Shipley Lower School teachers and students were excited to welcome future Head of Lower School Tim Lightman into their classrooms on Tuesday, February 19 for his first visit to campus since the announcement of his appointment on December 17.

Passionate about children and education, Tim is a bright, thoughtful, and committed educator. Having earned his B.A. from NYU, an M.S. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and an M. Ed. in Special Education from Bank Street College of Education, and on the verge of earning his Ed. D. at Teachers College, Columbia University, Tim has spent the past five years as the Principal of Smith College Campus School, a PreK-6 school with 275 students. Cathy Reid, the Director of the School, said of him, “In his time at the Campus School, Tim's leadership in curriculum, encouraging teamwork among faculty, and developing structures within the school that promote communication and collaboration among faculty and staff has made a significant contribution to the Campus School. I have appreciated his openness, initiative, balanced perspective and support as a co-administrator.”

Articulating his vision of leadership, Tim stated: “As an educator and school leader, I believe my effectiveness rests on the strength of the relationships I develop with teachers, staff, students, and family. I strive to bring into my work with families and children an understanding of the complexities, challenges, joys, frustrations, and maybe most importantly, the humor inherent in teaching and learning as well as in parenting.”

Not surprisingly, Tim’s family is incredibly important to him: “My life would be incomplete without my wife, Jennifer, and two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Chloe. The wonders of parenting keep both me and Jennifer humble and honest.” When not working and spending time with family, Tim loves to cook, travel, read, exercise, and listen to music. Impressed by the people he met here and with our open commitment to making our mission real, Tim said, “What initially attracted me to Shipley was the school's commitment to both mind and character. What convinced me to accept the position was the sense of community and the belief that children always come first. My family and I are truly excited and honored to be joining the Shipley community."

Tim will officially begin his job July 1, 2013 and will visit the campus a number of times this spring in order to get to know the community and to ease the transition. He looks forward to spending time with parents, teachers, and students on those visits. Like so many of us, Tim is appreciative of the good work done by Nooha and her team. He looks forward to working with members of the administration, teachers, parents, and students to help us become even better.