Experience Summary
I have been involved in the field of education since 1982, when I directed and co-designed the residential component of Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development’s first summer program for gifted students, grades 6 to 9. Since then I have held positions as the Associate Director and Acting Director of the Center for Talent Development, the Director of the Center for Academic Precocity at Arizona State University, and the Director of Sussex School, a K-8 independent school. I have advised and counseled children and their parents, taught courses in gifted education, supervised teachers, conducted research with gifted students, published in education journals, and made numerous presentations about education to parents and professionals. I have also taught undergraduate and graduate psychology, community college mathematics and philosophy, GMAT, LSAT, and SAT preparation classes, served as an editor of a professional journal, and assisted in K-8 classes.
Teaching Style
I am a passionate believer in individualized education. Good education matches a child’s level, pace of learning, and interests. I am very student-centered in my teaching. I use a variety of means to engage students and to allow self-direction so that students can “work” from their interests. I try to find the place where the student’s interests and level meet the demands of the subject matter. That is the place from which meaningful learning and individual growth can happen. I also have a strong commitment to quality. For example, I believe that it is very important for older students to apply themselves to reading closely, thinking analytically, and writing well. I try to show them that these difficult tasks are essential to empowering themselves as learners and persons.