MEET SHANNON GUIDOTTI SCIENCE

Among the things Ms. Guidotti loves most about Taft are the bonds she forms with her students. “I might be your bio teacher, or your advisor, or coach you in conditioning,” says Ms. Guidotti. “Or maybe I was your dean, or you live in my dorm. There are so many ways we forge connections here—we’re all fully enmeshed in this composite web that makes up our community.” Ms. Guidotti has been passionate about science since she was a child; her passion for teaching came a bit later, but runs just as deep. “When I step into my classroom every day I get excited. I love the ‘aha’ moments, and I love how rewarding it is to share my knowledge about topics that I am so excited and passionate about,” she says. “In our department, everyone is here because we truly love science, and that is so inspiring. I can’t imagine anything better.”

MEET THOMAS ALLEN DEAN OF COMMUNITY, JUSTICE, AND BELONGING

As Dean of Community, Justice, and Belonging, Mr. Allen uses his experience and skills as a social worker, psychologist, coach, and mentor to help each student reach their full potential. “I firmly believe that students at Taft are looking for someone to believe in their dream,” Mr. Allen says, “and I believe in them. I’m passionate about developing our community and helping cultivate future leaders who will change the world.” For Mr. Allen, it all begins with connection. “The ability to have meaningful and authentic conversations with students and allow them to fully express themselves in ways that they didn’t even know they could is not only essential to growth as individuals and as a community, but something that brings me great joy.” And connection, he says, is the foundation of a critical component of life at Taft: belonging. “Taft is a special community. Belonging isn’t something we just talk about, but it’s something Taft students and faculty actively embrace and engage in. We challenge ourselves to step out of our comfort zones and lean into the discomfort. Growth can’t come without discomfort. As students grow and stretch, they find that they are developing in ways they never thought possible. You will be a different person when you leave here. As Dr. Seuss wrote ‘Oh, the places you’ll go!’”