Faculty
Mason Hanson
Sixth Grade Technology Teacher, Upper School STEM Apprentice
Mx. Mason is thrilled to join Black Pine Circle’s STEM program this year, with a goal of empowering students to develop their own fascination with technology and the natural world. They hold a B.A. in cognitive science from UC Berkeley, with a focus in learning science. Mx. Mason began their professional pursuits at UC Berkeley’s Institute of Human Development, where they studied cognitive development of young children. They then spent four years developing science curriculum as a learning specialist with Lawrence Hall of Science’s Learning Design Group (among the team of exceptional STEM educators there was BPC’s own Ms. Mytko!). Most recently, Mx. Mason was lead STEAM curriculum developer for Cubit, a K-12 robotics and computer science education startup. During a Cubit pilot program at BPC, Mx. Mason was amazed by BPC students’ extraordinary curiosity, critical thinking capacities, and love of learning. They couldn’t help but find a way to join the community! Born and raised in Lake Tahoe, Mx. Mason enjoys a range of outdoor activities in their personal time, including hiking, backpacking, kayaking, and skiing.
Why I Work with Children
I chose to be a STEAM educator because I believe childhood is when you develop the fascination that fuels your lifelong mission of change-making. My goal is to offer students opportunity to discover what fascinates them. I take a student-centered approach, giving students the reins in their own exploration by identifying and solving problems that are both globally relevant and personally meaningful. Our world relies on innovators, people who get so intensely curious about problems that they can’t help but solve them.
A Favorite Book
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman. This book explains human biases, the ways our minds work to perceive, react, and make decisions. Understanding how my brain works has helped me become a better person and more helpful to my community.
Quick Fact
