Latin School of Chicago

served me well over the past two years," admits Firke who started his career as a financial analyst before moving to teaching. Like all schools, the pressures on Latin's budget have called for some difficult decisions. But through it all, the Latin community stood strong. "We haven't missed a fundraising goal yet. We've actually surpassed a few," notes Firke referring to this year's Scholarship Dinner and the continuing strength of the school's Annual Fund efforts. While the economic downturn has been a hardship for families and schools alike, in Firke's mind, the greatest challenge for independent schools in the coming years will be remaining relevant. Long gone are the days when independent schools served solely as incubators for Ivy League entries. "More than ever, we need a message that speaks to the real value of the educational experience we provide." And how does he describe that value? Says Firke, "The individualized attention and time our teachers devote to each student is the value. The diversity of our classrooms is our value. The creative and thoughtful ways in which we challenge students and teach resilience is our value. And, most of all, helping kids learn about themselves as learners. This is the real value in a Latin education." According to Firke, delivering this value is not a new concept for Latin and its faculty. "Look at the Latin mission statement. It does not refer to educating kids for their next academic challenge. Our goal is to build people who will be lifelong learners." When asked to elaborate more about teaching and learning at Latin, Firke is reminded of the advice imparted to him by Jay Sommer, his mentor, master teacher and winner of the National Teacher of the Year in 1981. According to Sommer, "The flow of warmth and affection between teacher and student as well as between student and student creates an atmosphere of mutual acceptance in which teaching and learning flourish. To create such an environment is one of the most important tasks a teacher can pursue." Firke feels this advice remains at the core of all successful teaching and it is this atmosphere that helps set Latin apart. Another inherent advantage at Latin according to Firke is, "our willingness to look outside our walls and bring the world to our students." The most successful schools are thinking and talking about the skills that will be necessary for living, working and participating in the 21st century, he explains. "Latin is poised for the future in its readiness to accept these challenges." One example is the school's commitment to embracing technology. When Firke started in 2005, there was a spending freeze in place for technology, which he lifted shortly after arrival. He fleshed out the role of director of academic technology, and began to put a greater focus on researching, acquiring, and integrating technology into the classroom. "The most wonderful thing about technology is that it helps teachers reach a new level of student focus. Where it helps most in the classroom is in its potential for more personalization, its ability to deliver information specific to the needs of individual learners." Firke feels that teachers at Latin have a wonderful attitude toward the changes that technology brings and that students are the ones to reap the benefits. When asked about the things he will miss about Latin, Firke becomes animated. "The people of course!" But the LIFE program speakers, the wonderful mix of professional, student, faculty and staff artwork exhibited in Gallery 2 and lower school assemblies are also high on his list. As a teacher, he will also miss the lively interactions in his Latin classes. "Latin students are urban, accelerated and sophisticated," notes Firke. "One of the most wonderful aspects of being a teacher is seeing kids grow into themselves as they pass from grade to grade. I will miss having that opportunity with younger classes at Latin." His advice to his successor, "Enjoy the job, embrace the community. Latin is a joyous place." "Look at the Latin mission statement. It does not refer to educating kids for their next academic challenge. Our goal is to build people who will be lifelong learners." Don Firke has accepted the position of upper school head at the Potomac School, an independent, co-ed day school in McLean, Virginia. l Latin School of Chicago 3

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