Principal Professors of Cortona Academy
Meet the Director, Founder, and Lead Professor of Cortona Academy
“I remain at Cortona Academy because our program literally saves students’ educations and lives. Our revolutionary approach has altered American education. We are all leaders in our respective fields and are a positive, supportive force in each of our student’s lives. With 4–40 years of teaching experience, my staff is brilliant, kind, and fighters for ALL our students. I cannot wait to get to work each day to be with this amazing, courageous, dedicated staff.”
Cortona Academy
About Sharon Strauchs
Teaching and Administrating at Cortona Academy for 30 Years!
Background:
- B.A.–Carnegie-Mellon University
- M.Ed.–George Mason University
- Ph.D.–Credits towards Ph.D., ongoing
Subjects Taught:
- All Language Arts
- Classical-Level Literature
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Writing
- SAT Prep
Meet a Few of Our Teachers
“Teaching at Cortona provides the best way to teach, with the best teachers.”
Background:
- B.A. (Chemistry and Mathematics)
- M.A. (Philosophy)
- Ph.D. (Philosophy)
Subjects taught, present and past:
- Math
- General Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Philosophy
“I teach here because I feel I can truly make a difference in the lives of my students and foster a relationship that will help them become well-rounded humans.”
Background:
- B.A. (History)
- B.A. (Art History)
- M.A. (European History)
- Ph. D. (Candidate-British Culture & History)
Subjects taught, present and past:
- US History
- Geography
- World History
- Social Civics
- Art History
“I teach here because I love teaching math and at this Academy the environment is friendly and congenial.”
Background:
- M.S. (Mathematics)
- Ph.D. (Doctorate in Mathematics)
- M.St. (Masters in Statistics)
- M.Ed. (Masters in Education)
- M.B.A.(Masters in Business Administration)
What do I teach:
- All Mathematics Grade 7 through Calculus A/B & B//C and Statistics
“I am the newest member of the Cortona staff. I was immediately impressed with the ability at this academy to stay open (due mostly to their small size and compliance with mitigation protocols) during the pandemic and their uncompromising view that students should not be allowed to fall behind. Cortona Academy provides a safe, personalized, and supportive learning environment in which students can thrive and set their sights on higher education.”
Background:
- B. S. (Biological Science)
- M.Ed. (George Mason University–in progress)
Subjects taught, present and past:
- General Science
- Earth Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Music
“I play my part in an Institution making a difference in education.”
Background:
- M. S. (Mathematics)
- Ph. D. (Physics)
Subjects taught, present and past:
- Physics
- Math
- SAT Prep (SSAT/PSAT)
- TJ Prep
“In Plato’s Theaetetus, Socrates compares his art to that of a midwife; analogously to the latter, he guides young interlocuters through the sometimes harrowing process of thinking and tests the health of the thoughts at which this process arrives.
Socratic teaching, then, requires thinking, and the domain of thinking is dialogue. My passion for teaching is above all a passion for thoughtful dialogue with students and texts. Cortona Academy offers both the student and the teacher the uncommon opportunity to enter authentically into such dialogue.”
Background:
- M. A. (Philosophy, Classics, Composition Literature, History of Science/Mathematics)
Subjects taught, present and past:
- Literature
- Composition
- Philosophy
- Language Arts
- Foreign & Ancient Languages
“Teaching is a passion.”
Background:
- B.S. Psychology
- M.S. Computer Science/Math
Subjects taught, present and past:
- Math
- Chess