I have done quite a few podcasts and this was one of the most enjoyable conversations. Thanks to Benjamin Freud, Ph.D. for the thoughtful questions about learning, leading, and quantum physics!
—Devin Vodicka, CEO, Learner-Centered Collaborative. Listen to the episode here.
[In reference to School is Fiction… Let’s Re-write its Story (and Purpose) ] One of my favorite posts of yours Benjamin Freud, Ph.D. that I think about often.
—Will Richardson, Co-Founder of The Big Questions Institute. Listen to the Coconut Thinking podcast episode where I speak with Will here and the second episode is here.
Benjamin Freud is one of these people who are able to use all their knowledge to ask the right questions, [which] makes the learner think, grow and shine.
—Rob Houben, Director, Agora School. Listen to the Coconut Thinking podcast episode where I speak with Rob here.
Do you use the phrase ’21st century skills?’ My friend and Director of Teaching and Learning Benjamin Freud just wrote an article that will change the way you think about them.
— Kyle Wagner, Global PBL Expert. Listen to the Coconut Thinking podcast episode where I speak with Kyle here.
Our educational systems are in good hands with practitioners like Ben, those who view their roles as deeply relational and constantly engage to reflect on how to improve and grow.
—Christophe Menagé, International Education Consultant. Listen to the Coconut Thinking podcast episode where I speak with Christophe here.
Looking for a truly game changing educational podcast to listen to? I can’t recommend this one enough…❤️
— Jennifer D Klein, Author of The Landscape Model of Learning and the Global Education Guidebook.
Benjamin, you continue to have a profound impact on my thinking and sense of purpose as a learner. As such, I want to create opportunities for others to experience your incredible capacity to rethink and reimagine learning and the purpose of schooling in these liminal times.
— Education-Researcher
I really enjoyed the exchange and the shape of your questions. Your thoughtful and probing intellect is a beautiful virtue Benjamin. Balanced by the wisdom of not taking yourself too seriously.
— Global Educational Consultant
I could not recommend him more warmly. During his tenure at our school, Benjamin established himself as an energetic and reflective professional who cared deeply about encouraging interdisciplinary planning and critical thinking. Colleagues relied on him to structure and support their planning and teaching and work through logistics following decisions made. He was a tireless advocate to ensure enrichment and curricular programs for students with gifted or academically advanced needs and he coordinated the interdisciplinary history curriculum with teams of teachers.
As well as being a caring and concerned advocate for students and learning, Benjamin could always be counted on for having intelligent views and encouraging the importance of emphasising research and analytical skills in instructional planning and programming. He was amicable and approachable and colleagues appreciated that he worked tirelessly to complete deadlines while problem solving certain details to ensure that the school day ran smoothly for everyone, students and staff. He was thorough and required little supervision.
Throughout he was warm and affable, and families could always count on “Dr. Freud” to have a sympathetic ear and to do his utmost to ensure the best outcomes for all.
Benjamin worked very hard to excel and he demonstrated enviable focus and initiative regularly. He sought consult whenever it was needed and took feedback well. As a colleague, Benjamin related well to many. He knows how to listen and to make people feel they have a voice and are heard. He is thoughtful in working with others. He could often be counted on to weigh in with a new perspective.
–Principal
It is a great pleasure to compose a letter of recommendation on behalf of Dr. Benjamin Freud. Given Ben’s doctoral studies in history, his master’s level work in international relations, and his coursework in both regular education and special education, he is an incredibly valuable resource to our academic community. Ben is also a wonderful source of cultural and language knowledge, as he is fluent in at least three different languages and enjoys international travel.
Furthermore, Ben has been a consistently solid, committed, reliable performer at our [school]. He is a true team player, showing exemplary commitment, compassion and flexibility. He is a dedicated and creative teacher. In addition to standard classroom teaching within his history specialization, he also has shown comfort and innovation in teaching students with various learning differences, gifted students, and students with social-emotional issues. Ben provides a structured, enriching, and supportive academic environment that has proven to be beneficial for both our intrinsically motivated, highachieving learners, as well as our most reluctant learners.
Indeed, Ben is a true gem. He is an incredibly valuable resource given his education, enthusiasm for teaching, and eagerness to reach all learners. We at [the school] are fortunate to have Ben on our teaching team, as he is a truly unique and wonderful teacher with a proven track record of skills and accomplishment. His personal and professional experiences show that Ben enjoys challenge and seeks opportunities to share his love of history, culture, and life-long learning.
-Head of School A
Benjamin has impressed his colleagues and the administration with his deep fund of knowledge, his passion for history and literature, and his ability to engage and inspire his students.
As a professional, Benjamin is devoted to maintaining the standards of the school and of his field. He emphasizes inquiry, engagement, critical and ethical thinking, and global citizenship. Although he is an expert in his field with a background in academia, he relates well to students and is able to break down communicate complex ideas to guide them to a greater understanding of their world.
In addition to his exceptional work with students, Benjamin has also contributed to our schools by taking part in curriculum initiatives aligned with the highest state and national standards. He is active in the community and is always willing to get involved with new programs.
-Head of School B
Benjamin is one of those very rare, gifted-in-abundance persons you will ever meet! His acuity for educational analysis and insight is second to none. His “train train quotidien” is at a much higher speed than most! As Academic Head, Benjamin brings both a richness of practical educational experience and marries this with current theory. He was very instrumental in the initial setup of Personalised Learning plans at MiSK Schools. His innovative flair was always evident as he supported teaching colleagues to develop their ideas and bring them to fruition through many mediums, such as visual representation via technology, in-class student discussion, student engagement evenings, flipped classroom models to name but a few of the methodologies Benjamin actively supported.
He has superb leadership skills and relates excellently with every person he meets in a genuine and compassionate manner. Benjamin is very approachable and has keen listening skills. He has that balance of high professionalism and also warm friendliness. This is an exceptional attribute in a school leader.
Benjamin is always up to speed with current pedagogical thinking and he infuses this knowledge into the everyday running of a school seamlessly. Benjamin singularly led all curriculum planning, teacher mentoring, classroom observations and feedback, report writing, parent meetings, student and staff counseling duties and much, much more! He undertook a gargantuan feat of work single-handedly in the Upper Primary Boys School at MiSK. Some may say he did the work of at least four men! This was done with grace and a smile. He performed each and every duty with ease, he multitasked daily under pressure, and still managed to retain his sense of humour!
Benjamin delivered thought-provoking assemblies and whole school PD sessions with flair and panache. Benjamin is constantly up-skilling and sharpening his professional toolkit. He never rests on his laurels! His educational passions are constantly flourishing. It was an incredible honour to work with Benjamin and learn from his outlook, behaviour and approaches! His commitment and flair to his work is unparalleled.
-Homeroom teacher
Dr. Benjamin always cares for his students and understands that there is more to life than what is being led on. He helps me feel like I’ve accomplished stuff and am just competent in general which is very helpful especially when I struggle to see that myself.
—G12 student
Dr. Benjamin shows his care for us through his passion in teaching us and the effort he goes through to make it enjoyable for us.
—G11 student
A.Ben is one of the most supportive, sharp-witted and adaptive teachers I have ever met. He goes far and beyond to provide a better understanding of his subjects, he creates a positive learning environment and gives constructive feedback. Additionally, he also encourages students and provokes their critical thinking which can be applied to real life examples effectively.
—G11 student
Dr. Benjamin genuinely wants us to succeed. He gives us actual individual help and regardless of the student if the students want to succeed he will try to help as much as he can professionally.
—G11 student
Ms. Charlotte and Dr. Benjamin are always supportive and encouraging. They make sure that I am not overworked, ask me how I am doing from time to time, and ask me how they can help. They are very approachable and easy to talk to openly. People you can trust, I’d say.
—G8 student
Things feel organized and much clearer. Your organization, good judgment and ability to be decisive are moving things forward and it’s a good feeling for your upper school community.
— Head of Community
I will dedicate my time and efforts to promote you and all GS staff/leadership because I know how lucky I am to be here and part of this school, under your leadership. Thanks for doing an incredible job in such a short amount of time. Please let me know how I can continue to support your good work.
— Parent of two children, one in MS and one in HS
Benjamin is one of the kindest souls I have ever met.
— Director of Innovation
Nobody generates more conversation from their posts than you.
— Chief Editor of an online publication
I always enjoy the “upstream” lens your thinking brings to the debate Benjamin.
—International Education Consultant
My heart literally sings when I read and reflect on your deep inner thoughts. I feel a deep resonance and appreciate how you are able to articulate so eloquently that which resides unspoken in my own heart and mind. I experience the “we” as I read and reflect on the gift of your wisdom. Thank you – so what I needed this morning to keep becoming and hopeful for our young people.
— International educator
Passionate; gutsy; always willing to push the envelope, ask uncomfortable questions, get messy in the classroom and do things that are scary.
—Head of Learning Support
It was exactly the kind of dynamic launch we had in mind. I think your energy and creativity could really build some momentum. Well done again!
—AP Academics
Benjamin is a wonderful example of someone who walks what he talks.
— Curriculum Leader
A good friend. A vital sanity lifeline. Passionate about the things that matter.
—Curriculum Leader
So wonderful to work with you. You are kind, thoughtful and always challenge the status quo. A real strength of this school.
—College Counsellor
Dr. Freud is a jack of all trades and capable of multi-tasking in a way I haven’t seen in years. He always considers the entire team as he tries to make decisions that focus on team well being.
-ELL teacher
A zen energy that permeates every great conversation I’ve had with you.
—Teacher
It is so refreshing to hear you speak and also of your honesty and openness.
—Music Teacher
Your reflective and empathetic discussions and support is always helpful and grounding.
—Theater teacher
Deep thinker, passionate, inspiring. Education is always on his mind.
—Curriculum Leader
Benjamin, as always you stretch my thinking and purpose … thank you!
—Leadership, Innovation, and Research Designer
Passionate, creative and interdisciplinary in your thinking. Great to have you nudging us outside the box(es)!
—DP Coordinator
Absolutely inspirational!
—Curriculum Leader
You are inspiring, enthusiastic and incredibly positive! Thanks for being so great!
-Homeroom Teacher
Benjamin is one of the best [students] I have encountered in my teaching career. His responses to assignments and discussion topics are uniformly comprehensive, well written, detailed, thoughtful and perceptive, with comments that are thought-provoking and stimulate critical thinking.
-Professor who taught Benjamin in graduate school
Benjamin has been very supportive and open minded and encourages others to step outside the box and try new things. He is very creative and is a good problem solver. Has good perseverance and a lot of energy. Always greets me with a smile and is willing to help out in class whenever called upon. I have enjoyed our collaborative approach and i have always felt that my views were taken on board and given consideration. Benjamin is consistently looking out for the students and adapting and making changes that will benefit their school experience.
-Homeroom Teacher
Thanks for all your inspirational work this year Benjamin. It has definitely changed me as a teacher. Big end of year smiles!
Language Acquisition Teacher
I admire the passion Benjamin brings into everything he does. It is a great quality to see when you can tell someone truly cares about what they do. Thanks Benjamin!
-Counsellor
I have enjoyed working with you this year on Project Zero and Math SIT, I am deeply touched and influenced by your passion for conceptual learning and holistic (life worthy) education for your students. Thank you!
-Primary Co-Teacher
Here’s a shout out for Dr. Benjamin Freud, who inspires us with all his enthusiasm and positivity!
-Homeroom Teacher
Hello my brother…Happy to know you, thanks for your kindness and smile.
-Front Desk Officer.
I would like to let you know how much I appreciate your help and guidance during this school year. It is very comfortable to work with a colleague like you- very serious, dedicated, with a good sense of humor.
-Music Teacher
Thank you for your immense help and support and thank you so much for your energy and patience. You were a pleasure to work with!
-STEM Specialist
Benjamin, I appreciate your sense of humor and composed attitude. It is a source of calm in the chaos.
-Homeroom Teacher
Always supportive and ready for discussions. Always includes collaborative activities that are varied and which include something for everyone. Challenging and creative.
—Teacher
Coconut Thinking 