Room: Superior B
presented by Eric Hieser, Executive Director, Sturgis Charter Public School
Chris Andre, Associate Director, Sturgis Charter Public School
Mark Blake, Special Education Resource Teacher, Sturgis Charter Public School
Eric Hillebrand, History Teacher, Sturgis Charter Public School
Sturgis Charter Public School, a non-selective public high school, believes that all high school students deserve the opportunity to be exposed to the knowledge, skills, and habits of the mind that are inherent in IB Diploma Programme courses. While many high schools specify passing scores on placement tests or minimum course and/or grade prerequisites for enrolling in IB courses, Sturgis employs an "IB for All" philosophy by requiring ALL students in grades 11-12 to take ALL of their coursework in the IB Diploma Programme. The panel will discuss the successes and challenges with this "IB for All" approach, including issues regarding special education and support for students who face academic challenges.
Eric Hieser, Executive Director, Sturgis Charter Public School
Eric Hieser has been a teacher, counselor, and administrator in five schools, including two Massachusetts charter schools, which offer the IB Diploma Programme. Prior to joining Sturgis Charter Public School as Executive Director in 2004, he held leadership positions in four international schools in Brazil, Switzerland, Japan, and Norway. Eric has led workshops regarding "IB for All" at the MA High Schools of the Future Conference and the Massachusetts Charter Schools' Best Practices Showcase. He has also led many workshops on effective board governance and leadership.
Chris Andre, Associate Director, Sturgis Charter Public School
Chris Andre has been a math teacher, including IB Math Studies, at international schools in Norway and Turkey. Chris has also held leadership roles in two public high schools in Massachusetts prior to becoming Associate Director at Sturgis Charter Public School in 2004. Chris has been active in giving "IB for All" presentations to local public and independent schools seeking to implement the IB.
Mark Blake, Special Education Resource Teacher, Sturgis Charter Public School
Mark Blake joined Sturgis Charter Public School as a Special Education Resource Room Teacher in 2005. Mark worked previously with special needs students in several public schools and private settings and has received two recognition awards for his work with students who have academic challenges.
Eric Hillebrand, History Teacher, Sturgis Charter Public School
Eric Hillebrand joined Sturgis Charter Public School in 2005 as a teacher of IB history and IB psychology. Previously, Eric had taught IB History, ITGS, and TOK at a public school in Chicago and at international schools in Panama and Hungary. In addition, Eric has experience in working with social service agencies that focus on inner city youth.
