Mr. Darer grew up in Rockland County, NY where he credits his first-grade teacher for his love of math and his grandmother for his love of science and the natural world. After graduating with a B.A. from Oberlin College in Chemistry (high honors) and Environmental Studies, he worked at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and later Stroud Water Research Center as a research technician studying nutrient and trace metal cycling in aquatic ecosystems. He later discovered his passion for sharing his love of math, science, and the natural world with his students. As an outdoor enthusiast, Mr. Darer brings a strong natural science background to his Science and Hands on Skills lessons at Main Line Classical Academy, where he has taught since 2016. Mr. Darer is also the founder and lead teacher at Philly Outdoor Science Education, an interdisciplinary hands-on educational program, where he runs Outdoor Skills and Outdoor Science-based camps and classes for young learners.
When not teaching, he can be found playing piano around Philadelphia with his 1920’s Jazz Band Parlour Noir.