Issue link: http://latinschool.uberflip.com/i/615432
Words from the Head Words from the Head Dear Latin Family, When we say at Latin that teachers are the heart of our school, we mean it in every sense of the word – their dedication and passion are essential to providing our students with an exceptional educational experience. Latin's teachers create the environment where students can grow and thrive. ey are key to maintaining the excellence that is a strategic priority for the school and a shared value for the Latin community. We know that a strong heart needs to be nourished. So, when an anonymous donor made the single biggest gift to date devoted specifically to teacher development in 2014, it was an amazing opportunity to take our strategic plan work to a new level by committing unprecedented resources to the support and care of our faculty. We call it the Teacher Excellence Grant. e uniqueness of this grant is that it allows our teachers to be students themselves. According to Kirk Greer, Latin's upper school History Department chair and administrator of the grant, "the purpose of the grant is to take great teachers from the time they arrive at Latin and build on their strengths, giving them the resources to reflect on their practice, and connect them to their colleagues and new opportunities that will help them continue to grow and learn." Allowing room for teachers to define their own measures of excellence elevates and strengthens the learning throughout our entire community. is issue of Latin Magazine is filled with examples of what can happen when both teachers and students are working at the top of their abilities. Whether it is the list of awards; our innovative methods applied to the study of Latin; or in profiles of alumni making their mark in the food & hospitality industry – excellence is the common denominator. So much has changed since Mabel Slade Vickery assembled her first group of teachers at Latin 126 years ago. Our definition of excellence, in particular, has evolved and will continue to evolve as students change. But the need for a consistent and caring heart will never fade. Sincerely, Randall Dunn Head of School 2