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ON CHRISTIAN & ELM | Faculty News
2014 Dean of Students Office Appointments
William G. Morris III, a 13-year veteran of Choate Rosemary Hall’s teaching faculty, was appointed Associate Dean of Students and Director of Residential Life. Morris just completed a three-year rotation as form dean for the Class of 2014. Says Dean of Students James Stanley, “Will brings enthusiasm, thoughtfulness, creativity, and a breadth of experience to the job. His work as a form dean, faculty adviser for the prefect program, member of the Choate Leadership Institute team, and dorm adviser have helped prepare him well for his new role.” Morris was hired as chemistry teacher and head boys varsity squash coach in 2001. Morris and his wife, Hannah, live in Mead House with their three children. Joining the deans’ rotation for the first time as Girls Dean for the Class of 2017 is Julia Brown ’83, former Director of Day Students. A 1983 graduate of Choate, she joined the faculty in 2004 to teach Spanish after working for a time as a lawyer and then spending time at home raising her four children. She is the parent of two Choate graduates Rebecca ’10 and Emily ’12.
Patrick B. Dennehy was appointed Boys Dean for the Class of 2017. Mr. Dennehy joined the faculty in 2004 as assistant director of athletics and head boys varsity hockey coach. He lives on campus with his wife, Michelle, and their two children. Laura H. Milligan was appointed Director of Day Students. She joined the faculty in 2013 as an English teacher and field hockey coach. She lives on campus with her husband, Chris, and their two children. In addition, Edward S. McCatty and Tyren R.D. Bynum ’07 join the team as Co-Advisers to Students of Color. Of the new appointments, Stanley says, “the experience and enthusiasm these individuals bring to their new roles will make them wonderful mentors for the students as well as valued colleagues in the Deans’ Office.”
Several Choate administrators and teachers are presenting on important topics that impact the future of independent secondary school education and reflect the leadership role Choate is taking with significant initiatives in certain areas. This summer, biology teacher Deron Chang presented at the 2014 EdTechTeacher Summit in Chicago. An 18-year veteran of the classroom, Chang demonstrated ways in which the iPad is redefining learning in his biology classroom. Says Chang, “Students have historically benefited from viewing animations when learning complex biochemical and physiological processes. With the iPad and an app for making stop action videos, students can now learn these processes by making their own animations. This instructional method is a powerful teaching tool that is transferable to all STEM disciplines. By making simple animations from scratch, students confirm their understanding in a fun and creative way and also benefit from developing their collaboration, research, and problem solving skills through a creative endeavor.”
In keeping with creating the best educational opportunities and experiences for our students, Headmaster Alex Curtis and Wallingford Superintendent of Schools Sal Menzo traveled to New York City in September with a contingent of students and teachers. The group met with the educational innovation team at Quirky, one of the World’s Top 10 Innovative Companies, (according to Fast Company magazine), representatives at IDEO, a design and innovation consulting firm, and General Assembly, a company that offers classes and workshops on the most relevant skills of the 21st century. Barrie Berg P ’16, former CEO of WhatIfInnovation, was one of the hosts for the trip. Says Katie Jewett, Choate’s Director of Curricular Initiatives, “These companies offer us a fantastic opportunity to learn more about innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship and how Choate and Wallingford’s 21st Century Innovation Team can cultivate such activities in their own community of learners.”
Back row, from left: Ed McCatty, Will Morris, and Pat Dennehy Front row: Julia Brown ’83, and Tyren Bynum ’07.
Choate … on the Move
To learn more about how Choate is redefining the classroom experience, see Associate Headmaster Kathleen Lyons Wallace’s article on page 64.