About

Bachelor of Arts, University of New Hampshire
Master of Arts, Columbia University

John Villinski serves as the History Department Chair at Darrow, where he has been a vital member of the community for 11 years. Nearly 25 years ago, John made a pivotal career change into teaching history in the independent school world, discovering his true calling as an educator. To prepare for this transition, he pursued a graduate degree and relocated from Manhattan to the Berkshires to start both his family and his teaching career.

Following successful stints at several other independent schools in the region, John joined Darrow in 2013 and quickly realized that he had found his professional and spiritual home. Over his tenure at Darrow, John has had the privilege of teaching, learning from, and collaborating with exceptional students and colleagues. He has also embraced the opportunity to pursue many of his passions, including history, outdoor adventure, woodworking, skiing, lacrosse, teaching, and travel.

John credits Darrow with making him a better educator and a more well-rounded human being. In return, he is deeply committed to giving back to the school every day, working tirelessly to make Darrow an even better place for everyone who calls the Mountainside home. His dedication to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and inspiring learning community is at the heart of his work as an educator and leader.