March 27, 2020
Mark Cutler named director of LITW
Six-year term will begin July 1by Nancy Hitchcock
A dedicated teacher with more than 20 years of experience, Mark Cutler has been named the new director of Andover’s Learning in the World (LITW) student travel program. Cutler will begin his six-year term on July 1.
“I’m looking forward to this new challenge in leadership, including working with a diverse group of colleagues and promoting experiential learning opportunities around the globe and domestically,” says Cutler.
Cutler joined Phillips Academy in 2003. He has taught in the Spanish and Interdisciplinary Studies departments, been an instructor and director (2004–2016) of Outdoor Pursuits, served as a house counselor in small and large dorms, and contributed to numerous committees, including the Faculty Advisory Committee, Alumni Council Executive Committee, and Community Service Advisory Board.
I am eager to deepen and expand opportunities to explore the world and ourselves, not only through our international and domestic off-campus programs, but also via local engagement.
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Since 2005, he has served as codirector of B.A.L.A.M. (Bilingual Archaeological Learning Adventure in Mesoamerica) and H.U.A.C.A. (Human Understanding through Archaeology and Cultural Awareness), both programs that he cofounded. Cutler has supervised community engagement projects and developed local LITW and place-based learning opportunities, and he has served as a board member and vice president of Lawrence History Center and as a founding board member of the Independent Schools Experiential Education Network.
Learning in the World—founded under the umbrella of the Tang Institute and now an independent entity—has seen significant growth during the past six years. Annually, about 200 students participate in 39 programs that include faculty-led trips, affiliate programs, and Performing in the World. Approximately 52 faculty leaders are involved, traveling to 19 countries and 32 locations in the United States and around the world, including Vietnam, Berlin, Bhutan, and Bali.
Cutler succeeds Carmen Muñoz-Fernández, who was the LITW program’s first director. Muñoz-Fernández will continue at Andover as an instructor in the Spanish Department.
“Mark is eager to facilitate opportunities for faculty members to lead programs that give every student the ability to study off campus and develop experiential and inter- and multidisciplinary opportunities to learn,” says Clyfe Beckwith, assistant head of school for teaching and learning.
Cutler plans to connect LITW with other PA departments such as Interdisciplinary Studies, Community Engagement, CAMD, the Brace Center for Gender Studies, Outdoor Pursuits, and Sustainability.
“As director of LITW, I would like to see the program’s definition broadened to include academic and cocurricular experiences as well as those travel programs that LITW is known for,” Cutler says. “I am eager to deepen and expand opportunities to explore the world and ourselves, not only through our international and domestic off-campus programs, but also via local engagement.”
Categories: Academics, Leadership
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