Early Life
Thomas Armstrong was born on May 1, 1951 in Fargo, North Dakota. His father, a doctor, suffered a nervous breakdown which left him incapacitated for many years. To add to the family's hardships, their home was destroyed by a tornado at one point. Despite these challenges, Armstrong's passion for childhood education was ignited by an aunt who went on to become the director of the Amsterdam International School.
Education and Career
Armstrong began his academic journey at Carleton College, where he studied until 1971. He then went on to attend the University of Massachusetts in 1975, followed by Lesley University in 1976. In 1987, he furthered his studies at the California Institute of Integral Studies.
With over 45 years of experience in the field of education, Armstrong's expertise has been recognized through various accolades. Not only is he the Executive Director of the American Institute for Learning and Human Development, but he is also a renowned author of both fiction and non-fiction books. His writings have been featured in esteemed publications such as Ladies Home Journal, Family Circle, and Parenting.
Accolades and Achievements
Armstrong has received widespread acclaim for his work, including the Independent Publisher Book Award for Education II. His Twitter account, @dr_armstrong, boasts a following of 3,000 users. Through this platform, he shares tips for aspiring writers and promotes his own books, such as "If Einstein Ran the Schools" and "ADD/ADHD Alternatives in the Classroom." In "You're Smarter Than You Think," he introduces young readers to the concept of seven different kinds of intelligence.
His impact extends beyond his literary work, as he has made appearances on news programs like CNN, The Today Show, and the BBC. Additionally, his insights have been featured in reputable publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal.
Personal Life
Despite facing adversities early on in his life, Armstrong's resilience and dedication to childhood education have remained unwavering. His upbringing, marked by challenges within his family and community, has served as a driving force behind his commitment to empowering young minds.
Associations
Armstrong's influence reaches far and wide, with clients that have included iconic television show Sesame Street. Created by visionaries Jim Henson, Lloyd Morrisett, and Joan Ganz Cooney, Sesame Street reflects Armstrong's ethos of engaging and nurturing the potential of young learners.
In summary, Thomas Armstrong's journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and resilience in the face of adversity. Through his work as an educator and author, he continues to inspire and empower individuals to tap into their innate intelligence and creativity.