The Dean of Children’s Programs Search Committee is delighted to announce that Jed Lippard will be our next Dean of Children’s Programs, starting July 2016. Jed is an accomplished and innovative educational leader with deep experience in progressive education. He has worked at two highly respected progressive schools over the last 21 years and maintained a consistent focus on building creative and student-centered learning environments that support healthy development for children and educators.
After graduating from Brown University, Jed began his career as a founding teacher at the Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School in Devens, Massachusetts, which was inspired by Ted and Nancy Sizer and is part of the Coalition of Essential Schools. Jed spent six years there, teaching Arts and Humanities (primarily literature, social studies, and writing) in grades 7-12. Upon earning his master’s degree in school leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2002, Jed became the Upper School Principal at Prospect Hill Academy Charter School in Cambridge and Somerville, Massachusetts. He was appointed Head of School at Prospect Hill Academy in 2007, overseeing three campuses with nearly 1,200 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. As Head of School, Jed helped to grow innovative instructional practices, including experiential learning opportunities and regular showcases of student work at every grade level. He also prioritized hiring a diverse faculty and increased the number of faculty of color from 9% to nearly 30% during his tenure. In 2014, Jed received his Ed.D. in Learning and Teaching from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
The Search Committee was inspired by Jed’s broad administrative experience, strong leadership skills, and deep progressive values. We believe Jed is well-positioned to lead Children’s Programs as we look to deepen our curriculum, expand our school, strengthen our work on diversity and social justice, and shape the national dialogue around quality education for all children. We are fortunate that Jed has chosen to bring his many talents and deep passion for education to Bank Street and very much look forward to working with him over the coming years.