Topic: Raise Thriving Children in Turbulent Times: Start with Whitehead

Presenter: Lynn De Jonghe

Dr. Lynn De Jonghe’s 40-years of experience with progressive education and a long-time fascination with Whitehead and process thought have come together in a book to be published this spring by Rowan and Littlefield, Starting with Whitehead: Raising Children to Thrive in Turbulent Times. This book offers examples of learning events at each stage of Whitehead’s rhythm of education—from romance to precision to generalization—that point the way for adults to help children thrive in a world of turbulent change. These events are presented in the richness of their unfolding context, rather than as dry results of manipulating controlled variables. Dr. De Jonghe sets these exemplary events in a vigorous theoretical foundation and proposes specific strategies for success. Her recommendations have relevance not only for parents but also for teachers, principals, and educational policy makers. 

Lynn received her BA degree in History from Harvard University and a MS in Library Science from Simmons College before completing her PhD in Education at Cornell University.  She served as the founding Head of East Bay Sierra School, a predecessor of Prospect Sierra School, El Cerrito, one of the preeminent schools in the San Francisco Bay Area.  She also served as Middle School Head of the Athenian School in Danville and Head of Windrush School in El Cerrito, CA. Prior to her work in independent schools, Lynn spent fifteen years in public education administering federal funds to innovative programs, advocating for project learning as an alternative to textbooks, and pushing for integration in Massachusetts schools. 

Lynn is a frequent participant in John Cobb & Friends discussions. A few members of our educational development team have previewed her presentation and heartily recommend that it be shared with the rest of us! Download a brief intro to Lynn and her presentation here.

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