News from Gardner

It is with great pride and excitement that the Board of Trustees announces that Mark McGough will be the next Head of School of The Gardner School. Mark will take over from our Interim Head of School, Greg Zeigler, this summer. Mark brings the amazing background, experience and enthusiasm that The Gardner School is seeking in this next phase of growth.

Mark is an experienced International School Head, joining us after several years in Milan, Italy. He has also worked as a Principal at International Schools in both Tanzania and Namibia. After receiving his Bachelor's degree at Newcastle University and a Primary Education certification from the University of Leeds, Mark taught in several International Schools. Looking inward with the same critical eye he applies to those with whom he works, he desired a greater personal level of education and earned his Master's in International Education at Oxford Brookes University.

At a time when the Board of Trustees has plans to start the process of evaluating the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), Mark joins us with a background as an IB PYP coordinator and International Consultant for the IB PYP organization in Geneva. His experience will ensure that our evaluation of the IB PYP as a possible match for Gardner will be very thorough.

The alignment of Mark's educational philosophy with the mission, vision, and values of The Gardner School was critical to the selection process. He emphasizes an approach to teaching that incorporates Multiple Intelligence theory and that inspires students, teachers, staff, Trustees, and parents alike to do better and continually improve. Mark will provide not only the educational leadership the school needs as we move forward toward our vision, but the courage and competence to lead our school to substantial, measurable growth in every area.

There has never been a more exciting time in the history of The Gardner School. We are bringing in a true international educator, equal to the vision of our school. Celebrate with us as we move from a great school to a world-class school.

The Board, Administration, and Mark look forward to working together long distance during the next few months in order to provide for a smooth transition to his formal arrival at the school this summer. Attached is a letter from Mark that describes his enthusiasm and commitment to our school community.