David Meissner is a writer, editor, educator, and content creator who has developed innovative programs and content for WETA Public Television, American Federation of Teachers, National Center for Learning Disabilities, Environmental Education Exchange, Andean Discovery, and others. He has also written 20 educational books for young people, including Call of the Klondike (Boyds Mills Press), which received the Golden Kite Award for Nonfiction and a YALSA nomination.
David has worked in education for over 20 years. In addition to outdoor and experiential education, David has taught fifth grade at a public school in Brooklyn, NY and Spanish and world cultures at an independent school in Boulder, Colorado. As Director of International Programs at the Dawson School, he developed, coordinated, and led educational trips and cultural exchanges for middle and high school students.
David has studied abroad in Spain and Germany, worked on public health projects in rural Mexico, supervised agricultural development projects in Andean Ecuador, and backpacked throughout South America. He speaks fluent Spanish and is conversant in German and Portuguese. David studied foreign affairs and Spanish at the University of Virginia and has a master's degree in childhood education from New York University.
He now lives in Colorado with his wife, daughter, and black lab at the base of the Rocky Mountains.
David has worked in education for over 20 years. In addition to outdoor and experiential education, David has taught fifth grade at a public school in Brooklyn, NY and Spanish and world cultures at an independent school in Boulder, Colorado. As Director of International Programs at the Dawson School, he developed, coordinated, and led educational trips and cultural exchanges for middle and high school students.
David has studied abroad in Spain and Germany, worked on public health projects in rural Mexico, supervised agricultural development projects in Andean Ecuador, and backpacked throughout South America. He speaks fluent Spanish and is conversant in German and Portuguese. David studied foreign affairs and Spanish at the University of Virginia and has a master's degree in childhood education from New York University.
He now lives in Colorado with his wife, daughter, and black lab at the base of the Rocky Mountains.
Testimonials
“Partner projects with the American Federation of Teachers are quite demanding and we hold our collaborators to the highest expectations. David Meissner surpassed all of them… He worked under extremely tight deadlines and kept us informed of every step. His attention to detail was remarkable, but his keen insights, understanding of the educational issues at hand, fluency in Spanish, superb translation skills, and his commitment to provide educators and children with the best resources made him truly exceptional.
“We were also extremely impressed by David’s grace under pressure—after the unexpected departure of one of the project directors, David facilitated a seamless transition by taking on this director’s substantial responsibilities. Deadlines were met, work was not disrupted, and all his effort and creativity resulted in products of the highest quality. This type of project was a trailblazing effort for the AFT, and David’s extraordinary skills were pivotal in making it a success.
“Not only does he have a long list of professional attributes, but David is one of those rare individuals who also fully infuse their job with their best personal qualities—integrity, kindness, charisma, generosity, optimism, cheerfulness, and sense of humor.”
— Giselle Lundy-Ponce, Senior Associate, American Federation of Teachers
“We were also extremely impressed by David’s grace under pressure—after the unexpected departure of one of the project directors, David facilitated a seamless transition by taking on this director’s substantial responsibilities. Deadlines were met, work was not disrupted, and all his effort and creativity resulted in products of the highest quality. This type of project was a trailblazing effort for the AFT, and David’s extraordinary skills were pivotal in making it a success.
“Not only does he have a long list of professional attributes, but David is one of those rare individuals who also fully infuse their job with their best personal qualities—integrity, kindness, charisma, generosity, optimism, cheerfulness, and sense of humor.”
— Giselle Lundy-Ponce, Senior Associate, American Federation of Teachers
“David Meissner has done outstanding work for us, first as an employee and then as a freelancer. David is a creative thinker, a skilled writer, a talented interviewer, and a dedicated professional who cares deeply about doing high-quality work. He has also been an enthusiastic, upbeat presence on our projects; someone who quickly establishes a bond with the people he works with.
“In all of his work for us, David has been resourceful, energetic, and unfailingly gracious. He has been an effective representative of our projects in a wide range of settings. Our staff, our partners, our funders, and our freelancers have all enjoyed working with David—and so have I. In addition to his strong skills on the job, David is a world traveler who speaks Spanish, Portuguese, and German and is always ready to learn something new. In short, David is a delightful person who consistently produces excellent work."
— Noel Gunther, Vice President, WETA Public Television and Radio
“In all of his work for us, David has been resourceful, energetic, and unfailingly gracious. He has been an effective representative of our projects in a wide range of settings. Our staff, our partners, our funders, and our freelancers have all enjoyed working with David—and so have I. In addition to his strong skills on the job, David is a world traveler who speaks Spanish, Portuguese, and German and is always ready to learn something new. In short, David is a delightful person who consistently produces excellent work."
— Noel Gunther, Vice President, WETA Public Television and Radio
“David has proven his ability to critically analyze issues and problems, prioritize tasks on a scheduled timeline, and ensure that deadlines and quality control are consistently met. Any organization or agency that David turns his eye toward will be more than satisfied by the result.”
— Neil Markowitz, Executive Director, Environmental Education Exchange
— Neil Markowitz, Executive Director, Environmental Education Exchange
“He’s a terrific writer, and several people outside of the organization have commented on what a naturally talented interviewer he is. In a workplace of Type A’s, David is the voice of calm, reason, and thoughtfulness. He consistently produces quality work. I can trust that what he does is well considered and thorough. He is a very talented and creative employee whose skills, abilities, and potential will take him a long way.”
— Pam McKeta, Former Director of Online Services, Reading Rockets
— Pam McKeta, Former Director of Online Services, Reading Rockets
“He was extremely instrumental in changing the culture and climate of a difficult class to one that personified community. Unwavering in his work and consistent with managerial techniques, Dave became a discipline pro and subsequently became well respected not only with his students, but also his peers.
“His communication with his colleagues is one that I wanted emulated with other teachers. Calm, smart, patient, reasonable and driven are some of the words that describe his personality. It just seemed that when you sat down to have a conversation about children with Dave, he simply made sense! This was such an asset to our learning community and we will miss his wisdom and quick humor especially at times when humor is well needed. Having said this, Dave’s students, a class who once performed in a rather mediocre manner, excelled on all standardized exams this year. A job well done by developing clear, methodical and organized work.”
— Yolanda Ramirez, Principal, Public School 38, Brooklyn, NY
“His communication with his colleagues is one that I wanted emulated with other teachers. Calm, smart, patient, reasonable and driven are some of the words that describe his personality. It just seemed that when you sat down to have a conversation about children with Dave, he simply made sense! This was such an asset to our learning community and we will miss his wisdom and quick humor especially at times when humor is well needed. Having said this, Dave’s students, a class who once performed in a rather mediocre manner, excelled on all standardized exams this year. A job well done by developing clear, methodical and organized work.”
— Yolanda Ramirez, Principal, Public School 38, Brooklyn, NY
“David’s classroom is a lively place. I have seen very high standards in David’s instruction and he asks a lot of his students in return. However, there is plenty of fun and laughter mingled in with the more serious work the students accomplish. David has a nice way of engaging his students.
“In all that David does with students, faculty, parents, and with me, he puts forth a very positive attitude about all aspects of his duties and responsibilities. He conducts himself in ways that show he loves the profession of teaching and in so many ways, goes beyond the simple management of day-to-day activities. I have been around David in both formal and informal gatherings and hold him with high regard in both his manner and personal and professional presence.”
— Tommy Tibbitts, Former Head of Lower School, Dawson School, Boulder, CO
“In all that David does with students, faculty, parents, and with me, he puts forth a very positive attitude about all aspects of his duties and responsibilities. He conducts himself in ways that show he loves the profession of teaching and in so many ways, goes beyond the simple management of day-to-day activities. I have been around David in both formal and informal gatherings and hold him with high regard in both his manner and personal and professional presence.”
— Tommy Tibbitts, Former Head of Lower School, Dawson School, Boulder, CO
“Thoughtful, creative, and kind, David was an extremely collaborative colleague who consistently inspired his students and fellow teachers to achieve their best. David brought the Spanish language and Spanish-speaking cultures alive for his students. They loved traveling abroad with him to Costa Rica, Spain, and Ecuador, and they also loved virtually traveling around the Spanish-speaking world without leaving the classroom. His passion and genuine enjoyment of teaching is contagious.”
— Lisa Ha-Ngoc, Former World Languages Chair, Dawson School
— Lisa Ha-Ngoc, Former World Languages Chair, Dawson School
“We cannot tell you how large our hearts swell when we think of how much laughter, joy, enthusiasm and confidence your teaching has invoked in Isaac this year. We are constantly reminded that you are a bright light and great inspiration in our son’s life as Isaac sometimes recites, verbatim, the facts you share in class. Isaac adores you and he’s eager to learn everything you teach. So thank you for absolutely everything you’ve done for Isaac. Our respect and admiration for you are immeasurable.”
— Elementary school parent
— Elementary school parent