He had no teaching experience and no English or education degree, but his school and work background testified to his intellect, versatility and diligence – he had earned a BA in philosophy and political science with a minor in math; made the dean’s list; and won the Most Outstanding Philosophy Graduate award.

He got the job, an improbable start to a fruitful career in independent schools that has spanned three decades and shown the power of an insatiable quest to learn. Boberg arrived to Ransom Everglades in July as an expert in the fields of curriculum development and educational leadership – after six years at Pine Crest, he spent nearly a decade as the Chief Academic Officer at The Episcopal School of Dallas and three years as the Chair of the Curriculum Committee at Fort Worth Country Day.

At Pine Crest in the early 1990s, Boberg said, he “threw his life into” his work. To compensate for his lack of experience, he sought advice and guidance from veteran teachers – an exercise he values to this day. “There are people that teach subjects,” he said, “and people who teach kids.” As he advanced in his field, he took time to advance his education, earning two MEds, an MBA and a PhD. He has never forgotten what he realized in his earliest days: that learning cannot be static.

“It would be pompous and arrogant and myopic of me to say I have the solution for everything,” he said. “The whole nation is working through two very unprecedented years (because of the pandemic), returning to some things we haven’t been able to do, and breathing new life into other things. We have an opportunity to take a new look and revitalize.” 

Boberg’s wide-ranging experience and lifelong commitment to learning were considered critical traits as Ransom Everglades sought a middle school head after the departure of Rachel Rodriguez – now Interim Head of School – in 2021 after 14 years.

“I like a good challenge; I want to know and learn,” he said. “I like to solve problems, especially those that look impossible.”

After his tenure in Pine Crest, Boberg went to the University of Florida to work on his graduate degree in philosophy, then headed to the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where he earned a Master of Education in Teacher Leadership and Instructional Design. From there, he headed to Fort Worth Country Day. Besides chairing the curriculum committee, he also served as an upper school English teacher, honor council advisor, junior varsity basketball coach and debate coach during his 13-year tenure. 

He earned his MBA at the Neeley School of Business at Texas Christian University, where he made the dean’s list all eight semesters and was named Top Neeley Scholar in 2009; then went straight from business school to a doctoral program at the University of Texas at Arlington. He won a Distinguished Researcher Award on his way to a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.

As he moved on to The Episcopal School of Dallas, he shared his burgeoning expertise at conferences, during presentations and in publications. He focused on the professionalism of teachers and the importance of leadership, collaboration and the student-teacher relationship. Among many works, he in 2016 co-authored “The effects of integrated transformational leadership on achievement” and “High-Achieving, Cognitively Disengaged Middle Level Mathematics Students: A Self-Determination Theory Perspective.”

Meanwhile, he immersed himself in middle school development and teaching. His arrival to Ransom Everglades came decades after he had competed against RE in speech and debate as a student at Sandalwood High in Jacksonville. In the years since, the school’s campuses have remained beautiful, but its plans have become more ambitious. In many ways, Ransom Everglades’ growth has mirrored Boberg’s. The school offered a perfect challenge, and a perfect match.

He loves that this year’s sixth grade includes 161 children from more than 50 elementary schools.

“I have a real sense of urgency to make sure the kids feel like they belong here from day one,” he said. “It’s crazy. It’s beautiful. It’s also daunting. And it’s always a team effort.”