Kraus loves the natural energy in the classroom and the pursuit of ideas and problem-solving that is positive and purposeful.“In science, I appreciate making the material clearer for my students,” he said. “The class begins as a big adventure into the vast unknown, and in the last third of the year, the kids get excited by their own understanding. They can absorb this challenging information now. They have a sense of confidence and think, ‘I can handle this. It’s all coming together.’ As an educator, it’s incredibly gratifying to witness that and know that you were a part of the student’s development.”

Recognizing his extraordinary generosity and fairness, The Founders League recently awarded Kraus the M.D. Nadal Sportsmanship Award for 2018. Kraus believes that sports provide an essential pathway for living and learning life lessons: “Here’s how you work hard, here’s how it plays out, here’s how you measure success,” he said.

David combines his love of history and music by teaching modern world history courses and directing the choral groups Outlook and Crimson 7. He also serves as the History Department Chair, overseeing programs devoted to connecting students with their past and present locally and globally. An avid runner, swimmer, and cyclist, he competes regularly in marathon, ultra-marathon and ironman competitions and coaches track and field at KO. “The KO motto ‘One Conquers Who Conquers Oneself’ and the concept of caring beyond self are the core of my teaching philosophy,” he said.

Trish advanced into the world of education with a background in adolescent counseling. As an adolescent counselor, she worked directly in an outreach center in the Bronx, working with at-risk youth. When she moved to California, she became a counselor at a residential facility helping to create a healthy environment for teens struggling with drug addiction. Following her journey in social work, she began her studies at Santa Clara University. While at Santa Clara, she earned my master’s in education. She taught for three years for the Sunnyvale-Cupertino Union School District and then another year at Woodside Priory School, a private 6-12 college preparatory school located in Portola Valley, California. She spent one year teaching at Cary Academy in Raleigh, North Carolina, before spending the next several years at home raising her three children. She is passionate about education and including sports and health in the curriculum. She had the opportunity to compete at both the high school and college levels in the sport of track and field, as well as cross country. As a Division 1 athlete at Fordham University, she brings a level of skill and excitement into her coaching. She said, “I will be starting my ninth year as a cross country and track & field coach – and I love it! As a teacher, advisor, and coach, I bring a passion for life, and every day I appreciate the opportunity I have to be a part of the Kingswood Oxford community and the lives of today’s youth.”

Stephanie Sperber is an innovative educator with a strong focus on technology integration, skill development, and social justice. She is an engaging classroom teacher who utilizes a variety of creative-centered techniques including interactive lessons, simulations, C3 Inquiry, project-based learning, video, primary source analysis, and group work, all toward helping her students become “young historians” who are active and engaged in the community. In her practice, she builds strong relationships with students both within and outside the classroom, as she did for three years as the house chef for students at Maui Preparatory Academy.

Peter is an experienced physics teacher who has also written, illustrated, and published a set of four textbooks and teacher guides covering all physical science requirements for grades 6-10. He received a national award from the ASM for innovative pedagogical strategies for high school students’ Introduction to Engineering course. Before teaching, Peter was an engineer who designed mechanical components and electromechanical systems, a background that enhances his teaching. Peter leverages current research in brain science and learning methodologies to enhance students’ educational experience.

Alice comes to KO from Greenwich Country Day School, where she taught Upper School American history, art history, and psychology. Additionally, she served as the cross-country and track coach, leading the boys’ team to the FAA Track Boys’ Champion in 2024. A runner herself, Alice was the captain of the cross country team while a student at Kenyon.