Mark Basnage

Mark has over 19 years experience creating and leading innovative programs in education. This work has engaged him in some of America's most disadvantaged communities and some of its wealthiest; on the East Coast and  the West; in public, private and charter schools, museums, and nonprofits.

There are a number of recurring themes in Mark's work, including sustainability, community, appropriate technology, knowledge creation, place-based learning, and beauty. Outside of work, he likes to cook, run, and generally get off the beaten track. Mark has degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and Stanford University.  He currently lives in the San Francisco Bay area with his wife, Linda, their four children, and thanks to the landlord, no chocolate laborador.

12 Things to Know About Mark:

1. You won't really understand me unless you've watched these movies:

Akira Kurosawa's Dreams; Lisbon Story; Babette's Feast; Constant Gardener.

2. I'm most liable to get choked up when I hear about:

"Choked up" isn't really it, but I hate hearing about bad things happening to children.

3. If I had a completely free day to do anything I wanted, I would:

Make something;  go somewhere to be inspired; catch up with old friends.

4. My kids drive me crazy when they:

Bicker.

5. I drive my kids crazy when I:

Respond to a question ten minutes after they ask. 

6. If you're going to give me a gift card, get me one from this store:

Try me.

7. I'm most proud of my kids when they:

Work hard at something; use their gifts in a new way; show courage of conviction or great generosity.

8. If I had a million dollars to give to a charity, I'd give it to:

Sustainable organizations run by leaders of integrity 

9. My go-to comfort food(s):

A long list. Honest ingredients are important. 

10. If I could snap my finger and make some problem in the world go away, it would be:

Suburban sprawl. Pit bulls as a breed. Dumbed-down aesthetics. Mediocrity in education.

11. Home chore or professional task I hate to do:

Endless routine driving.

12. I'm slightly embarrassed to admit that I watch or read:

...that I read less than I want to, and less fiction as a proportion of what I do read.