Gil Schmerler ’64 has worked in education since graduating from Amherst, where he decided to become an educational administrator in his senior year. Before retiring, Gil was on faculty for 30 years at Bank Street College of Education. There, he worked as a teacher and administrator in public, private, urban, suburban, traditional and alternative schools. In Gil’s various roles, he needed an understanding of psychology, sociology, English, civic understanding, anthropology, and even math. During his time in education, Gil had considered himself a progressive educator, even when that description was not always welcomed.
Q: What impact do you hope to have through your career?
A: Mostly, the 150 students I advised will leave their own marks on the educational world. I’ll take a small amount of the credit (or blame).