of Jefferson's village I see the ideal school.  It is a safe place, bustling with inquisitive students who accept the responsibilities of service and the trials of academic rigor.  These children are welcomed each morning by professional teachers, lifelong learners who embrace their roles as mentors and scholars who welcome lively debate.  School leaders accept their roles as problem-solvers and are devoted to freeing students and teachers from the unnecessary distractions that keep them from their learning and teaching tasks.

The village is progressive without deviating from established core values, and its leaders believe that the moral and ethical development of young people is a fundamental responsibility.

Listed here is what I believe.

• I believe in the historical goals of liberal arts education.  High school is a time of exploration and discovery.  We must help our students build a solid foundation upon which they can specialize later in life - but not now.  It is not our responsibility to provide what each child wants, but rather what we believe they will need for a life of progress and   fulfillment.  The twenty-first century promises turbulent change, and I believe the best way to prepare our students for an unpredictably complex future is to encourage well-roundedness.  Independent school graduates continue to distinguish themselves later in life precisely because they are well rounded.

• I believe that academic pursuits must be of primary importance.  Schools must cultivate intellectual freedom by encouraging inquiry, debate, and criticism.  We must create an environment where students believe they can survive mistakes and are comforted by a spirit of intellectual optimism.

• I believe that faculty must be subject experts and serve as advisors who know their students, understand their needs, and effectively communicate and enforce high expectations.

• I believe that physical and emotional hardships must be addressed in a timely manner and nutrition and physical fitness given priority.

• I believe that schools should celebrate the successes of their past, honor their founders, and model the core values upon which they were established.

As someone who has embraced independent education as a professional calling, my job is to help to create the academic village where I live and teach and learn.

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