The New York Times Learning Network stands as a pivotal resource for educators and students alike, offering a wealth of materials designed to enhance teaching and learning across various disciplines. But who are the individuals driving this invaluable platform? Let’s delve into the backgrounds and expertise of the editors and contributors who make the Nytimes Learning Network a leading source for educational content.
Alt text: Katherine Schulten, Editor of The New York Times Learning Network, smiling in a professional headshot.
Leading the Charge: Katherine Schulten, Editor of NYTimes Learning Network
At the helm of the Learning Network is Katherine Schulten, the Editor since 2006. Her journey in education began in 1984 as a Jesuit Volunteer Corps member and extended to teaching English in Tokyo. Before joining The New York Times, Katherine dedicated ten years to teaching English and advising the newspaper at E.R. Murrow High School in Brooklyn. She further honed her expertise as a freelance literacy consultant and curriculum writer for nine years. Her contributions to education have been recognized with two Distinguished Achievement Awards from the Association of Educational Publishers.
Katherine’s academic foundation includes a B.A. in English literature from Boston College and an M.A. in English education from Teachers College, Columbia University. In 1995, she was honored with a Prudential Fellowship to Columbia University’s School of Journalism, focusing her studies and writing on news coverage of children’s issues. She credits the National Writing Project for its profound impact on her teaching career and continued inspiration. You can connect with Katherine via email at [email protected] or through Twitter @KSchulten.
Alt text: Michael Gonchar, Deputy Editor at NYTimes Learning Network, pictured in a professional portrait against a blurred background.
Michael Gonchar: Deputy Editor and Education Innovator
Michael Gonchar, the Deputy Editor of the NYTimes Learning Network since 2012, brings a decade of experience in school and instructional coaching, and teacher mentoring within the New York City public school system. His specialization lies in the establishment of new small schools, guiding them through crucial early stages, from staffing and curriculum design to building effective teaching and learning frameworks.
Michael’s teaching career began in 1996 at East Side Community High School in Manhattan, where he taught humanities. His passion for urban education reform was ignited during his time at Brown University, inspired by a course with Professor Ted Sizer on redesigning American high schools. He graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in history from Brown and earned an M.A. in social studies education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Based in Brooklyn with his family, Michael can be reached at [email protected].
Dedicated Contributors: Expanding the NYTimes Learning Network Reach
The NYTimes Learning Network benefits from a diverse group of contributors, each bringing unique skills and experiences to enrich the platform’s offerings.
Alt text: Shannon Doyne, a contributor to The New York Times Learning Network, smiling in a headshot with a neutral background.
Shannon Doyne: From Classroom to Content Creation
Shannon Doyne has been a contributor to the NYTimes Learning Network since 2008. With a background of five years in teaching, Shannon has experience fostering creative writing in middle and high school students, refining expository writing skills for college students, and guiding senior citizens in memoir writing. Transitioning to educational publishing in 2003, she has worked as an editor, writer, and curriculum developer for companies like Macmillan/McGraw-Hill. Shannon holds multiple degrees, including a B.A. from King’s College, an M.A. from Bucknell University, both in English, and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Notre Dame. Her diverse interests and continuous learning spirit enrich her contributions to educational content. She currently resides in Austin, Texas.
Alt text: Amanda Christy Brown, an educator and contributor to NYTimes Learning Network, pictured in a professional headshot.
Amanda Christy Brown: Bridging High School English and Journalism
Amanda Christy Brown teaches English at Wellesley High School in Massachusetts. Her extensive 12-year teaching career spans grades 7-12 across various levels. Amanda has also advised the student newspaper at Wellesley High School and developed curriculum for literature, writing, and journalism at several prestigious institutions. Active in teacher development, she serves on the leadership team of the Boston Writing Project. Amanda earned her B.A. in English and French from Wellesley and her M.A. in English education at Teachers College, Columbia University. Originally from Maine, she now lives near Boston with her family.
Alt text: Jennifer Cutraro, science and education writer for NYTimes Learning Network, smiling in a professional headshot.
Jennifer Cutraro: Science Education Expertise
Jennifer Cutraro is a freelance science and education writer based near Boston. Her curriculum development work includes projects for Nova ScienceNow, Houghton Mifflin, and more. Jennifer also contributes science and health news to publications like The Los Angeles Times and Science News for Kids. She is actively involved in the National Association of Science Writers, managing their internship fair. Jennifer’s teaching experience includes science and outdoor education, along with teacher professional development workshops for the New England Aquarium. She holds a B.A. in biology from Carleton College and an M.S. in biology with a focus on science education from Purdue University.
Alt text: Larry Ferlazzo, educator and NYTimes Learning Network contributor, pictured in a friendly headshot.
Larry Ferlazzo: ESL and Social Studies Advocate
Larry Ferlazzo teaches English and Social Studies to English Language Learners and mainstream students at Luther Burbank High School in Sacramento, California. A published author of four books on education, Larry has received numerous accolades, including the Leadership For A Changing World Award from the Ford Foundation. He is also a Grand Prize Winner of the International Reading Association Award for Technology and Reading. Larry maintains an influential education blog and writes a weekly advice column for Education Week Teacher. Prior to teaching, he was a community organizer for 19 years.
Alt text: Alison Fromme, science writer and contributor to The New York Times Learning Network, smiling in a professional portrait.
Alison Fromme: Science Writer and Curriculum Creator
Alison Fromme is a science writer with a passion for exploration. Her scientific pursuits have taken her from New Zealand lakes to the coast of Honduras. She holds a B.S. in biology from Cornell University and an M.S. in zoology from Washington State University. Alison taught high school science in Massachusetts, contributing to district curriculum development. As a writer, she covers diverse science topics and creates educational materials for organizations like PBS and Glencoe.
Alt text: Sarah Mulhern Gross, English teacher and contributor to NYTimes Learning Network, in a professional headshot.
Sarah Mulhern Gross: STEM English Education Innovator
Sarah Mulhern Gross, a National Board Certified teacher, teaches English at High Technology High School in New Jersey, a top-ranked STEM school. She team-teaches 9th grade humanities and 12th grade English, striving to instill a love of reading in her STEM-focused students. Sarah is active in the reading community, blogging at The Reading Zone and supporting literacy initiatives. She holds a B.A. in English and Elementary Education from Georgian Court University. Her writing has appeared in publications like Scientific American and The Washington Post.
Alt text: Annissa Hambouz, freelance writer and NYTimes Learning Network contributor, pictured in a professional headshot.
Annissa Hambouz: Curriculum Development and College Counseling
Annissa Hambouz is a freelance writer who has contributed to the Learning Network since 2001. A former teacher, college counselor, and tutor, Annissa has extensive experience working with high school and undergraduate students. She has received awards for her activism and teaching. Annissa has developed secondary-education curriculum for organizations like the National Academy Foundation, focusing on subjects from business ethics to sustainable tourism. She holds degrees from Kalamazoo College and New York University, and a certificate in college counseling from UC San Diego.
Alt text: Patrick Honner, mathematics educator and contributor to NYTimes Learning Network, in a professional headshot.
Patrick Honner: Making Math Engaging
Patrick Honner has been teaching mathematics in New York City public schools since 2003. A two-time recipient of Math For America’s Master Teacher Fellowship, Patrick currently teaches at Brooklyn Technical High School. He is passionate about making math accessible and exciting for students. Patrick holds multiple degrees in math and philosophy from Wayne State University and the University of Wisconsin, and an M. Ed. from the City College of New York. He blogs about “everyday math” at www.MrHonner.com.
Alt text: Tom Marshall, writer and educator contributing to NYTimes Learning Network, pictured in a professional headshot.
Tom Marshall: Global Education Perspectives
Tom Marshall blends teaching and writing, with experience teaching social studies and English in New England, Europe, and China. He spent a decade as an education reporter for newspapers, including the St. Petersburg Times. Currently based in Eastern Europe, he writes about education, travel, and modern history and shares insights on Twitter @classroomworld. He holds degrees from Hamilton College, Columbia University, and Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education.
Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) Moderating Team
The NYTimes Learning Network’s popular “What’s Going On in This Picture?” feature is enhanced through collaboration with Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS). VTS staff play a crucial role in image selection and moderating student comments, applying their expertise in facilitated discussions to encourage deep visual analysis.
Alt text: Amy Chase Gulden, artist-teacher and VTS moderator for NYTimes Learning Network, pictured in a professional headshot.
Amy Chase Gulden: Artist and VTS Advocate
Amy Chase Gulden is an artist-teacher who has supported VTS partnerships with schools and cultural organizations in New York City since 2006. She manages visual arts residencies and maintains her own art practice. Amy holds multiple degrees in arts and education, English, and art history from Lesley University, Middlebury College, and Trinity College respectively.
Alt text: Yoon Kang O’Higgins, Director of Programs at VTS and moderator for NYTimes Learning Network, in a professional headshot.
Yoon Kang O’Higgins: VTS Program Leadership
Yoon Kang O’Higgins, Director of Programs at VTS, has been with the organization since 1997. She is responsible for school implementation across the United States. Yoon studied art history at Barnard College, Columbia University, and University College London.
Alt text: Philip Yenawine, co-creator of VTS and contributor to NYTimes Learning Network, pictured in a professional headshot.
Philip Yenawine: VTS Co-Creator and Visionary
Philip Yenawine co-created VTS with Abigail Housen. His extensive museum career includes serving as Director of Education at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Since 1993, he has dedicated himself to developing and promoting VTS, exploring its impact and applications across subjects, detailed in his book “Visual Thinking Strategies: Using Art to Deepen Thinking Across School Disciplines.”
Crossword Puzzle Master: Frank Longo
Alt text: Frank Longo, crossword puzzle creator for NYTimes Learning Network, smiling in a professional headshot.
Frank Longo: Crafting Engaging Student Crosswords
Frank Longo is the puzzle creator behind the NYTimes Learning Network student crosswords. A freelance puzzle constructor, his work appears in numerous publications, including The New York Times and Games magazines. He also creates the Sunday “Premier” puzzle for King Features Syndicate. Frank is the author of multiple puzzle books and serves as the official fact-checker for the New York Times crossword. His expertise in puzzle creation brings a unique and engaging learning tool to the NYTimes Learning Network. Frank’s background also includes a degree in music.
The NYTimes Learning Network Team: A Commitment to Educational Excellence
The individuals behind the NYTimes Learning Network represent a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to education. From seasoned editors to innovative contributors and specialized teams, their collective expertise ensures that the NYTimes Learning Network remains a valuable and dynamic resource for educators and students worldwide. Explore the NYTimes Learning Network today to discover the resources they create and how they can enhance your teaching and learning experiences.
