A coeducational day school serving students JK-12

Dr. Thomas Hagerman Announced as Latin's New Head of School

On January 25, 2022, Chair of the Board of Trustees David Koo shared the following with the Latin community:

Dear Latin Community,

His leadership ability has been proven through years of consistent and collaborative management in complex academic settings, and he brings a deep understanding of the conditions required for innovative teaching and learning, including supporting students, faculty and staff.David Koo

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am thrilled to announce and welcome Dr. Thomas Hagerman as Latin's next Head of School succeeding Randall Dunn effective July 1, 2022. This decision is the result of a national search process initiated late last summer which included input from all of our community constituencies on both the position statement and feedback on candidates. Dr. Hagerman was unanimously recommended by the Head of School Search Committee to the Board of Trustees which unanimously approved his appointment.  

Dr. Hagerman currently serves as the Superintendent of the Scarsdale Public Schools in Scarsdale, New York. Prior to his role in Scarsdale, Thomas held superintendent positions in school districts in Winnetka and River Forest, Illinois and Portland, Oregon. A career educator, Dr. Hagerman's first job was as a middle and upper school teacher in the Portland public schools.

As a community, we identified the following opportunities for Latin's next leader:

  • Unite all members of the Latin community around the school's future
  • Execute the Strategic Design in collaboration with the Latin community
  • Advance the cultivation of a diverse, equitable and inclusive school community
  • Advance Latin's internal organizational capacity and opportunities for academic leadership
  • Optimize Latin's resources and facilities in support of our mission and future ambitions

Dr. Hagerman's skills and experience align with these priorities in important ways. His leadership ability has been proven through years of consistent and collaborative management in complex academic settings, and he brings a deep understanding of the conditions required for innovative teaching and learning, including supporting students, faculty and staff. He has successfully directed all aspects of school operations, implemented strategic initiatives, led efforts focused on advancing work in diversity, equity and inclusion and has been a champion for wellness for students, faculty and staff. In addition, his demonstrated strengths as a communicator and relationship builder will serve the Latin community well as we embark on this transition.

I want to extend my gratitude to Maury Tognarelli, Chair of the Head of School Search Committee, the members of the Head of School Search Committee: Dontrey Britt-Hart, Jenny Cizner, Charlie Gofen, Shelley Greenwood, Kathleen Meade, Dara Milner, David Williams; and members of the Faculty & Staff Advisory Council chaired by Kathleen Meade: Nick Baer, Fiona Deeney, Alexandra Fields, Russell Harris, Kate Lorber-Crittenden, Avani Tandon. Each of these individuals committed significant time and valuable insights, input and feedback in this process. I am also grateful to our search partner, Storbeck, for their thoughtful guidance throughout this process.

My final thanks goes to the entirety of our incredible Latin community–faculty, staff, students, parents/guardians, alumni and trustees–all important voices and active participants throughout the process clearly demonstrating our shared interest and commitment to the future of Latin.

We are extremely excited for Dr. Hagerman to learn more about Latin, and look forward to implementing an onboarding and transition plan for him during the balance of this school year.

David Koo

With gratitude,

David J. Koo
Chair, Board of Trustees

 

 


Dear Latin Community,

I am proud to say that I am also now an official Latin Learner, and I look forward to absorbing as much as I can about this community and our priorities in advance of my arrival.Dr. Thomas Hagerman

I am honored and excited to accept the role as Latin School of Chicago's next Head of School. It is an amazing opportunity to be able to partner with and lead your community into the next phase of the school's venerable and prestigious history.

I have been aware of Latin and its accomplishments from the time I first came to Illinois to work in the River Forest School District. To me, and many educators I know, it is the pinnacle of excellence in education: rigorous, yet personal; innovative, yet committed to the traditions of a liberal arts curriculum. Latin is a school community that wraps itself around the needs of students and makes sure that every child can succeed.

As soon as I engaged in the process, it was affirmed that many of my perceptions of Latin were accurate, but I also learned a lot that I did not know, including that Latin is not a place that is willing to simply rest on its reputation. The conversations about teaching and learning were thoughtful and exciting; the care and well-being of students were ever-present; and the depth of knowledge around best practices across school functions was inspirational. But, the highlight of my days on-campus was the time spent with people–students and adults–who clearly love learning, and especially Latin learning. It was evident throughout my time that a Latin education is indeed an experience that informs every aspect of a student's being.

Beyond the people I met, what impressed me most was the desire of the Latin community to continually improve. The spirit and willingness to do authentic and important work, no matter how hard, is a quality that I deeply admire and intend to support as I move into this role.

I am proud to say that I am also now an official Latin Learner, and I look forward to absorbing as much as I can about this community and our priorities in advance of my arrival. I am also excited to reacclimate myself to Chicago, and, on that front, introductions and advice are encouraged!

Thomas Hagerman

Gratefully,

Thomas Hagerman

Around School

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Dr. Thomas Hagerman Announced as Latin's New Head of School

On January 25, 2022, Chair of the Board of Trustees David Koo shared the following with the Latin community:

Dear Latin Community,

His leadership ability has been proven through years of consistent and collaborative management in complex academic settings, and he brings a deep understanding of the conditions required for innovative teaching and learning, including supporting students, faculty and staff.David Koo

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am thrilled to announce and welcome Dr. Thomas Hagerman as Latin's next Head of School succeeding Randall Dunn effective July 1, 2022. This decision is the result of a national search process initiated late last summer which included input from all of our community constituencies on both the position statement and feedback on candidates. Dr. Hagerman was unanimously recommended by the Head of School Search Committee to the Board of Trustees which unanimously approved his appointment.  

Dr. Hagerman currently serves as the Superintendent of the Scarsdale Public Schools in Scarsdale, New York. Prior to his role in Scarsdale, Thomas held superintendent positions in school districts in Winnetka and River Forest, Illinois and Portland, Oregon. A career educator, Dr. Hagerman's first job was as a middle and upper school teacher in the Portland public schools.

As a community, we identified the following opportunities for Latin's next leader:

  • Unite all members of the Latin community around the school's future
  • Execute the Strategic Design in collaboration with the Latin community
  • Advance the cultivation of a diverse, equitable and inclusive school community
  • Advance Latin's internal organizational capacity and opportunities for academic leadership
  • Optimize Latin's resources and facilities in support of our mission and future ambitions

Dr. Hagerman's skills and experience align with these priorities in important ways. His leadership ability has been proven through years of consistent and collaborative management in complex academic settings, and he brings a deep understanding of the conditions required for innovative teaching and learning, including supporting students, faculty and staff. He has successfully directed all aspects of school operations, implemented strategic initiatives, led efforts focused on advancing work in diversity, equity and inclusion and has been a champion for wellness for students, faculty and staff. In addition, his demonstrated strengths as a communicator and relationship builder will serve the Latin community well as we embark on this transition.

I want to extend my gratitude to Maury Tognarelli, Chair of the Head of School Search Committee, the members of the Head of School Search Committee: Dontrey Britt-Hart, Jenny Cizner, Charlie Gofen, Shelley Greenwood, Kathleen Meade, Dara Milner, David Williams; and members of the Faculty & Staff Advisory Council chaired by Kathleen Meade: Nick Baer, Fiona Deeney, Alexandra Fields, Russell Harris, Kate Lorber-Crittenden, Avani Tandon. Each of these individuals committed significant time and valuable insights, input and feedback in this process. I am also grateful to our search partner, Storbeck, for their thoughtful guidance throughout this process.

My final thanks goes to the entirety of our incredible Latin community–faculty, staff, students, parents/guardians, alumni and trustees–all important voices and active participants throughout the process clearly demonstrating our shared interest and commitment to the future of Latin.

We are extremely excited for Dr. Hagerman to learn more about Latin, and look forward to implementing an onboarding and transition plan for him during the balance of this school year.

David Koo

With gratitude,

David J. Koo
Chair, Board of Trustees

 

 


Dear Latin Community,

I am proud to say that I am also now an official Latin Learner, and I look forward to absorbing as much as I can about this community and our priorities in advance of my arrival.Dr. Thomas Hagerman

I am honored and excited to accept the role as Latin School of Chicago's next Head of School. It is an amazing opportunity to be able to partner with and lead your community into the next phase of the school's venerable and prestigious history.

I have been aware of Latin and its accomplishments from the time I first came to Illinois to work in the River Forest School District. To me, and many educators I know, it is the pinnacle of excellence in education: rigorous, yet personal; innovative, yet committed to the traditions of a liberal arts curriculum. Latin is a school community that wraps itself around the needs of students and makes sure that every child can succeed.

As soon as I engaged in the process, it was affirmed that many of my perceptions of Latin were accurate, but I also learned a lot that I did not know, including that Latin is not a place that is willing to simply rest on its reputation. The conversations about teaching and learning were thoughtful and exciting; the care and well-being of students were ever-present; and the depth of knowledge around best practices across school functions was inspirational. But, the highlight of my days on-campus was the time spent with people–students and adults–who clearly love learning, and especially Latin learning. It was evident throughout my time that a Latin education is indeed an experience that informs every aspect of a student's being.

Beyond the people I met, what impressed me most was the desire of the Latin community to continually improve. The spirit and willingness to do authentic and important work, no matter how hard, is a quality that I deeply admire and intend to support as I move into this role.

I am proud to say that I am also now an official Latin Learner, and I look forward to absorbing as much as I can about this community and our priorities in advance of my arrival. I am also excited to reacclimate myself to Chicago, and, on that front, introductions and advice are encouraged!

Thomas Hagerman

Gratefully,

Thomas Hagerman

Around School

Explore Our News & Stories

First Grade Flag Project

Latin first grade students started the year building their community. It was important to establish to ensure all feel safe and comfortable taking risks, making mistakes, asking for help and supporting one another. 

As students listened to some of their favorite songs, they got inspired. The song, “Wave your Flag” by K’Nann, in particular, sparked a lot of inspiration. Some may be familiar with this song as it is the anthem of the World Cup. As the first graders listened to the song, they thought it might be fun to create their own flags. 

As students began to explore their identities and community, they discovered that flags often represent groups of people who are related in some way. For example, city flags can represent folks who live in the same city. Team flags can represent fans of a particular team. State/country flags represent people who come from those places.

Each student then created their own flag to represent pieces of their identity. The process started with the exploration of identity, authenticity, symbols, and flags. A lot of time was spent considering the difference between things we like/love, and pieces of our identity. As an abstract concept, teachers worked with students in small groups to help them understand the differences. Students then filled out an identity bubble map and began the process of designing their flags. Each student received a planning sheet to select important colors, symbols and shapes they wanted to include in their flags. 

After each individual flag was created, the grade level came together as a community, to explore how they could create one class/community flag to represent all individuals in the group. This process worked on skills such as compromise, collaboration and communication. The students problem-solved and suggested ways to include everyone in the community. The outcome being one community flag to represent the Latin first grade communities. 

Take a look at the flags students made to reflect their voices and choices. 

  • Academics
  • Around School
  • DEI
  • lower school
US Marine Science Uses the City as the Classroom

New to the upper school Science course offerings this year, is a Marine Science course taught by Mr. Wisnieski. 

Students in this course are exploring the aquatic environments near Latin and around the city. In September they took a kayaking trip to the Wild Mile, a portion of the Chicago River that is being rehabilitated by the Urban Rivers organization.

Students toured the river on kayaks and studied the organisms living in the new habitats that have been constructed. More recently, students monitored the water quality in Lake Michigan. 

Take a look at the #opportunities found inside and outside the classroom at Latin.

  • Academics
  • Around School
  • upper school
Do You Know? René Moreno

Get to know René Moreno, Lower School Visual Art Teacher.

FAVORITE QUOTE
"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” -Pablo Picasso

EDUCATION
I earned a BFA from RISD (Rhode Island School of Design) and majored in Illustration.

Position and title at LatinI am the Visual Arts teacher in the Lower School. This is my 5th year at Latin. I was here as an assistant art teacher for 3 years while I worked on my teaching certification, and I am so happy to be back!

I also find a lot of joy in working with the kids. I love their eagerness to try new things and their enthusiasm for learning.
What are your favorite things about Latin? I am constantly inspired by my colleagues, who are excellent at what they do and are so passionate about their work. I also find a lot of joy in working with the kids. I love their eagerness to try new things and their enthusiasm for learning.

Why did you decide that you wanted to work at a school? As an illustrator, I visited schools and libraries to promote my books and I usually taught a little art project at those visits. I loved working with kids, so I decided to get my teaching certification.

Who is your favorite artist?
It’s a tie between Frida Kahlo and Vincent Van Gogh.

What was the last good book you read?I am currently reading a wonderful book called Everything Sad is Untrue, an autobiographical novel about an Iranian refugee growing up in Oklahoma. It’s funny and heartbreaking at the same time.

What are your hobbies and interests?I enjoy collecting children’s books, walking outside, listening to music, and practicing yoga.

What was your first job?After college, I worked several jobs all at once: I worked as a freelance illustrator for children’s books, worked as a waitress and barista, and also painted silk for a fashion designer.

What is one piece of advice you would want to tell your lower school self? You can do hard things!

Our Voices

  • Do You Know
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Our Voices
Tray White

New Middle School Director Tray White joined the Latin leadership team in July. While Tray is new to Latin this year, he is well-versed in the implementation and support of social emotional learning for middle school students. 

In a recent email Tray noted middle school faculty and staff are engaged in the daily process of nurturing and guiding the development of essential academic and social-emotional skills, building classroom culture and community, and reinforcing key classroom routines and procedures. All of these culminate to center around the joy and fun that comes with learning with a community of peers in an environment that promotes each student’s academic, social-emotional, and physical growth and well-being.

At the October Board of Trustee meeting, Tray expanded on some of Middle School’s practices regarding student wellness. 

He spoke about the Affective Education program’s purpose of nurturing students’ social-emotional growth and curating learning opportunities for students to explore a variety of topics that enrich the student experience. Several of the topics are facilitated by the MS Counseling Team, Dean of Students, Director of Student Life, and Computer Science faculty. 

Another example of social emotional learning in practice is through Middle School Affinity Groups. The purpose of these groups is to provide opportunities for students to share and explore life and experiences within safe and supportive spaces defined by membership and/or connection(s) to specific identity group(s). The Middle School has expanded from one Affinity group to many, including the Gender & Sexuality Alliance, South Asian Women Alliance, Girls in Math, and Students of Color affinity groups.

Take a look at Tray’s presentation to the Board. 

 

  • Academics
  • middle school