A R O U N D C A M P U S
Strategic Thinking: The Teaching Boys Institute
Continuing to attract and retain exceptional faculty is emerging as the principal focus of Saint David’s School’s current strategic
thinking. As such, our mission-aligned strategic vision is beginning to take shape around the Teaching Boys Institute (TBI).
Through TBI, we are looking to institutionalize an already strong program in best practices in teaching and learning, by creating
a more strategic and thoughtful way to capture the wisdom of our teachers and the
best in scientific knowledge, not only in teachers’ disciplines but also in pedagogy.
Through TBI, Saint David’s will use the latest scientific research in neuroscience,
cognitive psychology, and learning to deliver a character-grounded education that
is faith-based and informed by science.
As Saint David’s looks to the future, we want to ensure that we are highly
competitive in the marketplace. To achieve this requires exceptional teachers who
are supported in their professional development and provided with the opportunity
to review, experiment, and redefine curricular and teaching practice to best meet
the needs of our boys. Housed within the school, TBI will principally focus
on the professional development of Saint David’s faculty. It will be designed to
further infuse the school’s culture with evidence-based, research-driven, and
internationally-recognized best practice in the teaching of boys.
The school began to sow the seeds for the Institute in the spring of 2018-2019
when community members were invited to participate in a cultural audit, conducted
by the Center for Innovation, Research, Creativity and Leadership in Education
(CIRCLE). CIRCLE’s Dr. Phil Cummins has presented the results of the survey
to faculty, staff, and parents, and is working with the faculty and administration
to develop a comprehensive framework for the Institute.
Pyramids and Mummies
Fourth graders were immersed in their study of Ancient Egypt as they visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art to consider
the essential question, "What is a civilization?" At the museum, the boys explored the Egyptian galleries and discussed the
contributions of this civilization in architecture, art, belief systems, government, and writing.
32 • Saint David’s Magazine