Landon Welcomes Dana Krein Landon Magazine sat down with Landon’s first female division head to discuss her vision and goals for the Middle School.
What one word would you use to describe Landon boys? Engaged. During my on-campus interview, I had the pleasure of gathering with all of the boys during School meeting. When I asked them what they really loved about the Landon experience, dozens of hands confidently flew into the air. Eager to share, individual students offered “our teachers,” “the sense of brotherhood,” “being on a team” and “This I Believe speeches” among a host of responses. Their peers listened attentively and echoed the volunteers’ sentiments by raising their hands in support. Collectively and individual-
ly, our boys exude a passion for their endeavors. In a conversation with a new Form I student in early July, I inquired about his summer adventures. He animatedly shared a detailed account of what he appreciated about one of the optional reading books, and with equal enthusiasm explained why he prefers teaching karate to adults rather than Lower School students. What excites you the most about leading Landon’s Middle School? I am enthusiastic about the development of the whole individual which is inherent in our
Dana Krein meets with members of the Middle School Student Council to help her get acquainted to Landon. 18 Landon Magazine
mission. Additionally, working with young men has always energized me as an educator. Third, Middle School is a transformative period, perhaps best characterized as a continuous series of transitions, which offers endless opportunities to help facilitate the development of our young men intellectually, artistically, athletically, and as respectful, honorable citizens. Fourth, I am excited about the balance that Landon offers between long-standing traditions and a willingness to innovate. Finally, I am looking forward to maintaining and strengthening the schoolhome partnership. What involvement have you had with our parents? I was pleasantly surprised and flattered by the number of parents who took time out of their busy schedules to attend the morning coffee and evening reception that were held when I came to campus in the spring. They listened attentively, offered insightful questions, and shared openly about their appreciation for specific aspects of the Landon community. I enjoyed the opportunity to briefly meet many of those individuals immediately following the collective discussion. I also learned a great deal engaging in conversation with small groups of parents, while sitting on the bleachers watching a tennis match and standing on the lacrosse sidelines during an exciting secondhalf comeback for Landon. How will you approach teaching and administrating at an all-boys school? I am whole heartedly committed to the teacher-coach-mentor approach, which allows educators to appreciate our young men as