Browne Academy Introduces New Leadership Role: Director of Studies and Student Support

May 17, 2024

We are excited to announce the creation of a pivotal new leadership position at Browne Academy—Director of Studies and Student Support. This role is designed to enhance our educational programs and ensure the holistic development of our students, from preschool through 8th grade.

The Director of Studies and Student Support will oversee curriculum initiatives across all disciplines, working closely with teachers to continually review and refine the curriculum. This ongoing review process will prioritize the student experience, ensuring that our educational programs remain rigorous and relevant. The Director will also lead efforts to assess student growth and provide comprehensive reporting to ensure every student’s academic progress is closely monitored.

In addition to curriculum leadership, the Director of Student Support will collaborate with teachers, learning specialists, students, and families to address both the academic and social-emotional needs of our students. By focusing on both student learning and support, this role underscores Browne Academy’s commitment to nurturing the whole child and providing a well-rounded educational experience.

Enhancing Leadership Opportunities for Teachers

As we continue to navigate the evolving educational landscape, we recognize the critical connection between curricular decisions and student success. With the creation of this new role, we are allocating resources to areas that will have a lasting impact on our school community. Moreover, we are creating opportunities for our teachers to grow professionally by establishing **grade-level teams** and new **Team Leader positions**.

These teams are organized as follows:
1. Preschool, Junior Kindergarten, and Kindergarten
2. First, Second, and Third Grades
3. Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Grades
4. Seventh and Eighth Grades
5. Specialist Teachers

Team Leaders will serve as liaisons between their respective teams and the administrative leadership, advocating for team needs and facilitating communication. By working closely with the Head of School, Associate Head of School, and the Director of Studies and Student Support, Team Leaders will gain valuable exposure to the administrative side of the school, offering them mid-level leadership growth opportunities outside the classroom.

Introducing Terrance Smith, Director of Studies and Student Support

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of **Terrance Smith** as Browne Academy’s new Director of Studies and Student Support. Mr. Smith joins us from Friends Community School, where he served as the 5th and 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher and K-8 Humanities Curriculum Coordinator. He brings with him 14 years of experience in public, charter, and private schools, covering grades 4-8.

Mr. Smith earned his undergraduate degree from Emmanuel College and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Northeastern University. A leader in education, he is currently participating in the National Aspiring Principals Fellowship Program and is a member of the Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington Emerging Leaders Cohort. Throughout his career, Mr. Smith has facilitated professional learning communities, led workshops, and provided ongoing support to teachers, fostering collaborative instructional practices.

Mr. Smith’s expertise in curriculum development, instructional leadership, and his passion for student support make him an ideal fit for this role. His extensive experience, combined with his problem-solving and planning skills, will greatly benefit Browne Academy as we continue to elevate our academic programs and student support services.

Mr. Smith will officially begin his role on July 1, and we are excited to welcome him to the Browne Academy community. We are confident that his leadership will have a positive impact on our students, teachers, and the overall academic experience.

For parents, your child’s classroom teacher or advisor will remain your primary point of contact. However, should you need additional support beyond the classroom, you now have access to a team of professionals, including the Associate Head of School, Director of Studies and Student Support, and Head of School.

We look forward to the positive changes and continued growth that this new leadership structure will bring to Browne Academy!

#BrowneAcademy #EducationalLeadership #CurriculumDevelopment #StudentSupport #HolisticEducation #WelcomeTerranceSmith

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