“To Know and Inspire Each Child” ROBERT KOSASKY
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n recent years, the Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning has increasingly “operated at scale,” reaching thousands of educators in dozens of countries on six continents (give us a call, Antarctica). The talent of our CTTL leadership, the generosity of its supporters, and the power of Mind, Brain, and Education (MBE) Science have fueled this growth and impact. And yet the CTTL’s success and energy remain rooted in its home soil: the mission, culture, and people of St. Andrew’s. Because of the CTTL, St. Andrew’s has become a laboratory of excellence that demonstrates the unique truth and efficacy of school-based research – the real-life creation, implementation, assessment, and iteration of better teaching and learning. We build trust with educators in all kinds of locations and schools because we know firsthand what truly works. St. Andrew’s mission statement makes one core promise: “To know and inspire each child in an inclusive community dedicated to exceptional teaching, learning, and service.” Over the past decade MBE has become part of the fabric of St. Andrew’s because we want to live into our mission more fully. To really know students, teachers need to understand how their brains think and feel and learn. To fully inspire students, teachers need to offer them the durable confidence and power that only self-understanding can provide. As you have already read in my colleagues’ articles, at St. Andrew’s our research-informed practices are grounded in relationships and service to others, especially our students. Our school’s promise
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of growth, well-being, and achievement depends on our culture of belonging and our inclusive belief in each child’s and teacher’s intrinsic worth and potential. In this joyful and challenging environment, students and adults alike can thrive together. As you read these articles by St. Andrew’s faculty, students, alumni, and research partners, I hope that you are not daunted. Instead, I hope you are inspired to join us. Robert Kosasky (rkosasky@saes.org) is Head of School at St. Andrew’s.
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