As a child, Fulton-Peebles remembers being fascinated by the natural world and he fondly recalled having a knack for explaining why things happen in the world.
“We’re all young scientists when we’re kids -- we wonder why things occur and the only way we can explain any of it is through science. I spent a lot of my childhood doing that,” he said. “It still inspires me. I love sharing that knowledge and wonder with my students, which is why I teach science education.”
Born and raised in the United Kingdom, Fulton-Peebles double majored in biology and anthropology at Durham University in England, where he earned his bachelor of science degree with honors in natural sciences. He went on to complete a postgraduate degree at the University of Bath, United Kingdom, where he earned his certificate of education in science education. He holds a master’s of arts degree in school administration from Notre Dame de Namur in Belmont.
Teaching was a natural career choice for Fulton-Peebles, as it blended his insatiable curiosity with his desire to solve problems. As a teacher, he said uses those same skills to educate the whole student.
“I try to educate their mind, heart, body and soul and associate that with choice,” he said.
He is a strong advocate for providing a rigorous and holistic education for his students, one grounded in critical thought, empathy, environmental stewardship and creativity, he said.
Serra Principal Charlie McGrath said he is excited that Mark will be the new dean of studies.
“We are thrilled that Mark was chosen to become the dean of studies. Mark's love of academia will continue to build up on the strong foundation of the Serra's academic profile and ensure its relevance as a school of excellence for teaching and learning,” McGrath said.
Fulton-Peebles said his ultimate goal is for his students to develop a love for learning, so he tries to make things relatable and tangible so that they understand what is happening in day-to-day life. He makes his lessons student-centered, he said, as kids thrive in an environment where they know it is possible to pursue their passions.
“This will prepare them for the modern world and all the challenges they will face. It is so important for my students to collaborate and learn to work together because all the problems they are facing today like global warming can only be solved if humanity comes together to solve the problem and think critically with data not just opinion,” he said. “I try to educate my students to make good decisions that benefit the whole world.”
A teacher for 12 years, Fulton Peebles said he is excited to bring his skills to the administrative side of education.
"From my extensive teaching experience, and with my master's in leadership, I feel that I have the experience that will allow me to contribute on a wider level,” he said. “I enjoy blue-sky thinking, strategic planning, and collaborative leadership. Personally, if teaching was the steak, educational leadership is the seasoning on the steak: I am looking forward to taking my experience to the next level, and I am excited to do it at Serra."
Fulton-Peebles said he plans to use many of his classroom techniques in his new role as well.
“My teaching philosophy is a student-centered one, which focuses on making lessons engaging, challenging, and relevant to the students' lives. This relies on a strong foundation in classroom management and frequent in class formative evaluation so that all students feel valued, capable of improving, and feel safe to participate. I want to further expand this approach at Serra."
When he is not teaching, Fulton-Peebles enjoys trail running, traveling, reading, skiing, fishing and working out. He loves sports and has coached lacrosse at Serra, as well rugby and field hockey at other schools.
