WHY ARE THESE YOUNG ADULTS EMAILING

THEIR SEVENTH GRADE TEACHER?

“[Y]our class had a tremendous impact on my learning! I'm now getting a Masters in Education, and I think all the time about the content we covered in your class: the learning curve, critical thinking, mapping causal connections, deconstructing "civilization." I think your class was more rigorous than anything I've taken since at Columbia, or here at the Harvard Ed School. I just wanted to write and thank you for what you gave me in that class.”

• From a graduate of Columbia University and the Harvard Graduate School of Education

 

“I guess, I just wanted to thank you for the skills you gave me when I was a kid. I think they probably are likely to account for all of my success in high school and most of my success in college.”

• Written as a senior at the University of California at Berkeley, now a Doctor of Pediatrics at the University of California at San Francisco

 
​
“The things you taught me had the most profound and lasting impact… [Y]ou imparted rationality and important life skills that became my foundation moving forward. Thank you for that.”

• A graduate of the University of Southern California Film School and a Hollywood filmmaker

---

​What happened in my class to explain these words from my former students?  Simply put, they learned the essential skills of intellectual inquiry, and they learned them deeply.  The skills became fundamental tools they report using as adults to do valuable work. 
 
My program of study has considerable impact on students; it transforms their learning and often changes them personally.  Many are fully aware that something significant is happening to them through the projects we undertake that help them experience their power as a learner.
 
I know this sounds like fabulous hype and a good critical thinker should be skeptical of such heroic claims.  As further evidence, please read the additional testimonials about my teaching; below is an example from a former student and New York Times reporter.  Most importantly, study the examples of my students’ work to see the results of my program.  I believe these materials and the fact that the young adults noted above sought me out are compelling evidence.  The skills I helped them develop as seventh graders were of such enduring worth that they were moved to thank me many years later.  Their unsolicited emails say a lot to me.  They tell me that I have done my job, that I have accomplished what I set out to achieve as a teacher, and are of paramount importance to me.  I can help your child experience the gift of such an education as well.
 
For 27 years at leading independent schools, I have been refining my program of study and am now very pleased to offer it to home school families for the 2021 - 2022 school year.  I am setting out on a new path as an independent teacher and look forward to working with families who value the freedom to set the course of their child’s education.  I believe I can be a valuable partner with you on that path.
​

Letter of Recommendation from Molly Young, Journalist at the New York Times

Critical Thinking Humanities with John Trapasso
Grade 7 - 12
Live online Zoom courses for 2021 – 2022
​