Why Prep

Hello Sandia Prep Community! 

In addition to the Weekly Wrap-Up, I’d like to occasionally write a blog that goes a bit deeper into educational trends, parenting ideas, and all of the fantastic happenings at Prep. I may be struck by an article I read, a conference I attend, or a class that I visit, and then nothing can stop me from opining on the matter. Luckily for me, I have a captive audience in all of you! Seriously, though, I hope you will find these missives thoughtful, helpful, and, at the very least, entertaining.
 

For my first blog post, I thought I would share something I’ve been thinking about quite a bit as I begin this new adventure as the Head of School at Sandia Prep. Twenty-seven years ago, I was a brand-new teacher fresh out of graduate school, and Sandia Prep welcomed me with open arms. I taught one section of 6th-grade acting and was an on-call substitute. Within the first couple of days, Pete MacFarlane, Prep’s Athletic Director at that time, roped me into coaching the Volleyball C Team (despite the fact that I had literally never touched a volleyball) and Middle School Track and Field (this was more up my alley). Within a month, I was backpacking in the Sangre de Cristos with George Emeny and some upper school students and leading Camping Associate trips with Larry Hanley. Within the first semester, I was interviewing prospective students and their families. The Prep community opened up and invited me to involve myself however I could, and I found multiple ways to dive in because I very quickly understood what a special place this was. And I also quickly understood how much more went into good teaching beyond the curriculum on the page. My time at the school cemented my belief that great schools are great because of the strong connections that students develop with their faculty and staff and with each other. And schools where faculty and staff feel connected to one another are the greatest schools of all. 
 

So here I am, 27 years later, having taught multiple subjects at all grade levels, K-12, and having worked in five other independent schools in three different states. In all that time, I have aspired to teach and lead with methods that draw students and faculty into connection and encourage self-discovery through exposure to multiple experiences. And I have consistently tried to draw upon the world around us for inspiration, whether that meant encouraging calculated risk-taking while climbing Mount St. Helens, putting together an English class poetry reading at the Tattered Cover Bookstore in Denver, or working with Algebra students on creating a map of our school orchard using a GoPro camera and 72 helium balloons. People learn by doing, by asking questions, and by constantly trying, failing, and trying again.
 

I was thinking recently that looking for a new Head of School (as well as looking for a job as a Head of School) is a bit like a matchmaking process to find your life partner. Thinking back on my history in Albuquerque, this seems apropos - as you will come to know, I adore musical theater. So much so that back in 1995, as a new teacher at Prep, I also performed with the Albuquerque Civic Light Opera as Tzeitel in a production of Fiddler on the Roof.  And guess who also was in the show? Performing Arts Department Chair Louis Giannini! (I have got to find some pictures of this…)
 

In any case, Tzeitel sings the song “Matchmaker” and talks about how different people want different things from a match. Similarly, when a school is looking for a new Head of School, different constituencies want different things. During the Head search, many of you may have answered surveys, partaken in discussions, and shared ideas about the ideal Head of School.  Parents likely said they wanted someone who would truly know their kids and help develop them into amazing human beings. Kids may have wanted someone who would have fun with them and get to know them. And faculty and staff likely wanted someone who would support them as they give everything they have to supporting students. 
 

So, to continue the metaphor, in order to make the match, I sent in my materials and met with the Search Committee. Preparing my materials was, I’d imagine, similar to putting together a dating profile. I wanted to be presented in the best light, but I also wanted to be completely authentic (so maybe that’s not what people do when putting together their dating profile?). I wanted to make sure the school knew who I was and what I believed in. I tried to make clear three things: First, I believe in the power of human connection as a catalyst for deep learning.
 

Second, I believe that it’s our job as educators to develop in our students skills like creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, empathy, and resilience - skills that will help them navigate this rapidly changing world. Third, I believe that only when our students feel like they belong and feel connected to other members of the community will they be willing to take risks and develop those skills - what is needed to “do what you do when you don’t know what to do.”
 

Coming to Prep to interview last fall (almost exactly a year ago on August 31!) was like an extended date to see if a marriage could work. I checked you all out - could I see myself here? Were people nice? Were kids excited to be here? And you all checked me out - was I kind? Would I be supportive? Would I fit in? Thankfully, we felt it was the right match, and I am incredibly honored and proud to have been chosen to serve as your new Head.
 

And so, like a new couple, here we are starting our relationship together, both a little nervous, but also very excited (I am - and I hope you are, too!). I can’t promise that I will be and do everything that everyone wanted when you began your search - I am only human, after all. But as we set out on this journey together, I will make these vows to you.
 

First, I vow in this first year to learn everything I can about Sandia Prep. I’ve already begun meeting individually with every board, staff, and faculty member, as well as groups of students and parents, and I will continue to do this so that I can learn what people have to say.
 

Second, I vow to develop connections with individuals and groups to build an even stronger sense of community. I plan to do this by being as present as I can be - greeting students in the morning, visiting classes, watching games and performances, going on trips, and striking up conversations on the Quad. Be present.
 

Third, I vow to work closely with the community to envision the future of the school and determine the steps needed to ensure we get to that vision. I’m really excited to learn first and then to work with our amazing community to think creatively about the direction of the school and to map a course into the future.
 

Finally, I vow to lead consciously, providing support to our faculty and staff so they can do their best work with our students. Our job as a school is to be here for the kids, and Prep faculty and staff go above and beyond with this every single day. My job is to do whatever I can to help them be the best people they can be for the school.  And I can promise that I will do my best to be a conscious leader - to lead through self-awareness, curiosity, and joy. 
 

These are my vows to the Sandia Prep community. As you can tell, I’m a big believer that our work with students extends far beyond a traditional curriculum - we are developing human beings. When we know about our kids, and when they know that we care, the possibilities are endless. And when we adults can take the time to know one another and partner together, our power to educate is unstoppable. I am sure we will have challenges in the upcoming year, but we will also have moments of elevation, moments of pride, moments of insight, and moments of connection. Each of these singular moments will add up to a year filled with learning, growth, and, most importantly, joy. 
 

All the best,
Heather