Mark Larson is an interviewer and curator for AmericanStoriesContinuum.com which compiles his conversations across the country about life in 21st century America. In 2019, he published, “Ensemble: An Oral History of Chicago Theater” (Agate Publishing).
In 2005, he joined National-Louis University as an assistant professor in Secondary Education, the Director of Partnerships and co-director of the Center for City Schools in November 2005. Previously, he was Director of Education at Lincoln Park Zoo (2002-2005), and Manager of Educational Partnerships and School Programs at The Field Museum (1998-2002). Prior to moving to the museum, Larson was an English teacher at Evanston Township High School for 14 years. In 1995, he received the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching from the Golden Apple Foundation of Chicago.
From 1998-2004, he served as Chair of the Golden Apple Academy. He has made numerous presentations on topics ranging from innovations in teaching to developing collegial relationships in schools. He is currently vice-chair of the board of directors at Polaris Charter Academy in West Humboldt Park.
As an educator, he published two books, Making Conversation: Collaborating with Colleagues for Change; and, with Betty Jane Wagner, Situations: A Casebook of Virtual Realities for the English Teacher, both by Heinemann Books. In 1996, he received the Farmer Award for Best Article for English Journal.
Before beginning a career in education, he worked in theater and television as a special assistant to Burr Tillstrom, creator of the 50’s television program Kukla, Fran and Ollie. With Burr, he worked on three television specials for NBC, appeared at the Kennedy Center, and for three Christmas runs at the Goodman Theater. He co-wrote and –produced Kukla, Fran and Ollie: A Reminisce with Fran Alison for NBC and was a consultant for the Chicago Historical Society exhibit: Here We Are Again!