Head of School Search

Stevens Cooperative School Names Dr. David Penberg Interim Head of School 

Stevens Cooperative School has hired David Penberg, PhD, to serve as Interim Head of School for the 2011-2012 school year. The School's Board of Trustees selected Dr. Penberg from a strong pool of qualified candidates based on his decades-long background in progressive education, which started as a student at the Bank Street College of Education, his extensive experience in international schools and his understanding and respect of the Stevens' unique culture and needs. Zo ë Hauser, Head of School for 16 years, is moving to Myanmar to take a new position.

 “We are thrilled to be welcoming a leader with passion for progressive education and far-reaching global experience to Stevens,” said Jan Abernathy, Board Chair. “We look forward to partnering with him on several priorities that our board of trustees has identified: increasing our development efforts, strengthening our administrative structure, and finding more opportunities for integration of our two campuses as our community grows.” 

 “The world is requiring a different approach to how we educate children,” said Dr. Penberg. ”I believe in educating whole children for the whole world-- tapping the social, emotional and cognitive capacity of children so that they can live in the world as culture makers-- and not merely consumers. I intend to bring that same commitment to Stevens.”

 Since 2007, he has been the Head of the Benjamin Franklin International School in Barcelona, Spain. Previously he was the Director of Leadership for New Visions for Public Schools in New York as well as the Head of Studies at the American School Foundation in Mexico City. His areas of interest include global citizenship and youth leadership, collaborations with educational and cultural institutions, technology integration and the role of the arts in K-12 programs. 

Timeline

April, 2011

  • Interim Head of School announced 

Permanent Head Search Committee announced, committee bios available

May, 2011

Search committee approved by the Board

July, 2011

Interim Head of School arrives

September 2011

Stakeholder feedback (Surveys and Focus Groups)

October 2011

Candidates submit indications of interest

November – December 2011

Candidates visit Stevens

January 2012

Head of School announced

July 2012

Head of School Arrives

Town Halls

Head of School Search Process – All parents are invited to view videos of the candidates and fill out a survey with their observations here.