Brandeis Leaders Participate in Shadow-a-Student Challenge

Over the past two weeks, every member of our leadership team and two of our teacher leaders participated in the Shadow-a-Student Challenge, developed by School ReTool, Ideo, and the d.school at Stanford. This day is an opportunity for school leaders to walk in the shoes of a student, as research shows that shadowing can lead to powerful observations and insights to drive change. “Both Dr. Glass and I heard about the program before it launched three years ago,” explains Director of Technology and Making Nicholas Cole-Farrell, “and talked about how we thought the focus on empathy felt very in line with Brandeis’s values.” Participants all took away insights from the day that will help inform the work they do. Director of Development Stacy Youkilis notes, “It’s a great opportunity to see the teachers in action and provides a window into the classroom.”

 

“I learned that our students are incredibly lucky to have such dynamic and engaging teachers!” exclaims Director of Special Projects Cameron Yuen-Shore. Says Nicole Schoentag, “In my role as teacher mentorship lead, my job is to support the newest teachers at our school. I was delighted to see the resident teachers engaged with our students, running morning meeting, leading all transitions, and conferencing with students. The biggest part of the resident teacher program is that we want teachers to learn by doing; I got to see so much doing.” Adds Head of School Dr. Dan Glass, "I am always amazed by what I learn during these shadow days. This year the highlight, for me, was the warmth of the class community in second grade. The students were so kind and welcoming to me throughout the day. They invited me in not just as an observer but really as a fellow traveler, and in the case of PE and recess, as a playmate. As one student said to me on the playground, he thinks I'm a good head of school because I take time to do the fun things in school, too. It was a great reminder of how joyful a day at school can be." MORE PHOTOS