English teacher Lenny Goldman will step into the role of 9th and 10th grade dean next year, as current dean Bridget Hennessy will return to the History Department after six years. Mr. Goldman will continue to teach one section of 10th grade English elective Middle Eastern and South Asian Lit., but aims to prioritize his duties as dean.
Announced to Upper School families in an email sent out by Upper School Director Nick Baer, this change in leadership may have shocked any students acclimated to Ms. Hennessy’s presence in the Upper School office. Though she has been central in overseeing student life and Upper School events as dean, she is eager to return to the History Department.
Ms. Hennessy will teach two sections of English 9 next year, as well as several history courses, including a new senior elective she proposed titled “The Vietnam War on Screen.”
“I’ve been itching to get back to more teaching,” Ms. Hennessy said. “So I decided this would be my last year [as dean].”
In addition to the more formal support she provided to students, Ms. Hennessy could connect with students during her time as dean whom she might not have otherwise interacted with. “When you teach, you get to know maybe 60 kids a year,” she said. “As a dean, I’ve worked with dozens I’d never have crossed paths with otherwise. I’ve built amazing relationships that I’ll really miss.”
One student she grew closer with was senior Lucy Baer.
“I’m pretty much always in her office,” Lucy said, “and it gives me the opportunity to watch her support students in every possible way, or even to just be a source of entertainment for seniors who would do anything but go to class.”
Replacing her as dean is Mr. Goldman, who currently teaches 9th and 10th grade English courses and advises student government. He noted that the decision to step away from the classroom was particularly difficult.
“I’ve loved teaching for a really long time,” Mr. Goldman said. “But I was also so excited about this opportunity that I knew, in my gut, was the right call.”
Mr. Goldman will teach one section of English next year, and many students will value the continued opportunity to work closely with him.
One of those students is sophomore Nicholas Frey, who has had Mr. Goldman as both a teacher and advisor.
“He really tries to connect with us on a personal level,” Nicholas said. “We play different games and do activities [during Advisory] that help build community. It’s small stuff, but it shows he cares.”
Mr. Goldman emphasized that his efforts to build community will continue next school year. By increasing students’ engagement at the beginning of the year, he hopes to build school spirit as a dean.
“Ninth-grade orientation and retreats are at the top of the list of [my] priorities,” he said. “Those events really set the tone for students starting high school.”
As Mr. Goldman prepares for his new role, Ms. Hennessy has offered him some guidance. “I’ve had an incredible mentor in Ms. Hennessy,” Mr. Goldman said. “Her ability to connect with all types of students is unlike anyone I’ve worked with.”
Through his demonstrated commitment to student life, Mr. Goldman has convinced students that he will maintain the same care and connection demonstrated by Ms. Hennessy. Speaking to Mr. Goldman’s role as an English teacher, Nicholas said, “Mr. Goldman is a really confident and understanding person. He adapts to what students need and meets you where you’re at.”
Many students believe that his admirable qualities as a teacher and a leader will prepare him well for his new position.
“He’s already proven with [student] government that he can step up and take on any challenge,” junior prefect Ralu Nzelibe said. “I think people across the community already see Mr. Goldman as a beacon of good leadership. I truly [believe] he’s going to be a great dean.”
