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Professional development grants also afford teachers the opportunity to further their educations and add to the already impressive number of faculty with advanced degrees. In addition to teaching Middle School science and codirecting the Wilderness Program, Lukas Rahlson earned his Master’s of Education from Vanderbilt University. Lukas’s dedication to his graduate work and St. Mark’s was evident during last
“Having the generous resources to send 16 teachers and
summer’s Pecos Wilderness Trip. Each night, after
administrators to this conference provides us with
coordinating efforts at base camp, Lukas stayed up
uninterrupted time, formally and socially, to talk about our
in his tent typing out his final 20-page assignment.
work and to broaden our relationships.” —Associate Headmaster John Ashton
“For a young teacher just getting started in my career, St. Mark’s professional development has been an amazing opportunity,” Lukas said. “The
preparing healthy meals, 11 members of the
administration has been incredibly supportive
cafeteria staff attended the National School
of my research, whether it was assisting me in
Nutrition Association Conference this summer.
implementing a faculty-wide survey or helping me
During the three-day conference, they met with
understand the complexities of the School’s budget
new vendors and sources for local and organic food,
and financial aid. David Dini and John Ashton
learned new recipes, and attended sessions on how
always made time to talk through how the research
to incorporate more vegetarian menu options.
was beneficial not only to my own growth but also the School’s.”
At St. Mark’s, the School’s mission can succeed only if every faculty and staff member is performing at
To ensure that St. Mark’s is at its best, every
their very best. As the School continues to plan for
member of the team is encouraged to seek
the future, attracting and retaining quality faculty
professional development. Anyone who has
and staff will remain a priority.
(opposite) Associate Headmaster John Ashton speaks with students (above left) Middle School teacher Lukas Rahlson completes his final graduate school assignment at base camp (above right) St. Mark’s faculty at the International Boys Schools’ Coalition summer conference
been in the Great Hall around noon knows the importance of a hearty lunch to the success of every Marksman. To further their mission of
St. Mark’s School of Texas
Winter 2017 | Features
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