Page 6 - Norwood Spring 2019 Magazine

“The Lower School feels Our New Head of
like home to me. Not
just because I have two

daughters who are lower Lower School Who
school students, but also
because I am naturally Isn’t Exactly New...
drawn to the unbridled
enthusiasm, creativity,
in the Lower School.” Mike Risen
and energy that abounds

Matthew Gould intended to spend a devotion to what is best for young children. experienced debate coach who really does
good portion of the 2018-2019 school After a four-month interim period, know something about everything.) Mike’s
year recruiting for Norwood’s next head Matthew named Mike as Norwood’s next faculty colleagues would say it is his ability
of lower school. Before he started the head of lower school, an announcement to listen and understand, his positive
search, he asked the School’s director that was received with a standing ovation attitude, his collaborative leadership style,
of curriculum and instruction, Mike at a faculty meeting. his dedication to child-centered teaching,
Risen, to step in as interim head of and, of course, that trademark laugh.
lower school. Matthew’s request made “The Lower School feels like home to me,”
perfect sense: much of Mike’s work on says Mike. “Not just because I have two Many lower school students already
curriculum development and planning daughters who are lower school students, knew Mr. Risen in his role as director of
involved the lower school program and but also because I am naturally drawn to the curriculum and instruction. Although his
faculty, so he was a natural choice for the unbridled enthusiasm, creativity, and energy o“ce used to be in the Middle School, Mike
interim position. With his characteristic that abounds in the Lower School. What spent much of his time visiting lower school
enthusiasm and can-do attitude, Mike an honor and a privilege it is to dedicate classrooms and meeting with teachers.
agreed to take the reins in August and my day to serving such a wonderful group For our youngest students, Mr. Risen is a
settled into the temporary position. He of young learners—and to working with an relatively new face, and they came up with
never expected what would happen next. exceptionally talented and skilled faculty.” some important questions to get to know
him better, which Mike was happy to answer.
He fell in love with the job. After all, what’s What makes Mike the right person for
not to love when you’re surrounded every the job? Matthew would tell you it is his What do you do every day?
day by 224 children who love to regale you expertise in curriculum development and Every day I get to work with great students
with funny stories and birthday treats, plus practice, his keen ability to identify best-fit and great teachers! Each day looks a little
a highly skilled faculty completely devoted professional development programs, his di—erent, but those two parts of my job are
to creating the best learning experience outstanding work ethic and standards, what I get to do each day. Some days I am
possible for each child. He loved the his natural rapport with children, and in meetings, some days I’m working with
camaraderie in the Lower School, with its unmatched enthusiasm for lifelong learning. students in a class, some days I’m speaking
perfect mix of hard work, playfulness, and (Side note: Mike is a veteran debater and at chapel—it really depends.

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