Richard Styner

Richard Styner is a great believer in education as a lifelong pursuit. After graduating from Southeast High School in Lincoln, Nebraska, Richard received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Wesleyan University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Brown University, and, most recently, a Master of Science in Educational Technology from California State University, Fresno. Richard Styner has held many positions throughout his life. He has been a handyman, director of marketing, web designer, computer technician, AV technician, marine biologist, molecular environmental toxicologist, and even a professional bingo caller. When he became an educator, however, Richard knew he had found his calling. He taught for more than 10 years, first in Integrated Science and later in A.P. Computer Science. Richard started a computer science program because he believed it was one of the best ways to serve students at the highly diverse school where he taught. Influenced by his training with educational philosopher Ted Sizer, Richard became a strong believer in personalized, scaffolded, discovery-based education. His approach also borrowed heavily from the educational philosophies of such influential thinkers as bell hooks, Lev Vygotsky, and Howard Gardner. When Richard received his training in Educational Technology, he was impressed by how naturally new advances in online and e-learning meshed with the educational philosophy he developed at Brown. What once required intensive work, particularly in presenting individualized, discovery-based material, could now be streamlined to provide students with intrinsically motivating, high-interest, and rewarding learning experiences. We are on the cusp of a new universe of possibilities in education—one that can give students the knowledge, adaptability, and tools they need to pursue satisfying careers and continue learning throughout the 21st century.