I am pleased to announce that Becca Palm will become Fessenden’s Head of Upper School beginning July 1, 2023.
Becca came to Fessenden in 2013 as a member of the science faculty, and began teaching in all three divisions and serving as an advisor that fall, as well as coaching varsity crew in the spring. In 2016, she became the science department chair. As a teacher, she developed curriculum and implemented hands-on, student-directed lab investigations and created project-based learning experiences for students in all divisions. As the chair of the department, Becca managed the hiring process for members of the science department, oversaw a thorough review of the department’s curriculum from Pre-K to grade nine, established skills progressions, evaluated student placement, and promoted grading for equity. She was also an instrumental partner in the vision, design, and renovation and expansion of the Sacerdote Science Center. Prior to Fessenden, Becca served as a teacher, coach, advisor, and dorm supervisor at Brooks School from 2009-2013. She holds an A.B. honors degree in Human Evolutionary Biology, and graduated Cum Laude from Harvard University, where she was also a member of varsity crew and the Radcliffe Choral Society; an M.B.A., Cum Laude, from Babson College; and studied Spanish history, art, and architecture as well as Spanish and Islamic culture at the Universidad de Granada. Additionally, Becca has been the recipient of a number of awards at Fessenden and Brooks for exceptional teaching and professional growth.
Recently, Becca shared that “Upper School boys have a special energy. They are ready to be agents in their own growth and are capable of achieving goals never before imagined. It is our responsibility and our opportunity to create an environment that challenges and supports each boy in this character development and self-actualization. Nothing is more rewarding than this endeavor. There is much to be proud of in the Upper School, and I am excited to work to further enrich the experience of teaching and learning in this special community.”
Becca is already a well-established, collaborative leader in our community. I am confident that she will bring her many talents, experiences, and a great deal of care to her new leadership role as Head of the Upper School. Please join me in congratulating Becca. I also want to, once again, express my gratitude to Jason Lewis for his five years of excellent leadership and for making the Upper School such a positive and enriching division for boys in grades seven through nine.
Sincerely,
Steve Armstrong
Head of School