​John Trapasso

​Critical Thinking Humanities

johntrapasso@johntrapasso.org

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​Teaching Experience, 1985 - 2021
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Hilldale School, Daly City, CA,  8/10 to 6/21
English and Social Studies Teacher, 5th – 8th Grade

• Taught an integrated English and social studies program that includes American History, Global Studies, and Contemporary Issues.
• Designed and led the 7-8th grade outdoor education backpacking trip in the Sierra Mountains.

Brandeis Hillel Day School, San Rafael, CA,  8/09 to 6/10
English and Social Studies Teacher in 6th Grade; Social Studies Teacher in 7th and 8th Grade

• Taught humanities in 6th grade and social studies in 7th and 8th grade.

San Domenico School, San Anselmo, CA,  8/08 to 6/09
English Teacher, 6th and 8th Grade

• Taught English in 6th and 8th grade; this was a one-year replacement position.

San Francisco Day School, San Francisco, CA,  9/88 to 6/02
English and Social Studies Teacher, 7th Grade

• Taught an integrated English and social studies program on world cultures.
• Designed and led the 7th grade outdoor education backpacking trip in the Sierra Mountains.

Chairperson of the Learning Committee, 9/95 to 6/98

• Worked 40% of my time leading a study group for school-wide change.
• Designed and led a multi-year faculty development program in partnership with the Foundation for Critical Thinking; helped teachers infuse thinking skills into teaching.

Georgetown Day School, Washington, DC, 9/86 to 6/88
English and Social Studies Teacher, 7th Grade

• Taught an integrated English and social studies program on a two-person team.

Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA, 9/85 to 6/86
Apprentice in the Teacher Training Course

• Trained in progressive education; taught 8th and 9th grade history.

Educational Leadership and Staff Development Experience, 1998-2002        

The Foundation for Critical Thinking, Dillon Beach, CA, 7/98 to 6/02
Staff Development Trainer, 9/98 to 6/02 

• Conducted on-site professional development workshops for the nation’s leading critical thinking organization; trained educators from New Jersey to Hawaii.

Conference Leader, The Annual International Conference on Critical Thinking, 7/98 to 7/01

• Led sessions for K-12 educators; participated on conference panel discussions.

Education, 1978 - 1986        

Tufts University - Shady Hill School Joint Masters Program, Cambridge, MA, 6/85 to 6/86

• M.A. in Education; concentration in grade 7-12 social studies; MA state teaching certificate.

Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY, 9/78 to 9/83

• B.A. in a self-designed major:  The Art History of Non-Western Cultures.
• Completed fieldwork and 240 page thesis on temple architecture in India, 8/82 to 8/83.

 
Studies and Volunteer Work, 2002 - 2008
 
Studies in Indian Philosophy and Volunteer Work, California, Oregon, & India, 9/02 to 6/08

• Studied Indian philosophy; completed course work and volunteered at two international organizations in India; acted as coordinator for international students and retreats.

Professional Accomplishments in Education

Conference Presenter:  The 41th Annual International Conference on Critical Thinking, Dillon Beach, CA, 7/25/21

• Gave a presentation entitled "Metaphors and Visual Images That Build Foundations for Understanding Critical Thinking." ​​

Conference Presenter:  The 27th Annual International Conference on Critical Thinking and Educational Reform, Berkeley, CA, 8/07

• Delivered a presentation entitled “Developing Depth of Understanding.”

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Conference Presenter:  The California Association of Independent Schools Northern Regional Conference, 1999 and 2001

• 2001 Presentation: “Developing Depth of Understanding Using Critical Thinking and Visual Mapping Skills.”
• 1999 Presentation: “Developing Critical Thinking Skills To Improve the Quality of Our Teaching, Learning, and Lives.”

 
Publication:  “Liberating Minds: Helping Students Take Charge of Their Thinking,” 8/98

• The staff development program I helped design at San Francisco Day School was highlighted in this article.  Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development’s “Education Update,” Volume 40, #5. 

Televised Professional Development Series:  “Teaching Content Through Critical Thinking Skills,” for ETC & The National School Conference Institute, 1/98 to 6/98

• In this satellite television professional development series, I assisted Dr. Richard Paul and helped instruct a national audience of educators.

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Awarded:  Special Honors for Teaching Excellence from John Hopkins University’s Center for Talented Youth Program, 1992

• Nominated for this award by a student who received national recognition.

Resume in PDF format.