Rich Cramp joined TASIS in 2022, initially serving as a Middle School English teacher before transitioning to his current role as a High School History teacher. With a background in English Literature—holding a BA with Honours and currently pursuing a master's in History—Cramp brings a wealth of international teaching experience to the school. Prior to his arrival, he held positions as Head of Humanities at an international school in Phuket, Thailand, and taught history and English in Bangkok. His teaching philosophy centers on building strong relationships with students, which he believes fosters motivation and addresses individual learning needs effectively. Cramp currently teaches Modern History and Ancient & Medieval History, and he is particularly enthusiastic about leading the 10th-grade history trip to Florence, an experience that aligns with his passion for immersive learning. He appreciates the positive environment at TASIS, citing the supportive staff, engaged students, and the school's picturesque surroundings as standout features. Despite being in his fourth year, Cramp continues to discover new areas of the sprawling campus, reflecting the dynamic and expansive nature of the institution.
Cramp's enthusiasm for history is evident in his preferred teaching topics, such as the 'Age of Discovery' in the 15th and 16th centuries, which he values for its sense of adventure and mystery. He takes pride in creative assignments, like the interactive museum on the Atlantic Slave Trade created by his Modern History class, where students demonstrated maturity and imagination in handling complex subjects. He notes that the diverse cultural backgrounds of students at TASIS enrich classroom discussions, fostering debates grounded in multiple perspectives without conflict. One of his most rewarding moments as a teacher is witnessing students' progress through applied effort, though he humorously references the iconic 'Oh captain, my captain!' scene from Dead Poets Society as an aspirational classroom moment. If given the opportunity for a historical field trip, Cramp would choose Angkor Wat in Cambodia for its architectural and religious significance. His love for history was sparked by personal family stories, such as his British grandfather meeting his Italian grandmother post-World War II. Outside teaching, he imagines a life reading history by day and playing live music on a beach at night. Cramp is also keen to dispel historical myths, emphasizing that Napoleon was not short—a misconception stemming from British propaganda that persists despite his annual corrections to students.
