David Grant

David Grant is a former English teacher and foundation president who currently lives in Strafford, where he serves as Town Moderator. In his retirement, he devotes his time to two outstanding Upper Valley institutions: Northern Stage and Osher. David is the author of The Social Profit Handbook (2015),which focuses on how mission-driven organizations can best measure their impact and success. He has performed around the world in a one-man show as Mark Twain.

Modern African Novels: Two by Imbolo Mbue (Spring Term 2024)

Participant Testimonials: 

Wonderful introduction to African novels for me- something I’d never read before. David is a master and his talent attracts a great deal of additional talent to his classes- I’m learning from a dozen people, not just one- it’s a phenomenal experience 

The order of reading the two books was a choice that became a thesis, and organizing principle for the course. Then, each class had its own clear, flexible structure that allowed us to chase ideas.

Osher at Northern Stage: Constellations (Winter Term 2024)

Participant Testimonials:

It was so engaging to be able to get the perspectives of the play from the actors and director. Learning about what thought processes went into how to approach the roles as well as how to design and implement the set, added a much richer understanding and appreciation once we saw the play!

The Study Leaders provided a critical background framework for those new to the complex play which resulted in a much richer understanding of the play.

Three Novels by Richard Russo (Fall Term 2023)

Participant Testimonials:

David was a superb teacher/ animator of our group. He helped me discover an author I had heard but not read. I am looking forward to be on another course and discover a new world.

He is great at pacing a Zoom meeting and allowing all participants to have their opportunity to speak.

Any literature course taught by this study leader is a good addition to Osher. 

Three by Mark Twain: Has America Been Missed? (Winter Term 2023)

Participant Testimonials:

David is a brilliant teacher with a deep knowledge of the life and writing of Mark Twain. It has been an absolute pleasure to have participated in this course.

David designed this class to lead us on a trip through Twain's development as a writer, using three central books but relating what we read to the rest of Twain's writing and speaking tours.

David deeply understands Mark Twain and uses that understanding to supplement the books, putting them in context and adding information about what was going on with Mark Twain.

Robert Penn Warren’s All the King’s Men (Fall Term 2022)

Participant Testimonials:

A very skillful teacher. Respectful and engaging. Gave everyone a chance to contribute

Fabulous course - perhaps the most enjoyable OSHER course I've taken and I've taken a lot! Bravo David