Faculty

Robert C. Arne, M.A., M.Litt., Headmaster, was a Ph.D. Candidate and published author in history at the University of Chicago. After attending the elite East Bay private school, Head- Royce, Robert graduated U.C. Berkeley with degrees in history and political economy. His advisor said he was an “auto-didact”—a self-taught person—who created an Independent Major for himself in addition to the others. Then, on a prestigious John Olin Fellowship for international study, he obtained a M.Litt. from a world-class University organized on tutorial principles: Oxford, England. He holds a M.A. from the University of Chicago where he prepared a thesis which probes the influence upon modern professional society of a great champion of individual liberty and educational choice: Herbert Spencer. He has published articles for academic journals and popular magazines. Robert has taught all subjects in San Jose area high schools: he managed reform school boys as well as students of elite academies.

More than anything, he loves great books and ideas; thus, he teaches in our Writing and English and Advanced Placement. He teaches writing with the "Little Red Schoolhouse" course in advanced professional writing which he had once taught at the University of Chicago. He had also taught American and World history courses at St. Francis, St. Xavier and Purdue Universities and Daley College (all near Chicago). With his partner, Suzanne (now deceased), he decided to blaze new paths for independent professionals. At The School of Choice, he teaches critical and creative thinking as it is best taught: one-on-one or in small seminars. Yet he also leads social activities like field trips (e.g. the Oregon Shakespeare Festival) and directs school plays (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, A Comedy of Errors, Les Miserables, Arsenic and Old Lace, and Hamlet). Every day the school is his creative process; he uses his extensive knowledge of books and ideas to come up with the perfect selections for each student, his humor to make class fun. Robert is very happily married and has a son of his own; he rides bicycles and jogs to keep fit and has lost a hundred pounds in the past year. He practices his faith and writes historical fiction in his spare time.

E-mail: robert@schoolofchoice.com

Emmanuel "Manny" De Leon, Director of Science and Technology,

Manny is veteran of a Bachelor's program in Electrical Engineering and a MBA program from the Central Colleges of the Philippines. He brings excellent teaching and industry experience to the school: he served 10 years as President and Owner of BTS testing company and three years as general manager of Stanford Engineering Corporation. He also worked for twelve years as a college instructor at Phillips Junior College where he was consistently ranked number one or two in student evaluations between 1990 and 1997. He even wrote the Basic Math textbook used at Phillips College during these years. Manny's enthusiasm for math and science thrills the students whether or not they seek careers in math and science.

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Heshimu Colar, Physical Education

We are fortunate to have Heshimu with us, for he brings experience working with youth from a wide variety of backgrounds. He has worked with youth for 11 years as a counselor in Unity Care, Inc. Residential Group Home and has a bachelor's degree from San Jose State University in African - American Studies.

Heshimu was the first freshman in ten years to be a starter for San Jose State's football team. He started for 4 years, earning All-American status in 1988 and 1991. He was captain of the football team in 1990 and 1991. Heshimu then signed a free agent contract with the Denver Broncos of the NFL and played professionally in the Canadian Football League.

Since that time, Heshimu has been active in church related activities and now pastors The Gospel Church in Sunnyvale CA.

He has worked with athletes and non-athletes to give them enjoyment in competition and in working to achieve goals. He knows that every youth has something to gain.
E-mail: heshimu@schoolofchoice.com

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Harumi P. Arne

Harumi has a B.S. in Marketing from Northeastern Illinois University and in Nursing from Georgia Southwest University. She is a Registered Nurse who resides at The School of Choice as school nurse. She has a teaching credential for Japanese language and teaches a Japanese class also. She has been teaching Japanese for over 10 years in Tokyo, Japan, Chicago, and San Jose.

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Barbara Kaspian, English/ Journalism

Barbara taught English, drama and journalism in the Fowler High School District and for many years in the Campbell Union High School District. In addition, she had a long career in the semiconductor industry as an editor/writer for printed and web marketing and educational material with SEMI, the industry trade organization. She returned to teaching with The School of Choice, where she specialized in English, ESL and Journalism. Last year at VIA she taught AP English Literature and Composition.

Fresno State University: BA English/Speech and Radio-Television Broadcasting

State of California Standard Secondary Teaching Credential: English/Speech

Manuel Campos, Webmaster

Manuel is a retired engineer, currently enjoying the benefits of working on the projects he always wanted to work on, but could not have the time to do when employed. He enjoys reading, painting, playing the piano, walking in the woods and wondering about the ancient civilizations of the New World. He has always been fascinated by the culture of the Incas, Mayas and Aztecs and at the moment is preparing for a trip to Central America and Peru, where he hopes to visit again the wonderful cities those marvelous people built a long time ago.