Hershey Award Winner Glynis Hill-Chandler
She brings warmth and understanding as school counselor By Margarita Throop, Spanish, Upper School
T
he 2012 recipient of the F. Robertson Hershey Distinguished Faculty Award is truly appreciated by her colleagues. They say she “touches the lives of students and teachers every day” and is a wonderful resource, an extraordinary educator, creative, charismatic and inspiring. Glynis HillChandler joined The Hill Center in 1999 and serves as dean of students and counselor for students in kindergarten through grade 12. Her work has an impact on students, teachers, administrators, parents and the larger community. The Hill Center’s central mission is “to transform students with learning differences into confident, independent learners.” Active and engaged with every constituency of the school, Hill-Chandler passionately helps carry this mission forward every day. As dean of students, Hill-Chandler works with discipline issues. Although the conversations she must have are often difficult, she shows compassion and sensitivity, helping students to understand how their behavior is inappropriate and coaching them to meet the expectations of the classroom and the school. Students come away feeling supported and respected. “Glynis helps students to balance a sense of responsibility with a feeling of self-esteem,” said one colleague. As school counselor, Hill-Chandler shows great imagination and has expanded her contact with students. She aids students of all ages in developing appropriate social skills and habits of cooperation that will help them navigate their interactions with peers and teachers. She helps new students understand their learning differences and how to smoothly transition from their base schools. She holds a freshman seminar in which students examine their individual learning styles and learn how to advocate for themselves. She guides upper classmen in their college searches. Hill-Chandler brings warmth and understanding to her counselor role. Young people respond to her reassuring manner and feel safe as she listens thoughtfully to their concerns. Her genuine interest allows them to find their own voice. The positive regard they have for her is expressed in these student quotes: “Mrs. Hill-Chandler is nice and kind and makes me feel happy;” “She gives good hugs;” and “She teaches you how to be friendly.” A colleague has said that, after working with Hill-Chandler, students “understand their strengths and know how to better handle their weaknesses.” Hill-Chandler plans activities focused on building student selfconfidence. Social events such as slumber parties and ski trips, which she helps chaperone, provide opportunities for informal conversations about friendship and respect for others, as well as women’s issues. The talent show Hill-Chandler coordinates showcases the often unrecognized interests — ranging from ceramic artwork to skateboarding — that young people hone outside the classroom. 24
DURHAM ACADEMY RECORD | SUMMER 2012 | WWW.DA.ORG
ABOVE: Hill Center students respond to Glynis Hill-Chandler’s reassuring manner.
One of Hill-Chandler’s trademark contributions has been the Creative Group. Over the course of many weeks, a group of lower and middle school students comes together to plan a show. Hill-Chandler encourages and guides, but the work is largely driven by the students’ inventiveness and enthusiasm. Starting with rather brief meetings during breaks, the students brainstorm themes; they then write a script and rehearse for their performance. Slowly, the students see their ideas take form. Students learn the importance of collaboration, and they experience a tremendous sense of pride in their accomplishment. They truly shine, as the entire school and parents enjoy the unique result of their efforts. Parents of Hill Center students appreciate the communication HillChandler has with them. She organizes a parents’ education series that is precise, informative and centered on what they need to know. The sessions include topics such as medication, homework management, understanding individualized education plans and technology. With her assistance, they learn how to tap into outside resources, and her initiatives help lead the effort to provide support and clarity to parents. She often serves as a liaison between The Hill Center and the students’ base schools. Her grasp of each student’s academic needs is critical in producing their Individualized Educational Plan. She is in and out of classrooms regularly, observing students and giving suggestions to teachers on how to better meet their needs. As a team leader, she coordinates monthly level meetings. Beyond that, her colleagues often turn to her for advice on such things as how to reduce their own stress. She is observant of others’ feelings and nurtures all those around her. Fellow faculty members see Hill-Chandler as a valuable asset and “one in a million.” Hill-Chandler has contributed in a variety of ways to the highly regarded outreach team, which provides resources to educators beyond The Hill Center. She regularly presents teacher workshops on topics such as understanding brain research and learning differences. She has helped develop online courses dealing with differentiated instruction and understanding learning differences. Although it sounds as if there is no time left for other activities, HillChandler enjoys a full life away from school. She has a close relationship with her husband and two adult children, and she is often involved in community projects. She has a wide circle of friends, as people are drawn to her boundless energy and fun-loving personality. Glynis Hill-Chandler is a worthy recipient of this year’s Hershey Award. EDITOR’S NOTE: Margarita Throop was the 2011 recipient of the F. Robertson Hershey Distinguished Faculty Award.