Jon Bluestein

Throughout my 17 years in independent school leadership, I have dedicated myself to the mission of fostering programs that couple academics and social-emotional learning to transform the educational experience into one that develops students into empathetic and active global citizens who think critically, solve problems, express themselves freely, and show perseverance in the face of challenge or failure. I have always supported and encouraged educators to use best practices, innovative pedagogies and technology, and their own creativity to design activities that get all students – regardless of background, ability level, or learning style – thinking, moving, cooperating, asking, investigating, making, and, most importantly, learning. As a fervent advocate for students, I have led movements in my schools towards authentic and experiential opportunities, cooperative project-based inquiry, and design thinking to engage in relevant and real learning and action beyond the walls of the classroom.

This fulfilling journey has taken me from New York to Bangkok, from Alabama to San Diego, and now to beautiful Boulder. I am so excited to join Friends because it is a school that shares my vision of education and my enthusiasm for striving towards it, not only in the classroom, but on the playground, in the auditorium, and throughout the community. Friends is more than just a place to study for its students and a place to work for its faculty and staff. It is a community dedicated to the common goal of providing kids with a second home, a place to grow up to become anything that they wish, a place filled with love, laughter, and learning.

I hold a BA in Psychology from Brandeis University, an MA in Individualized Studies from New York University, and an MS in Education from Nova Southeastern University, as well as a certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language. When I am not at school, I enjoy playing tennis, playing basketball, and hiking with my wife and son.