Mark A Di Giacomo

The Pennington School, Pennington, NJ (2004-Present) Chair, History and Social Studies Department (current) -Creating and implementing redesigns of core courses in both Upper School and Middle School divisions that adhere to the school's vision of individual excellence. -Overseeing teaching assignments, student course placement policies, and management of department budget. -Supervision, observations, and mentoring of department members; recruitment and hiring of new faculty. Faculty, Upper School History (current) -Teaching Advanced Placement US History using a student-centered, skills-based curriculum with a 95% proficiency rating on the APUSH National Exam. -Teaching US History using a student-centered, skills-based curriculum focused on academic writing culminating in a major research paper project. -Past teaching assignments have included 20th Century U.S. History, Early U.S. History, Human Geography, and topical history and social studies electives. Committee Memberships (current) -Academic Committee, Department Chair Committee, Curriculum Committee, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Alumni Event Planning Committee Assistant Director/Faculty Advisor, Fall and Spring Plays (current) -Collaboration with faculty and student directors, technical theater department, and publicity and ticketing to schedule and conduct auditions and rehearsals for Upper School productions. Faculty Peer Mentor (2015-2017) -Mentoring of new hires through a formal two-year professional development program resulting in higher job satisfaction and faculty retention. Dean, Class of 2016, Class of 2014 (2011-2016) -Collaborating with the Academic Dean and Advisory Program on student progress through regular academic and behavioral review sessions. Committee Memberships (2006-2017) -Daily Academic Schedule/Interdisciplinary Practices Committee, Student Life Committee, Accreditation Committee, Senior Internship Committee.