Welcome from the Head of School
Welcome to the Washington Mathematics Science Technology Public Charter High School website! (www.wmstpchs.org)
Oftentimes, as educators, we don’t take the time to introduce ourselves, given the frenetic pace of our work on behalf of the children. However, these are, nonetheless, exciting times in public education in the District of Columbia, and I would like to take the time to share with you my background and educational philosophy.
I am a native of the District although I moved to Virginia with my family when I was two years old. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Virginia and a Master's degree from Virginia Tech in Educational Leadership. I live in Northern Virginia with my wife and two children.
While teaching biology at Mt. Vernon High School in Fairfax County, Virginia, I worked with a team of teachers from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology to customize an integrated biology and English curriculum centering on a wetland theme.
In 2001 I developed a successful leadership program for 9th and 10th grade African American males which focused on increasing academic achievement, self-esteem, self-confidence and self-awareness. In 2002, I initiated the development of an after-school SOL review program to prepare all biology students collectively for the assessments.
Later, in 2005, I became an adjunct professor at George Mason University where I taught Educating Diverse Populations and developed a curriculum that introduced the foundations and developments of Multicultural Education, Special Education, ESOL and Gifted and Talented programs.
I think it's important that educators work together in the best interests of our children and their families. I am very interested in partnership opportunities with businesses, community organizations, government agencies and other educators, including charter schools and D.C. Public Schools.
I also think that whether one is teaching in Fairfax County or here in Ward 5 that children are basically the same. We have very high expectations of our students and work hard to find resources to help them achieve in high school and beyond. With passion and enthusiasm, I invite you to be a part of this important work.
Please know I am very excited about our prospects at WMST PCHS. Enjoy your visit to our website, and please contact the school at 202-636-8011 if you would like to talk further.
Sincerely,
Mark T. Holbrook