What's All the Fuss About Systems Theory?
Dr. Paul Astin is the Head and Founder of Manzanita School. He has worked in education for over 20 years. He has been a teacher and administrator in both public and private schools. Paul has a BA degree in Prehistoric Studies, a bilingual teaching credential, an MA in Latin American Studies, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Paul’s 2008 dissertation focusing on adolescent development and middle school reform won the Dissertation of the Year Award in UCLA’s Educational Leadership Program.
Paul founded and directed Los Vecinos Grassroots Development Organization, a non-profit corporation that from 1988-1991 developed health education programs in squatter settlements outside of Mexicali, Mexico. In 2001, Paul won the Bravo Award from the Los Angeles County Music Center for integrating art into his classroom. Paul was named “Topanga Citizen of the Year” in 2008, partly in recognition of the service work of his 6th grade students at Topanga Elementary.