trevordayschool

Four Decades of Leading, Dedication, AND Charting the Path Forward BY Emily Walker Bracchitta, Director of Alumni Relations Guided by her abiding deep respect for children, a belief in the power of collaboration, and a passion for curriculum design, Lisa has had immeasurable impact on the lives of hundreds of TDS students and their families. Faculty and administrative colleagues have benefited from her wisdom, as well as her support for their professional growth. e essence of a Trevor education and its articulation have been fundamentally influenced by Lisa's stewardship. Lisa and I first met as young teachers at our similarly young school, e Day School. Lisa was teaching Kindergarten; I joined the faculty as a Pre-K teacher. We soon became the two 1st-grade teachers and collaborated as a team. What stood out then, and continues to this day, was Lisa's genuine respect for students—as individuals and as learners. Her joy in their always-unique development has consistently been equaled by her skill in curriculum design. Lisa trusts in the collaborative process, and the path it uncovers. She asks questions that guide, and seeks questions in order to encourage creative thought—all within the framework of continuing the development of best practices. is has carried on through over forty years of her steady, humble leadership. In speaking with past and present faculty and administrators, I heard these recurring themes time and again. Lisa puts students at the center of discussions, respecting their dignity and rights, and always asks faculty to consider the student experience in decisions both large and small. Skilled at hiring, she seeks a profile of requisite skills, qualities, and experience—and then prioritizes creating collaborative teams of teachers. She encourages curricular innovation, and empowers teachers in their creative direction. Professional development is her passion. Always open to change, she holds on to the fundamentals that are most important to Trevor, while at the same time challenging the status quo. In times of transition, Lisa has been a pillar, the steward of the way forward. She has always loved Trevor—if Trevor needs it, Lisa will do it. roughout the Trevor community, we see her influence. We see it in the classrooms, in the collaborative teams of teachers, in the building layout and design, in the trust given to students, and in the curriculum. Parents past and present note her compassionate and steady wisdom, and students feel known and recognized. We see it as the seniors open their time capsules and in the community breakfasts. We see it in the school's accreditation processes. We see it in the decades of alumni and former faculty—who, as lifelong learners, go out into the world and make a difference. As Sally Rocker, former President of the Board of Trustees, has often said, "e world needs more Trevor kids." e essence of what it is to be a "Trevor kid," uniquely shaped by this remarkable educational community, will always reflect Lisa Alberti's impact. e Trevor community thanks you, Lisa—ever so profoundly.

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