The Berkeley School
Derek Payne is an experienced educator currently serving as a 7/8 Science Teacher at The Berkeley School since June 2020. With a strong background in STEM education, Derek also teaches at Caliber Beta Academy as a STEM Teacher and previously held the position of 7th Grade Math and Science Teacher and Math Chair. Prior to these roles, Derek worked at Lazear Charter Academy as a 6th-8th Grade Math and Science Teacher and has been an Academic Coach with Aim High since June 2014. Derek began teaching as a 6th Grade Teacher at St. Paul's School and has a solid educational foundation with degrees from the University of California, Berkeley, and San Jose State University.
The Berkeley School
Founded in 1963, The Berkeley School is an independent, progressive pre-K through 8th grade school located on two campuses in the heart of Berkeley. TBS fulfills its mission (to ignite curious minds, awaken generous hearts, and engage a changing world) through hiring, developing, and retaining exceptional teachers who innovate to meet the intellectual, academic, social, and emotional needs of children in the context of both on- and off-campus learning environments. Filtered through the lens of civic engagement, students’ academic experience is intertwined with their social and emotional development. Alongside a strong curriculum are key conflict-resolution opportunities, empathy-developing role playing and student-led community campaigns, all of which reinforce that what matters in education matters in life.