6 minute read
Meeting Megan
By Lucy Morris Blancett ’09
A Q&A WITH OUR NEW HEAD OF SCHOOL
ON JULY 1, Megan D. Cover began her tenure as the 10th Head of School for Girls Preparatory School. A career educator, Cover hails from Tower Hill School, an independent college preparatory school in Wilmington, Delaware, where she most recently served as Head of Upper School.
During her 20-year service to Tower Hill, Cover demonstrated excellence in teaching and outstanding initiative and leadership. She was instrumental in launching signature programs, enhancing the experience of rising ninth-graders through summer programs, and facilitating improvements to service learning, environmental initiatives, and social justice and wellness programs for Upper School students.
Cover is joined in Chattanooga by her husband of 22 years, Ted, and daughters Margaret and Sophie, who will join the GPS junior class. Their eldest daughter, Kathryn, will be a college sophomore this fall.
Regarded by her students and peers alike for her collegiality, sincerity, and role as a champion for her school and students, Cover is eager to get to know GPS students, faculty, staff, and broader community better. In the meantime, she offers a glance into her hopes and goals for the school as well as how her experience as a student of an all-girls school informed the trajectory of her future.
Q. HOW DID YOUR TIME AS A STUDENT AT AN ALL-GIRLS SCHOOL SHAPE YOU?
A. My experience at the Agnes Irwin School in Pennsylvania had a very positive influence on me, including my decision to become a teacher. The culture and environment encouraged me to take chances, be fearless, try new things, and celebrate and support my fellow classmates.
Q. WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT THE HEAD OF SCHOOL POSITION AT GPS?
A. There are many things that excite me about GPS—to name a few: its mission of inspiring girls to pursue lives of integrity and purpose; the lasting impact an all-girls education has on developing young women to be confident, resilient, and strong individuals; the importance and value of community; and the incredible legacy of its founders. I can keep going ...
Q. WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT GPS?
A. What drew me to GPS is its commitment to educating the whole girl during her formative years and its rich legacy. What I have been increasingly impressed by is the warmth and kindness of the entire GPS community—past and present.
Q. THINKING ABOUT THE FUTURE OF GPS, WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR TANGIBLE HOPES AND GOALS?
A. The future looks very bright for GPS, and I am most looking forward to getting to know each and every community member. My first year will be one of learning and discovery with a focus on celebrating community and connection.
Q. WHY ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT ALLGIRLS EDUCATION?
A. As a mother of three daughters, alumna of an all-girls school, and career educator, I know firsthand how important it is to have a culture that empowers young women, builds their confidence, nurtures and supports them, and lifts them up for achievement. GPS is committed to providing an exceptional experience, where everything begins and ends with what’s best for girls. This positions young women for great success not only in grades six through 12, but also, more importantly, for life.
Q. WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT INSIDE OF EDUCATION? AND OUTSIDE OF EDUCATION?
A. That would have to be my leadership in shifting the culture at my current school to more of a multilevel focus on the holistic development of each student. I spearheaded initiatives to better serve our students and community members in several areas, such as creating a formal advisory program, reimagining our schedule, restructuring leadership opportunities, adding more experiential learning, supporting and destigmatizing the Learning and Wellness Centers, and prioritizing global initiatives, service learning, inclusivity, and community time to gather. These efforts did not minimize our stellar academics but helped prioritize student well-being, character education, and leadership development. This has led to a more balanced and healthy culture that keeps evolving.
My proudest accomplishment outside of education would have to be my three daughters. My husband, Ted, has been an incredible partner in raising them, but we cannot take full credit for whom they have become—their teachers, advisors, and coaches have played significant roles in their development and growth.
Q. WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
A. “Bloom where you are planted.”
Q. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU GIVE TEACHERS AND ASPIRING EDUCATORS?
A. The key to success in education is the connection between teacher and student. Trusted relationships are essential in the learning process and are especially important in building confidence in girls. With confidence comes competence, which naturally leads to success. These relationships add to a positive, student-centered culture.
Q. WHAT’S A LITTLE-KNOWN FACT ABOUT YOU?
A. I love to cook. It is a time where I can explore a variety of foods and also immerse myself in a creative process that is new every time. My favorite recipes usually come from Ina Garten or Tyler Florence.
Q. WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR APPROACH TO EDUCATION?
A. Ensuring that schools prepare students for life beyond the classroom—that we nurture their mind, body, and spirit; help develop passions and interests; and build integrity and kindness so students have no other choice but to thrive both personally and professionally.
COMING TO CHATTANOOGA
Certainly the school sells itself, but the beautiful backdrop of Chattanooga did not hurt when it came time for the Covers to make the decision to head south. Here each member of the family shares what they are most looking forward to in the Scenic City: » MEGAN: We are a family who loves the mountains and the water. I cannot wait to explore Chattanooga by hiking or getting on the river. I also am looking forward to learning more about each of the neighborhoods in Chattanooga and trying out the array of restaurants. » TED: So many things come to mind, but top of the list has to be the people. I’ve been so impressed with how kind and fun everyone in the Chattanooga and GPS communities have been. » KATHRYN: I’m looking forward to exploring the city and getting familiar with all the outdoor adventures in the area. » MARGARET: I love to hike, so I look forward to learning about all the different trails. I am also a big fan of Ben and Jerry’s and happy there is a store in town. » SOPHIE: I’m excited to meet new people, and I am especially excited to meet my new classmates in the coming weeks!
Q. WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR TWO YOUNGER DAUGHTERS, MARGARET AND SOPHIE, WILL GAIN FROM THEIR EXPERIENCE AT GPS?
A. I would like Margaret and Sophie to take advantage of all the dynamic offerings at GPS. My hope is that they will try new things, get out of their comfort zones, and explore new areas that may become a passion or interest for them. I am excited for them to experience the sisterhood within the GPS community.
