This past summer, I spent six weeks in Nashville, Tenn. wrapping up my master's degree with a big purple bow!
What an amazing experience to be part of the inaugural cohort studying Independent School Leadership at Vanderbilt’s Peabody College. We were very fortunate to have John Chubb, president of the National Association of Independent Schools, kick off our summer work with an informal discussion on the direction of the national organization and how it plans to support and promote independent schools in the coming years. As schooling options expand across our country, it is more important than ever that independent schools promote our distinction and relevance in the current market.
Over these last 18 months, 15 of us from schools up and down the eastern seaboard researched and discussed the “ins” and “outs” of independent school work; everything from admission and financial aid to boards and budgeting to counseling and conflict management. BUT the one item of business that we returned to time and again, was that of teaching and learning.
It’s at the heart of everything we do and ultimately the reason why we are here. Whether the learning is inside the classroom, or in the dorms, or on the field, or through our arts, we as independent school professionals (and particularly as independent boarding school professionals) have unique opportunities for teaching, encouraging, relationship-building and promoting deep learning and true transfer.
I so enjoyed my time in Nashville with new colleagues and I will treasure my relationships with each one for years to come. But…this time also made me appreciate those of you right here at Darlington who work hard every day, giving everything you have, for the love of students. You may not sense it in the moment, but you matter and so does your work.
As we begin our 111th year, it is so important to remember what links our past to our successful future and that is the teaching and learning associated with Darlington School. Thank you, faculty, for all you do every day. I am proud to call you colleagues.
