A Familiar Face Leads Teaching & Learning at Browne

Browne Academy is delighted to welcome Katie Rasmussen as our new Director of Studies. A trusted presence in our halls, Katie brings more than twenty years of classroom experience—including the last decade teaching fourth grade here at Browne—along with a clear, student-first vision for how great schools keep getting better. “I’m a firm believer in this school—its core values, its value as an institution, and above all, its students,” she says. “What I love most about this role is seeing the big picture of all the phenomenal things our teachers do every day across grade levels and subjects. It’s absolutely beautiful.”

In stepping into this position, Katie’s charge is simple and powerful: enrich what already works. Rather than overhauling curriculum, she’ll help teachers elevate it—linking ideas across disciplines, turning strong lessons into cross-curricular experiences, and identifying field trips, speakers, and community partnerships that make learning leap off the page. Equally important, she’ll create time and structures for faculty to collaborate, share strategies, and refine their practices together, so that great ideas spread quickly and serve more students.

A central focus this year is ensuring thoughtful vertical alignment—that the skills and concepts introduced in one grade are intentionally built upon in the next. When a student’s journey is this coherent, the learning feels connected, and confidence grows. Alongside alignment, Katie will continue to support assessment as a tool for growth. That means balancing the day-to-day checks that guide instruction with meaningful demonstrations of mastery—so students can see their progress, set goals, and develop as reflective, motivated learners.

Katie also understands Browne through the eyes of a parent. Her child is in second grade—Class of 2032—which gives her a unique perspective on how learning feels for students and their families. That perspective, coupled with her years in our classrooms, keeps the work grounded: every decision starts with what’s best for kids and what helps teachers do their best work.

“I’m not here to reinvent what we do,” Katie says. “I’m here to create opportunities that amplify the excellent teaching and learning already happening every day.” It’s an exciting moment for Browne—one that builds on our strong foundation while opening new doors for curiosity, creativity, and challenge. With Katie’s leadership, we look forward to a year where the big picture shines even brighter—and every student’s growth is at the heart of it.