Since he didn't have a background in education, he feels that he basically grew with the job. He enjoys the people involved in the school, the creation of the curriculum and the process of education, and activities with the students. He feels that in order for a school like this one to succeed, it must continue to evolve, rather than becoming too fixed, and that would not be possible without the close relationship among the faculty and students allowed by the size of the school.
Ray likes to spend time in activities with his family and working around the house. (Ray and his wife, Marilynn are the parents of Emily, the first student in NCCL's history to have both parents teaching at the school!) He also enjoys photography, and sells some of his photos, although he knows it won't replace his teaching job! Ray's photographs appear in Discover the Winterthur Garden.
Newsletter: Ray Magnani teaches the oldest class at NCCL. Ray also serves as the treasurer of NCCL. How long have you been at NCCL?
Ray: Since it opened in 1971.
Newsletter: What experiences did you bring with you to the job here?
Ray: I had been a student at the University of Delaware. I studied aerospace engineering and participated in the ROTC program for two and a half years and then found that my interests were changing, especially regarding the type of people I wanted to spend my career with. I spent a year on general studies, and then a year studying anthropology, before deciding it wasn't the field for me, either. I heard about this school being formed, and attended an informational meeting. I was hired as a teacher for that first year, and have taught here ever since. Since I didn't have a background in education, I basically grew with the job.
Newsletter: What do you like best about teaching at NCCL?
Ray: I enjoy the people involved in the school, the creation of the curriculum and the process of education, and activities with the students. This school offers the opportunity to create your own job, and make the job your own.
Newsletter: Are there any things you would like to change about NCCL?
Ray: It would be nice to have more land to allow more outdoor activities with the students, but I don't think I would want to the school itself to grow larger. In order for a school like this one to succeed, it must continue to evolve, rather than becoming too fixed, and that would not be possible without the close relationship among the faculty and students allowed by the size of the school.
Newsletter: What types of support do you like to see from parents of NCCL students?
Ray: The most important element is a balance between maintaining communication between students and their parents, while allowing students enough space. This is difficult because many students at this age naturally become more inwardly directed, so it takes more effort to keep in touch. I certainly would want any parent to come in with any questions they have. Still, we have to be careful to allow students to have the opportunity to learn to handle their own problems.
Newsletter: What do you like to do when you're not teaching?
Ray: I spend time in activities with my family and working around the house. I also enjoy photography, and sell some of my photos, although it certainly is not going to replace my teaching job!