Veteran science educator named Master Teacher

A noted science educator who says he strives to make every lecture “a performance” has been appointed to the Leonard “Doc” Nelson Alumni Master Teaching Chair, Eugene McDermott Headmaster David Dini announced at the opening faculty/staff meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 16. 

 

Dr. Michael Lane, formerly a science instructor at the College Preparatory School in Oakland, CA, will assume the Master Teaching Chair when classes begin Aug. 21, 2023. At College Preparatory, Lane served as Science Department chair and taught courses in physical science, physics, chemistry, astronomy and neuroscience.

 

Lane’s educational philosophy is one of empowerment and engagement.

 

“I want students to feel that they are ‘seen’ by me, that I know who they are, and that I care about them and their education,” Lane said. “I want them to have confidence in themselves, to believe that they can – with proper effort – succeed, and they are valued members of the classroom. I encourage questions and welcome them patiently and respectfully.”

 

Lane attended the University of California, Berkeley, earning a B.S. in chemistry and a Ph.D. in chemistry, with an emphasis in nuclear chemistry and radiochemistry. For 24 years, he taught science and coached multiple sports at College Preparatory and served as the science department head for six years. Lane is now excited to become a part of the St. Mark’s community.

 

“I don’t want to just teach my classes, then disappear,” Lane said. “I love being involved in extracurricular activities, school life, community, trips, clubs, advising, mentoring, etc. I want the total immersive experience of St. Mark’s. I want to partake in everything this School offers.”

 

At St. Mark’s, Lane will teach courses in physics and chemistry and will also serve as director of the Winn Science Center's state-of-the-art Planetarium.

 

“The major draw was the prospect of being the Planetarium director, which was the reason I applied for the job,” Lane said. “Loving astronomy as I do, teaching a course on it for 20 years, and making lots of field trips to planetariums, I was definitely attracted to that opportunity.”

 

Lane was also attracted by the School’s facilities.

 

“St. Mark’s is expansive and impressive,” he said. “I’m not talking only about the marquee highlights such as the Winn Science Center, but also the courtyards, fields, chapel, library and Great Hall. I even have my own classroom, office and prep room. It seems like a giant playground of unlimited possibilities for a teacher.”

 

The Leonard N. “Doc” Nelson Alumni Master Teaching Chair was established in 1986. It was most recently held by Paul Hoehn, who retired at the end of the 2022-2023 school year.