Ben joined the SMART team in July of 2010. He had previously spent nine years as a teacher both in America and abroad.  Ben became a teacher to help fight against the educational inequity that exists in our country.  The majority of his time teaching was spent in New York City, where he began his teaching career in the Teach For America Program.  This program allowed Ben to work towards the goal of ensuring that all children have the opportunity to attain an excellent education regardless of their socioeconomic background.  As a teacher in urban schools, he tackled these problems as both a teacher of curriculum, and as an advisor and leader, helping to build the capacity of instructors and committees within schools.  Being an educator has been a way for Ben to serve his community and work towards a more just society.  He believes strongly that educators must focus on the whole child, and develop our student’s awareness of the many needs of our communities.   He has taken these beliefs and strived to help nurture young women and men to become not only academically proficient, but also socially compassionate and inquisitive.