Clair Dahm

History, Humanities, Administration, English
805-684-4127
clair_dahm@cate.org

PhD, Brandeis University
Appointed: 2023

Though born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, Clair has spent the last 12+ years in a decidedly different locale: the chilly suburbs of New England. After completing her PhD at Brandeis University – where she had the opportunity to teach seminars in U.S. Legal History, Political History, and Writing – Clair’s passion for teaching inquisitive and empathetic students in small groups drew her to adolescent education, and she accepted a position at Phillips Academy, Andover. While there, Clair taught across the curriculum, served as the course head for U.S. History and Assistant Chair for the department, and contributed to DEIJ curricular review and programming.

Clair is thrilled to be joining the Cate faculty and to be living on the Mesa, among the eucalyptus trees of her home once more. She lives in '25 House with her husband, Zack, and their two rambunctious pups: Harvey and Jo. In the classroom, Clair is eager to encourage her students to revel in the nuance and complexity of historical change and to grapple with the power and art of analytical writing. Whether working with seniors in an elective on Comparative Revolutions or introducing freshmen to the field of history in Cate’s Humanities program, Clair’s focus is on fostering intellectual curiosity and supporting students’ development of their own voice.