My strategies for ensuring the excellence of our teaching staff also are taking shape. In order to attract and retain outstanding teachers, the school must pay salaries comparable to other independent schools. In addition, the school will provide for the first time stipends for teachers who direct a major extracurricular activity. Incentives are a critical component in reaching the ambitious goals delineated in the last newsletter. Equally important is the establishment of systems that promote a high degree of collaboration among teachers.
American education is notorious for isolating teachers and stifling communication.
So often, great teaching strategies and innovative curriculum never resonate beyond the individual classroom. To this end, next year the faculty will meet on a more regular basis in smaller groups. In addition, I have created for next year several faculty committees that will delve into major educational issues and report back to the entire faculty at the trimester interim. These committees will include Technology, Human Development, Faculty Evaluation, Rivers in the Community, Schedule Design, and Student Life. It is my fervent hope that this new system of faculty meetings and committee structures will create a faculty culture of collaboration.