Jeff Gephart – Sixth Grade Teacher
New to Courtyard for the 2010/2011 school year, Mr. Gephart brings an eclectic background of experience to the classroom and strives to prepare his sixth graders to be successful middle schoolers and lifelong learners. He expects maximum effort from his students and encourages critical thinking, group collaboration, and creative problem solving strategies. Pushed to reach beyond what they may feel they’re capable of, Mr. Gephart’s students are taught to develop the self-reliance and accountability that will make them the leaders of tomorrow’s communities.
With a background in visual and performing arts, Mr. Gephart earned his teaching degree in Maryland and brings nearly a decade of experience in public and private elementary schools to Courtyard. His teaching style incorporates a variety of learning styles and skill sets that allow students to find their strengths, but also encourages them to experiment outside their comfort zones. As an environmentalist, Mr. G endeavors to inspire in his students an awareness of—and positive interactions with—not only each other but their natural surroundings, and as a published novelist he shares his infectious passion for writing with his students on a daily basis.
As Mr. Gephart’s students navigate the sixth grade curriculum, they focus on becoming better inferential readers, stronger overall writers that are able to communicate effectively in diverse forms, and creative math problem solvers. The earth science and social studies curriculums help the students gain a greater comprehension and appreciation of the wonders of our planet, as well as the civilizations that have evolved over time on its surface.
In his spare time, Mr. G enjoys outdoor activities and travel, reading, watching old movies, concocting new ideas for writing projects, and rooting on his hometown Pittsburgh sports teams.
