In Tung Trinh's 6th-grade geography class, there is no textbook. What there is, instead, is The New York Times — and a class full of students excited to investigate, research, and explore.

A passionate educator, Tung Trinh wants his students to learn "how and why humans live all over the world." His solution? Make The New York Times their textbook, and let them take ownership of their class essays and projects. 

As Trinh told The New York Times' blog, The Learning Network, "We study different parts of the world to learn about the physical landscape and the cultural history to better understand the contemporary issues people face."

And in the process, they learn how to become discerning readers, critical thinkers, and strong writers, all while exploring topics they're passionate about. 

At Explo at St. Mark's, Trinh discovered the art (and joy) of "fostering a child's curiosity" and teaching his students how to learn by doing. As a first-time parent, find out how his son Ollie is teaching him that lesson in a whole new way.

Tung Trinh is Dean of Students at the Garrison Forest School in Maryland.  Trinh was a staff member at Explo at St. Mark's from 2003-2007, where he served as an instrictor, a Residence Director, the Assistant Dean of Students, and the Assistant to the Head of Programs.