Blue Ridge School Academic Dean and History Teacher Pete Bonds was a guest on the podcast of the International Boys’ Schools Coalition. He discussed his experience using the IBSC’s Action Research Program to determind whether boys’ critical thinking skills benefit from re-telling stories of Virginia’s history of racial terror. For his work, Bonds was named a 2019 IBSC Action Research Award Honoree.

In the interview with IBSC Director of Membership Engagement Bruce Collins, Bonds says participating in this program was a highlight of his professional experience. The program provided the structure that allowed him to study aspects of his profession that he has been thinking about for many years but not made the time to actively examine.

Bonds says the Action Research Program reminded him that he is a part of a global group of teachers who can be used as resources and for encouragement. He highly recommends conducting research but reminds other teachers: “You spend a lot time with the subject that you pick … so pick something you love.”

Hear the complete interview on the IBSC website. Mr. Bonds is introduced at 28:35.