May 2023 | Volume 2, Issue 9 |
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Welcome, New Texas Executive Directors! |
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Mandi Cannon
Executive Director
North Texas
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Monet Lessner
Executive Director
San Antonio
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William Rutherford
Executive Director
San Antonio
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Inspired and Inspiring Transitions |
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Follow the professional journey and the incredible mentorship of others which led these three Great Hearts employees to take on new opportunities this month. |
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Yvette Cooper
New Headmaster, Archway Lincoln
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Yvette Cooper remembers when Great Hearts caught her attention during her time with another charter network. "It’s incredible how life works out sometimes,” Mrs. Cooper says. “Over eight years ago, I used to drive down Gilbert Road and noticed Great Hearts Lincoln was under construction. When the building was complete and the doors were open, I drove past and said, ‘I wonder if the school is just as great as their name.’” Several years later, Mrs. Cooper decided to find out for herself and transitioned to a new start at Archway Lincoln. “I knew that I had to be a part of a school culture that dares to be different, that challenges the students to think in interesting new ways, and that purposes itself to be the good of humanity.”
As Mrs. Cooper prepares to step into the challenge ahead as Archway Lincoln’s new Headmaster, she credits many mentors throughout her career: “All of their wisdom has been instrumental in my growth as a leader.” Most recently though, the school’s departing Headmaster, Dr. Toyin Atolagbe, has been a particularly influential figure: “She taught me the foundations of classical education, the importance of having a rich school culture and leading with love.” Mrs. Cooper steps into her new role this coming school year, and the opportunities ahead are what excite her most. “What I find most fulfilling is the chance to practice what I have learned from my mentors and positively impact the lives of those around me. One of the biggest challenges will be balancing the needs of different stakeholders and ensuring that everyone’s voices are heard. Nonetheless, I am confident in my abilities and look forward to the journey ahead. I can’t wait to see what the future holds!”
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Katherine Mickley
New National Faculty Recruiter
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The joke at Great Hearts Anthem is that Katherine Mickley, since her children began attending in 2012, has served almost every role imaginable in her time there. Beginning as a parent volunteer, Ms. Mickley started the following year as a Teaching Assistant in first grade. Once she completed a degree in education, she continued onward through sixth and seventh grade courses, before ultimately serving as Assistant Headmaster since 2019. “I was amazed by the environment and experience at the school; it rekindled my love for teaching,” she says. “It has been such a rewarding journey, and I will be forever grateful for my time at Great Hearts Anthem.”
After a decade at Great Hearts Anthem, Ms. Mickley now looks forward to serving the Great Hearts community at large as a National Faculty Recruiter from the Dallas/Fort Worth office. Her tenure with Great Hearts, Ms. Mickley says, has exposed her to exceptional leadership, colleagues, and resources: “I have been surrounded by some of the best teachers in the world for the last eleven years. I have also been fortunate to work under five wonderful headmasters, and I learned something from each of them... The APEX Hiring for Mission Fit course was eye-opening, as it really got me thinking of new ways to attract great teachers to our network.” In fact, Ms. Mickley says that sharing how special Great Hearts has been for herself and others may be the best part of her new role: “I am always excited to talk about Great Hearts and spread the word about our approach to education.”
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Megan Opitz
New Headmaster, Archway Veritas
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In 2010, Megan Opitz learned that a new Archway campus at Veritas was opening its doors, and she became truly excited about what could be. "From the classical literature to the rigor and high expectations for our young students, I felt called to this community," she shares. The school's application of Love and Logic, as well its rich curriculum, led Mrs. Opitz to Archway Veritas as a founding faculty member, where she began as a lead kindergarten teacher. Since 2018, she has served as Assistant Headmaster, which has prepared her well for the new role as Headmaster.
Throughout her time at Veritas, Mrs. Opitz has made great use of the resources Great Hearts provides for growth and advancement: "The leadership programs with Helen Hayes were informative in preparing me and giving opportunities to interact and learn from colleagues around the network." A special mentor and friend to Mrs. Opitz was Dr. Mary Frances Jeffries, her predecessor who guided her through her five years as Assistant Headmaster. Now, as the role becomes official, Mrs. Opitz most looks forward to giving back to the community she's been a part of for so long, as well as continuing her own growth. "Being able to have more of an impact on the community I love is most fulfilling, and going forward, I hope to grow in my own understanding and education of the classical liberal arts."
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Highlighted Opportunities |
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Each month, we share this listing of highlighted opportunities to provide you with new avenues for growth available across our network. Feel free to share these opportunities with colleagues outside of Great Hearts, and receive a faculty/staff referral bonus!
Academy Leadership Positions
Academy Support Positions
Lead Office/Support Services Positions
Academics
Finance
Operations
People
Special Student Services
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Personal and Professional Growth |
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Mortimer Adler on How to Speak, How to Listen
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In his book How to Speak, How to Listen, educator and author Mortimer Adler writes about the act of listening as a predominant part of life - one which we learn without any formal training. Here, he speaks of the rules of listening and how one can demonstrate attention and thoughtfulness in everyday meetings and interactions. |
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Have a Question or Suggestion? |
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