Nanci Kauffman became the head of Castilleja School in the fall of 2010. A resident of Palo Alto since 1997, Kauffman began her career as an educator in 1979 at Marymount School, a girls' school in New York City. She graduated from high school at age 16 before graduating from Vassar College and Teachers College at Columbia University.

Kauffman has held many positions, including history teacher, tennis coach, computer coordinator, math specialist, alumnae director and assistant head of school, and dean of faculty. Now, she's in charge at Castilleja.

Kauffman talks with Lisa Van Dusen about educating young women, her ideas on new approaches to science and technology education, and global citizenship. Kauffman also offers advice to parents and students alike and talks about the experiences that drew her to pursue a career as an educator.

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Interview by Lisa Van Dusen. Video by Rachel Hatch.