October 19, 2006 Issue                                       

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©2006 The Chestnut Hill Local

Education Section 102

GFS welcomes new lower school dean of faculty

Kimberly Lewis

Germantown Friends School is proud to welcome Kimberly Lewis of Mount Airy as the school’s new Lower School Dean of Faculty. She will be responsible for faculty support and curriculum development in grades K-5, helping teachers with professional development and with keeping GFS teaching at the forefront of education.

When the school year began in September, Kim visited all classrooms and special area classes. “On the first day of school, a science teacher had fifth graders immersed in an experiential lesson where students were wearing goggles, using test tubes and other lab materials to investigate and define key science concepts regarding water molecules. That same week I visited another fifth grade class and they were learning the Greek alphabet within the context of a rich social studies curriculum. In the following weeks, I experienced first grade math students using various math strategies to introduce and reinforce the commutative property of addition. Two teachers began work on a collaborative unit that will lead their second and third grade students through a study of the culture and contributions of people from various countries on the African continent. “Teachers and teaching assistants at GFS are reflective practitioners who are masterful at their craft.”

Kim was raised in Mt. Airy and attended Ancillae Assumpta Academy and Mt. Saint Joseph’s Academy. Upon graduation from “the Mount,” she attended Howard University, where as a psychology major she developed an interest in education. “I had powerful and impacting teachers at Ancillae and at Howard University and I wanted to replicate those kinds of academic experience for others.”

Upon graduation, Kim joined the Teach for America program, which launched her teaching career in New York City in special education. She discovered that many students challenged by reading were more responsive to math teaching. The experience inspired her to learn more about mathematics education as a way of reaching and motivating students with diverse learning needs. Kim studied at the Bank Street College of Education and earned a Master’s Degree in special education and math leadership.

Kim brought her knowledge and expertise to White Plains, New York, where she taught at the elementary level in a culturally diverse community. She became interested in promoting outreach efforts that would bring students, teachers and families of all ethnic backgrounds together. “I was able to build bridges of understanding through math and technology initiatives as well as through staff development programs,” describes Kim.

Kim spent the past four years as a founding faculty member in two prominent university partnership schools. She spent two years each at the University of Pennsylvania Partnership School, Penn-Alexander and at the School at Columbia University. While at Columbia, she continued her work in mathematics, technology and other exciting initiatives while serving as a mentor for student teachers. Kim enjoyed working on “The School’s” integrated curriculum that sought to maintain academic rigor while building bridges of diversity.

After completing principal certification in New York State and earning her M. Ed in Educational Leadership at Columbia University, Kim sought a return to Philadelphia. At GFS, she found many of the elements she had found important in the past: strong teachers educating in a diverse school community, within an urban area. “I was also drawn to the Quaker setting,” explains Kim. “This type of education ensures that the children experience a powerful sense of community and reflection.”

In her first months at GFS, Kim has been learning as many students’ names as possible. “Going to the classrooms and getting to know the kids is a very important aspect of my work. The students here are magnetic, eager and excited about learning! Spending time with them truly enhances my work,” she notes.

Kim is currently working with lower school principal Sallie Jackal, and the lower school faculty as they refine the math curriculum, and she intends to be a resource as the teachers investigate ways that technology can support teaching and learning.

“Although some of the hallmarks of my career have centered on mathematics leadership and technology education, I hope to be a resource and support to teachers in all content areas. I am looking forward to working collaboratively as we continue promote the vision of education that is Germantown Friends School.”