The impact Judy Guild has had on me, and on generations of students and teachers, is immeasurable. She has always believed in me and encouraged me to share my voice. I do not know where I would be without her.
We agree on almost everything. On the rare occasions when we disagree, she still supports me in speaking up. That kind of support is unusual in school leadership, especially at an independent school, and I do not take it for granted. Judy practices what she preaches about the importance of sharing thoughtful, informed, responsible voices.
May her leadership be a model for others to emulate.
The editors behind the writing.
My heartfelt thanks to the amazing editors I have worked with at Edutopia. Their care, thoughtful questions, and sharp editorial judgment have made my work stronger.
A special thank-you to Bruce Musgrave, who, along with Sean Murphy, hired me for my first full-time teaching job in 2007 and has edited my work ever since. Bruce is the best writer I have ever known. He also understands me and my teaching philosophy better than just about anyone, and he has encouraged me to keep writing from the earliest days of my career to today.
He has saved me from myself more times than I care to count. I cannot recommend him highly enough for editing blogs, articles, news releases, columns, presentations, important correspondence, and manuscripts.
I remember Sean Murphy, my first Head of School at Palmer Trinity School in Miami, Florida, with deep gratitude. Along with Bruce, Sean gave me my first full-time teaching opportunity and helped set the course of my life. He was a beloved father and educator. I hope the best parts of him live on in me: in the way I teach, the way I raise my son, and the way I care for others. I hope I honor his memory and make him proud.
I also owe so much to Tim Cassel, Head of School at St. Mark’s Episcopal Academy in Cocoa, Florida, and his wife, Dr. Tricia Cassel, the school’s clinical psychologist; and to Fred Truby, a history teacher, and Adrianna Truby, Associate Head of School for Academic Affairs, both at Palmer Trinity School in Miami, Florida. You helped make me the teacher I am today. I could not have chosen better people to call family.
A rich life. A grateful heart.
To my colleagues at Brimmer and May: Thank you for encouraging me, keeping me on my toes, and being the best people I could hope to work alongside. To my amazing students, past and present: You have given me a rich life in the most meaningful way possible. Thank you for letting me be part of yours.
Thank you to my parents for supporting me throughout this journey. And especially to my wife, Elana, and our son, Gabe, for their love and support through the long hours of lesson planning, writing, advising, teaching, and editing. Every hour away from them is a sacrifice, and I never want to take that for granted. Their love means more than I can put into words.