faculty news
The Fall Issue of Independent School, the quarterly magazine published by the National Association of Independent Schools, was devoted to an examination of the missions, mantras and meaning of independent schools, and featured a substantive article from MKA’s Assistant Head of Upper School and English teacher, Stephen Valentine. In his article “Revitalize the Advising Program, Revitalize the School” Valentine asserts that, in times of economic hardship, the importance of being able to articulate the “value added” factor of an independent school education becomes more important than ever. For Valentine, the implementation of a truly effective advising system helps to distinguish and differentiate the Independent School experience: “It is both a program that makes my school special and unique, and a program that must continue to evolve.” he notes. Valentine goes on to outline the process by which, following an in-depth examination, the Upper School recently revised their advising process to better meet the needs of students and to put the role of an advisor front and centre in the education of each child. As he writes, “Advisors are a primary contact between school and parent; they are student advocates and guides; they monitor students’ social, emotional and academic progress. In short, they are the great utility players of our schools, ensuring that we win, year after year.” Both MKA and Valentine, author of the critically acclaimed Everything But Teaching (Corwin Press 2009), have been featured in Independent School before. Coverage has included articles on the Bitty Basketball program (Winter 1998), J.K. Rowling’s visit to the Book Fair (Winter 2000), being named a Blue Ribbon School (Winter 2001), the development of a Core Works program (Winter 2002), being designated a National School of Character (Winter 2004) and A Conversation on Ethics and Literature with Professor Tuttle (by Valentine) and an article on the MKA Upper School schedule as a means to combating stress in the Spring 2008 issue. (An article on MKA’s new Professional Development Plans for Faculty has also been submitted for a future issue.)
M K A really is in the
forefront o f independent school education A not only in N ew Jersey, but on the national stage.
review spring 2010
For Valentine, inclusion in Independent School is significant, because it indicates, not only that MKA’s advising program was relevant enough to be included as a lead article, but also because “MKA really is in the forefront o f independent school education - not only in New Jersey, but on the national stage.”
