About Emma About Jenny Rao • Ms. Rao joins Emma Willard School from Garrison Forest School, where she held the positions of Director of Academic Affairs (2015-present), Middle School Head (2011-2015), and Middle School Dean of Students (2005-2011). • She holds her B.A. in Economics and minor in French from Bates College, and her M.A. in Private School Leadership from the Klingenstein Center Teachers College at Columbia University.
• At Garrison, Ms. Rao led the reaccreditation process and was actively involved with the Board of Trustees. • Ms. Rao currently teaches Spanish at Garrison, where she has also taught English and Geography. She also taught Spanish at Fessenden School. • She first found her love of teaching while teaching classical ballet in Mexico. • Born in Mexico City to a Mexican mother and British-American father, Ms. Rao translated her teachers’ recommendations for her college applications into English. She has consistently demonstrated the ability to overcome challenges in pursuit of her goals. • Ms. Rao is known amongst her colleagues as being a natural leader and while they often describe her as a “community builder,” they are quick to add that she is also a “community strengthener.” • Ms. Rao is married to Arjun Rao with whom she has two sons. The Rao family enjoys visiting their extended families in both Mexico and India.
On May 8, 1814 in Middlebury, Vermont, Emma Hart Willard opened the doors to what would become the oldest non-denominational boarding school for girls in the country. Emma Hart Willard, who was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame for her efforts in support of women’s education, had the controversial belief that girls deserved an education of the same quality as their brothers. It was her life’s work to make possible quality education for girls. In the two hundred years since, Emma Willard School has proudly fostered in each young woman a love of learning, the habits of an intellectual life, and the character, moral strength, and qualities of leadership to serve and shape her world. The school currently has over 8,000 successful alumnae all over the world.
285 Pawling Avenue Troy, New York 12180 emmawillard.org
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FROM THE MOMENT I STEPPED ON CAMPUS,
the warmth and spark of Emma was palpable.
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• After college, Ms. Rao spent three years in the finance sector at Cambridge Associates, Boston.
FROM JENNY RAO:
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Sincerely,
Susie Hunter ‘68 Chair, Head of School Search Committee
The Emma Willard School Board of Trustees has the utmost confidence that Jenny Rao will lead Emma to great heights, and that she will find Emma Willard School to be a home like no other. Jenny forged an immediate connection with our community. She is both an accessible and aspirational leader. We know the best is yet to come with Jenny at the helm. Please join us as we welcome Jenny to our community and keep updated at emmawillard.org/17thhead. Sincerely, Elisabeth A. LeFort ‘72 Chair, Board of Trustees
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I have spent the past eleven years dedicated to the education of girls. My own experience of growing up in female environments—in an all-girls’ high school and as a classical ballet student and teacher— was essential in allowing me to find my voice. All-girls’ environments provided the support and challenge I needed to define who I am.
I am enthusiastic about leading Emma Willard School as a school where we foster a culture that believes that the best is yet to come, and in our school we seek not to replicate our world but to improve it.
Education An exemplary academic program must afford authentic learning experiences that call not only on our intellect but on our character.
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Leadership We do not work solely to find agreement but more importantly to build the best solution or program to serve our students and families. I thrive on identifying and weaving together the strengths of multiple perspectives.
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Jenny brings with her a love of learning, a commitment to academic excellence, a leadership style that inspires everyone around her, and an infectious enthusiasm. She is an exceptional communicator who has a compelling vision that will protect and preserve the Emma Willard School legacy, and also will ensure that the School remains a leader and a premier institution in girls’ education.
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I was particularly interested in Emma Willard School because of the impassioned community of students, parents, alumnae, faculty, staff, and administration who, through their commitment and love for their school, have developed an unparalleled educational experience for young women.
Girls’ Education
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The search for Jenny was an extensive one, and we met with many talented candidates, but it was clear to us and the entire Emma community that Jenny was the perfect fit for our school.
Why Emma?
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It is my pleasure, on behalf of the Head of School Search Committee, to welcome Jenny Rao as our 17th Head of School, effective July 1, 2017.
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Dear Friends and Colleagues,