K-8 EXCELLENCE SINCE 1973 2027 7th Street, Berkeley, CA 94710 (map) • 510‑845‑0876
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“The relationship among the adults has more to do with the character and the quality of a school than any other factor.”
Roland Barthes
Faculty
Simon Gaughan graduated from Wesleyan University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in American Studies. During his time there, he conducted research on the effects of parental incarceration on children and also taught sex education workshops to high school students. After college, he spent a year at the Brandeis School of San Francisco as their fourth grade resident teacher. This experience confirmed for Simon his passion for education and that he is meant to work with children. This led him to Black Pine Circle School where he is excited to be back in the classroom, and also to begin pursuing a teaching credential and master’s in education while at BPC. Simon has a love for play-based and hands-on learning, and he centers his teaching around the idea that students learn best when they are happy and comfortable. Simon grew up moving around frequently (over 22 times!) and has lived in Texas, Wyoming, Miami, Chicago, Southern California, and more. In his personal time, he enjoys swimming in the ocean, playing pickleball with friends, cooking for his housemates, and learning new instruments.
Teaching Since
2022
Contact
Email >
Why I Work with Children
Working with kids brings out my most authentic self. Their curiosity, energy, and goofy senses of humor are contagious, and they’re constantly pushing me to take new perspectives and empathize more deeply. I love watching students develop an excitement around learning, and it feels very fulfilling to be able to foster that.
A Favorite Book
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Quick Fact
Trying to re-learn Spanish
Lower School Spanish Teacher
Aïda attended the same elementary school as opera tenor Josep Carreras.
Full Bio >
First-Third Grade Cello Teacher
Toured with the Western Opera Theater for eight years
Lower School Art Teacher
Started clowning at age 9
Lower School Physical Education Teacher
Has developed a secret pizza sauce
Kindergarten-Fifth Grade Science and Second-Fifth Grade Garden Teacher
Apprenticed at the National Theater of Croatia
Kindergarten-Third Grade Music Teacher
Was a college volleyball coach
First-Third Grade Violin Teacher
Played at the Grammys
BPC String Orchestra Leader
Creates musical arrangements for fun
Second Grade Head Teacher, Lower School Assistant Teacher Coordinator
Mad for dancing
Third Grade Head Teacher
Took three and a half months to bike across the country with my husband