The Jefferson School in Georgetown names new head
Social studies, science, mathematical fractions and even literature learned during a cooking lesson? “Absolutely,” says longtime progressive educator Connie Hendricks.
Even before so-called “progressive” teaching methods became accepted in the mainstream of American education, Hendricks knew they made perfect sense. She believes that such approaches – which reach beyond a child’s intellect – develop a socially and emotionally grounded child who surpasses the task of merely absorbing information.
“Though colleges teach progressive education philosophies, they’re not put into practice often because it takes a lot of work and faith in what you’re doing,” Hendricks said. “But the methods are highly effective.”
Hendricks recently was named the new head of school at The Jefferson School, an institution that has an impressive record of accomplishment for using nontraditional approaches to learning. Founded in 1992, it’s Delaware’s only independent school in Sussex County.
Many schools experiment with progressive education in small increments, but few embrace it as their main philosophy and adhere to the progressive education ideals throughout the grades and in every subject. Jefferson does, and that’s why Hendricks said she’s proud to join the staff.
“When I visited one classroom recently, every single child could tell me what the lesson was about,” Hendricks said. “They were really learning. They owned the material.”
“Owning the material” is half the battle in education, because once children are intrinsically motivated and take possession of their knowledge, they open up to a world of learning.
The Jefferson School’s progressive mission and philosophy steer away from the more common goal of getting students to aspire to scoring the highest on exams. Jefferson looks at children individually, while teaching the basic academic subjects, and nurtures their individual strengths. The results? Currently, more than 45 percent of Jefferson students qualify for programs at the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, a world leader in the assessment and development of highly gifted children.
When Hendricks, of Milton, starts her new position Wednesday, July 1, she’ll be responsible for overseeing operations of the K-8 school, which enrolls around 100 students a year. She replaces Interim Head of School Lisa Crim, who is now the director of early childhood services at Children & Families First.
As a 20-year veteran educator, Hendricks has taught various subjects including art, math, language arts and social studies in preschool through eighth grades. She transitioned to administration in 1999 when she became head of the upper level of Centreville School in Wilmington. She served in this leadership position until 2008, when she moved to the central office to direct enrollment and financial aid for the school.
“Connie has in-depth understanding and passion for independent schools that’s hard to find. We know with her strong leadership, The Jefferson School will continue to rise as an accomplished school and a resource center for parents who want to explore time-proven alternative approaches that really work,” said Charlie Pollard, head of the school’s board of directors.
Hendricks wants to share with more parents the benefits of progressive philosophies, including a focus on the needs and interests of the children, a long-term retention of lessons learned, an emphasis on collaborative problem solving, the capacity to apply new ideas and concepts to different problems and a desire to continue learning.
She plans to connect with parents in a biweekly post on the school’s blog, jeffersonschool.wordpress.com. She also wants to offer coffee hours, open to the general public, to discuss what parents can do to encourage their children to develop a passion for learning.
“We want to continue developing a dialogue in this community about best practices and what they look like,” Hendricks said. “Whatever progress we can make in advancing different educational ideas will benefit our youth and our future.”
