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Uplifting Leadership: Dispenziere Helms Associate Teacher Program
Sheryl Sandberg, chief operating officer of Facebook, once said, “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.” That sentiment exemplifies the type of leadership Arts Department Chair Karen Dispenziere exhibits at the helm of the Associate Teacher Program at Peck.
The program, in its sixth year, is a one-year assignment during which teachers who have recently graduated from college are paired with an experienced Lower School homeroom teacher. Dispenziere, with 25 years of experience in education, serves as their mentor.
This involves supporting them in all aspects of their on-thejob training, from professional development opportunities and building their portfolios, to crafting and leading lessons and learning how to communicate with parents.
In her three decades in education, Dispenziere says she has observed many different styles of leadership and has incorporated bits of each into her own style.
“Karen is the perfect person to lead the Associate Teacher Program because she’s kind but direct, a great listener, and she’s honest and relatable,” said Nina Sharma, head of the Lower School. “With her years of experience, she’s able to pass along incredible leadership skills to the next crop of great teachers.”
While running the Associate Teacher Program is one of many behind-the-scenes functions of the school, Dispenziere says it’s critical to model leadership for students, especially in a K-8 setting like Peck.
“The younger kids are, the more observant they are,” she says. “They are always watching and developing very quickly. We are building a foundation for leadership, one which they will carry with them throughout the rest of their lives.”
The Associate Teacher Program is a unique opportunity not only for Dispenziere to lead, but also for the participating teachers.
“The things you learn in college are not always targeted to what you need to know stepping into your first classroom,” Dispenziere said.
“A lot of what you learn is happening on the ground. Our Associate Teachers have so much support, so much professional development. The schools that hire our associates are so lucky to get these youthful, enthusiastic teachers that have had this kind of experience. I really think we are providing a great service.”
At the end of the program, Peck’s associates leave and enjoy successful careers at other schools.
“The hardest part,” Dispenziere said, “is saying goodbye.”
