Educators share St. Mark’s with the world 

A delegation of eleven St. Mark’s administrators and instructors traveled to the other side of the world to meet and collaborate with their peers at the International Boys’ School Coalition Annual Conference. Hosted by Westlake Boys High School in Auckland, New Zealand, the 2023 IBSC conference’s motto encouraged participants to “Kia Moemoeā,” a Moāri phrase that means “Dream beyond limits.”   
 
In addition to learning from peer schools, St. Mark’s educators also shared some of their best practices, including:  

  • Sarah Choi, orchestra director: “Pushing Beyond the Rehearsal Room: Strategies for a Thriving Boys’ Orchestra Program” 
  • Kurt Tholking, Computer Science Department chair and Kendall Murphy, coordinator for instructional technology: “Mastering the Metaverse: Virtual Reality in the Classroom” 
  • Rachel Muldez, wood and metal instructor: “Full STEAM Ahead: Techniques that Integrate Artistic Training with STEM”  
  • Dr. Martin Stegemoeller, Malcolm K. and Minda Brachman Master Teaching Chair: “Developing a Leader’s Mindset Through Journaling” 
 
“It is a privilege to be able to educate others in what works best for us in hopes that they might have the same successes in their classroom,” Murphy said. "It is equally important for us to listen to the best practices from other schools. All of us have come here to foster relationships with other educators from around the world in order to understand the best and most effective ways to educate our boys.”  
 
More than 600 delegates from 125 boys’ schools across the world gathered in Auckland from July 5-8, where they dove into research and best practices. Highlights of the conference included receptions at the Viaduct Harbour Events Center and Auckland War Memorial Museum and a keynote address by Sir Graham Henry, coach of the 2011 Rugby World Cup Champion team New Zealand All Blacks.  
 
Just one year ago, St. Mark’s hosted more than 500 educators for the “Path to Manhood” IBSC Annual Conference in Dallas. David Dini, Eugene McDermott Headmaster, currently serves as the treasurer on the IBSC Board of Trustees and attended the board meeting in New Zealand. 
 
“It has been enjoyable to attend the conference with a new perspective and appreciation for the tremendous amount of work that goes into hosting this annual event,” said Jason Lange, assistant head of Middle School, who led St. Mark’s efforts last year as chair of the 2022 IBSC Annual Conference Organizing Committee. "Westlake Boys High School has welcomed us warmly and given us authentic insight into Māori culture and boys education in New Zealand.” 

Other St. Mark's members attending include:
  • Alex Eshelbrenner, senior director of alumni engagement
  • Marion Glorioso-Kirby, interim head of Lower School and Tony Vintcent Fine Arts Department Chair
  • Lauren Logan, Middle School math instructor
  • Veronica Pulido-Guzman, Al G. Hill ’63 Director of College Counseling
Back

    • The St. Mark's delegation in New Zealand.

    • Tholking and Murphy demonstrate the educational uses of virtual reality.

    • Muldez discusses the importance of art in STEAM.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

10600 Preston Road
Dallas, Texas 75230
214-346-8000

About Us

St. Mark’s School of Texas is a private, nonsectarian college-preparatory boys’ day school for students in grades 1 through 12, located in Dallas, Texas. St. Mark’s aims to prepare young men to assume leadership and responsibility in a competitive and changing world.

St. Mark’s does not discriminate in the administration of its admission and education policies on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.