Adjunct Professor in Child Development and Education
jmanger@palomar.edu

I am passionate about creating educational environments that exude joy and prioritize the well-being and development of students. I believe schools should serve as hubs of inspiration, where natural curiosity is not only embraced but also nurtured. Over the past decade, my commitment to this philosophy has manifested through the implementation of Project Based Learning, a dynamic approach that empowers students to engage in authentic, creative projects bridging the walls of the classroom and the outside world.

Recently appointed as a part-time faculty member at Palomar College, I have the privilege of instructing courses that embody my educational ethos: Child Development 101: Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children and Education 172: Teaching in a Diverse Society. With over two decades of experience in the field, I hold a Master’s Degree in General and Special Education from Bank Street College in New York City.

My journey in education commenced as a special education teacher in an inclusive classroom at PS 8 in Brooklyn, eventually evolving into diverse roles as a teacher, administrator, and consultant across the United States and abroad in Ethiopia, Kenya and China. In 2013, I relocated to San Diego, becoming a founding teacher at High Tech Elementary North County. Currently, alongside my role at Palomar College, I serve as a Curriculum Coordinator at Kids By The Sea Preschool.

Equity is a cornerstone of my educational philosophy and was a driving force behind my decision to enter the teaching profession. This commitment continues to motivate my contributions to the field of education.

Residing in Encinitas, California, with my wife and two children aged 11 and 14, I find immense joy in the beauty of the San Diego coastline. The untamed Pacific Ocean, coupled with serene sunsets, serves as a constant source of inspiration. For me, nothing encapsulates joy more profoundly than challenging the waves and sharing moments of wonder with my family.