6 minute read
Fall 2023 Academic Highlights
Meet the Division Heads
Bancroft’s Divisional Leadership Team has two familiar faces and one new to the Bancroft community joining new Head of School Stephanie Luebbers this year. The team is leaning into a school model which highlights cross-divisional connections, innovative teaching, and active learning.
Meet the three people that are driving the Bancroft curriculum forward in 2023-24.
Mark Taylor, Head of Upper School
Mark Taylor became Head of Upper School in 2020. Now in his 18th year of service on Shore Drive, Mark has worked for Bancroft as an English Teacher, Tennis and Soccer Coach, and Director of Community Engagement. Having worn many hats during his tenure, as well as being a Bancroft parent to Helen Taylor ’26, Mark is able to bring multiple vantage points to his current role.
I’ve been able to look at things from several different perspectives over the past three years, including some from my time as a faculty member, as well as the Director of Community Engagement when I was looking beyond our work at Bancroft. I’ve found this combination both rewarding and instructional, since I am constantly reflecting on how I approach each situation, instead of focusing on only one way to do things.
As he looks to the future of the Upper School, Mark envisions continued growth of inquiry based learning with the strength of his excellent faculty and engaged students. He is also excited about what is being built school-wide with his counterparts from the Middle and Lower School.
Working with the other divisions, we in the Upper School will be further defining our guiding principles and best practices for teaching and learning. Areas for us to focus on include assessment for learning, differentiated instruction, and of course inquiry. Our faculty have been invaluable in developing important definitions, including the beginning stages of ‘a portrait of a graduate’ in which we identify the most important traits and characteristics of a Bancroft student. I have been inspired and helped by feedback from alumni when they return to campus and tell us they feel very well-prepared to communicate confidently, self advocate, and become engaged in their communities. Those ideas have been essential points of navigation for our work here.
Carrie Whitney, Acting Middle School Head
Bancroft Middle School teacher, Auxiliary Programs and Summer Camp Director, Upper School teacher, and now Acting Head of Middle School, Carrie Whitney has seen it all during her 17 years at Bancroft. Mom to Jonah Whitney ’22 and Maddie Whitney ’24, Carrie has also been a proud supporter and frequent presence at many Bancroft sporting events as both her children are multisport athletes. You won’t be surprised to learn that in recent years Carrie also found herself on the sidelines as a coach of both Middle School Girls Basketball and Girls Soccer.
Over the last 17 years, Bancroft has stayed the same; a special community that knows and cares for students. Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging continues to evolve and strengthen. The recent additions of Craig Jones as Director of DEIB, and Shanez’e Johnson ’17 as Assistant Dean for DEIB to our leadership team supports this commitment and it encourages us all to grow in this area. The addition of the Hope Graham Program was another key moment in our recent history, as we work to meet the needs of a more neurodiverse community.
Having been a teacher, administrator, and parent in the division she now leads, Carrie sees the Middle School through a unique lens and has the opportunity to offer valuable leadership to Middle School Faculty.
I’m so thankful for the opportunities I’ve had at Bancroft and the ways these experiences have shaped me as an educator and administrator. My roots are in Middle School education; I love the growing independence and developing passions of Middle School students. This year is special because I have the opportunity to encourage and support students and families I met when the students were in lower school aftercare or summer camp. In leading the Middle School this year, I also have the unique perspective of being a 9th Grade teacher and advisor for the past two years. I have experience with the content and skills needed for a successful transition to Upper School.
As she thinks about the future of the Middle School, Carrie wants to help everyone have a shared sense of purpose, and to find more ways for faculty and students to practice hands-on learning, both in and out of the classroom.
“My priority in these first few months is continuing to build a strong sense of community, belonging, and connection as one school for students, faculty, and families. Similarly, building connections with the greater Worcester community is important. Our students are eager to explore community gardens, talk with Holocaust survivors, connect with organizations that support the needs of refugees, and hold bake sales and supply drives for local animal rescue organizations. I’m excited to help foster these learning opportunities that go beyond the traditional textbook.”
Jake Dibbert, Head of Lower School
After a 21-year professional career working in and leading high-performing and prestigious international schools abroad, Jake Dibbert is finding himself right at home in his first year as Head of Lower School. With stints as a principal in Vienna, Dubai, and Dhaka, as well as teaching experience in Brussels and Hong Kong, Jake brings a breadth of experience, a global perspective in diverse multicultural communities, and a passion for education to Bancroft. His wife Jennifer and twin boys Jackson ’33, Peter ’33, and daughter Evelyn ’35 are quickly settling into their new home.
“The move to Worcester has been a positive experience that feels similar to many places we have lived around the world. Bancroft in particular has a strong community feel, which is also true of many international schools. As a Division Head, I really enjoy nurturing the community in addition to improving the academic experience of the students.”
Jake has spent much of his first few months listening and learning as he gets to know faculty, students, and families. He has also been working closely with Stephanie Luebbers and his new Division Head colleagues who have provided support in the early part of the year.
“I have always been passionate about collaborating with other leaders in a ‘one school’ approach, and have been energized by a team that shares the same values. As a team, we have done a great job of honoring the traditions and culture of Bancroft while also asking critical questions that will shape the future of the institution.”
Jake has a wealth of experience and passion for developing curricula that are inquiry-based and engaging for students. He looks forward to implementing them into the Lower School.
“I really look forward to working with faculty and students on what learning looks like across the program. It brings me great joy to work firsthand with teachers on carefully planning quality assessment and instruction, and then seeing that planning play out in the form of highly engaging learning experiences for students.”
