Beyond helping student s get into the college of their choice, what is the deeper purpose of secondary education? What makes one school a better learning environment than another? “At Whitfield School, we’ve always sought to cultivate ethical, confident and successful students in a community of innovation, collaboration and trust,” says head of school John Delautre. “But now more than ever, we’re dedicated to giving students the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly complex, competitive society. Outstanding teachers are essential to carrying out that mission.”
Whitfield, established in 1952, offers a rigorous curriculum to students in grades six through 12, Delautre notes. “But the value of education goes far beyond grades and test scores,” he says. “Learning is enhanced in an atmosphere of partnership, curiosity and joy. Our talented faculty create an exceptional environment, actively engaging each student and helping them fulfill their highest intellectual and personal potential.”
Whitfield teachers are chosen not only for their expertise in their chosen field and commitment to student growth, but also for their ability to connect with students and their keen grasp of how the world, and the workplace, are evolving. “This is a time of unprecedented technological, economic, geopolitical and social change on a global level,” Delautre says. “We want our graduates to be prepared. We make decisions with their best interests in mind.”
Among the teachers who carry out the Whitfield mission are Larry Hays, who chairs the English department and teaches senior English, and Mary Schnitzler, who teaches middle school social studies and theater. Both are recipients of Whitfield Teacher of the Year awards, and both have received endowed faculty chairs in recognition of their outstanding work.
“One of the biggest changes I’ve seen in the field of education is a shift in the teacher’s role,” Hays says. “The model of ‘teacher as coach’ has been part of Whitfield’s culture since I began my career here 23 years ago. Instead of standing before the class delivering facts and answers, we coach students on how to ask the right questions, so they can learn how to interpret and evaluate a constant deluge of information delivered over a wide range of media.” Whitfield students learn by doing, he adds. “They get involved, they lead discussions and assemblies, they interview community, business and political leaders. At a young age, they understand the importance of being a citizen of the world.”
Active, responsible citizenship calls for the ability to think critically, solve problems creatively and communicate clearly. “Our teachers foster these skills across the curriculum,” says Schnitzler, who has taught at Whitfield 15 years. The school’s small size, about 14 students per class, is an ideal learning environment, she adds. “All of us want what’s best for these young men and women. People count here; integrity matters. It’s a safe, comfortable place, conducive to growth and intellectual risk-taking. All the right elements converge at Whitfield, resulting in an extraordinary education.”
Pictured: Whitfield senior TJ Chulick and English teacher Larry Hays
Photo courtesy of Whitfield School
[Whitfield School, a college preparatory school for grades six through 12, is located at 175 S. Mason Road. The school holds an Admission Open House Nov. 2. For more information, call 314.434.5141 or visit whitfieldschool.org.]
