Ian Craig
Each month RG175 does a "deeper dive" to get to know one of our Independent School colleagues. This month we are spotlighting Ian Craig, Head of School at Rumsey Hall School in Connecticut. Ian has been Head of School for three independent schools: Harding Academy in Nashville, Tennessee, Trinity Valley School in Fort Worth, Texas, and Interim Head of School at Metairie Park Country Day School in Metairie, Louisiana. Since childhood and throughout his career, Ian has been immersed in the independent school culture: Ian’s father was an independent school head and Ian attended Trinity-Pawling School during high school. As a student, parent, educator, coach, and administrator, Ian’s experience garnered him the expertise to understand the roles vital to the success of an independent school. To read more about Ian, visit his website page here.
What’s your connection to RG175?
They assisted with my current head of school placement.
Can you summarize your experience working with RG175?
It was very positive. They presented the school accurately and had an excellent sense of the opportunities and challenges that the school was facing. They had clearly gotten to know the school well.
If you had one thing to recommend to other candidates, what would it be?
I think going with your instinct is important. If the opportunity doesn't feel like a fit, but checks all of the boxes, it's still likely not a fit.
What do you enjoy most about your job as it pertains to Independent Schools?
I enjoy the opportunity to help people every day, whether a student becoming the best version of themselves, a faculty member engaging in ways that keeps them challenged and energized, or helping an administrator navigate a difficult issue.
What are some of your greatest achievements?
All of my accomplishments have been a team effort, whether building facilities for talented faculty, helping a teacher grow professionally in ways they might not ever have though of for themselves, or changing the trajectory of a students' life.
How has Covid-19 affected your job/business and how have you adapted?
It has given me an appreciation for much that we took for granted. I can appreciate seeing our kids compete, act or sing in ways that were commonplace before.