Steve McCarty and Meghen Tuttle Both Named to Endowed Chairs

A true scholar and lifelong learner with a wide knowledge of and genuine love for science, Dr. Meghen Tuttle is a STEAM teacher and Wellness Education Coordinator at Foxcroft. She holds a Ph.D. in neuroscience and a B.A. in vocal studies, both from the University of Southern California. 

Dr. Tuttle’s classes are active, collaborative, and interdisciplinary with real-world applications. In the last weeks of school, her Biology students incubated and hatched baby chicks, quite the unique experience, ultimately rehoming them to a nearby farm. “Each day in Dr. Tuttle’s biology classes,” observed McGehee in her remarks, “she helps our students think like scientists by providing case studies and applying the scientific method as they conduct labs and write up their reports. Her students learn critical reasoning skills and gain confidence that they can become scientists themselves. Her passion for science and research is evident in all she does.”

A master teacher who "walks the walk" with his students, Steve McCarty serves as English Department Chair and has taught in Foxcroft's English and History departments for the past 15 years. He holds an M.A. from the University of South Carolina and a B.A. from West Virginia University. His works have been published in several literary journals, including The Thomas Hardy Review, The Piedmont Virginian, and Poet Lore.

In addition to joining students in the creative struggle of writing, McCarty has expanded opportunities for students to experience the written and spoken word at the Paul K. Bergan Poetry Festival and live readings in Washington, DC. He regularly encourages them to share their voices by submitting to present and publish their works, too. “Mr. McCarty is an innovative teacher,” noted McGehee, “using the most current research and tools available to enhance instruction. As Chair of the English Department, he has led the way in integrating Mastery Learning into the pedagogy and curriculum, overhauling the entire English program. He holds high expectations for his students and colleagues, but he asks nothing less of himself.”

Foxcroft’s endowed chairs are reserved for outstanding teaching and scholarship. Before Dr. Tuttle, three individuals previously held the Stevens Chair, which was established in 1997 through the generosity of the Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation. McCarty is the fourth holder of the Achilles Chair, named for a master teacher, scholar, mentor, and friend who led the English Department until his retirement in 1977.