Great Teachers

You remember forever the great teachers, the ones who went out of their way to know you, support you, and encourage you to do things you didn't think you could do. We still feel, even decades later, the affection and gratitude they inspired in us. Of course, there are good and great teachers everywhere, but independent schools intentionally create an environment where good teachers can become great teachers.

How does a school do that? You start by hiring the best teachers you can find and then you…

• Create small classes.
• Give teachers the autonomy to shape the program to suit the needs and interests of the particular group of students within the structure of your mission and values.
• Provide funds for professional development.
• Reward innovation and growth.
• Nurture the qualities you prize, such as deep knowledge of subject and teaching, dedication, passion, and the capacity to engage and inspire
• Free them from the constraints created by over-dependence on standardized testing to measure achievement and aptitude.
• Help them build real partnerships with parents.