Dr. Joe Reiken
Each month RG175 does a "deeper dive" to get to know one of our Independent School colleagues. This month we are spotlighting Dr. Joe Reiken, who is the former Head of School of Holy Family High School in Los Angeles, California, an all-girls Catholic high school as well as St. Anne School, a PS-8th grade Catholic school in Laguna Niguel, California. Over the course of his 20 years in education, Joe has been a high school math teacher, assistant head of school for curriculum and instruction, a professional coach and mentor to aspiring school leaders and teachers, and most notably an inspiring head of school. Joe earned both a master’s degree and Ph.D. in education from UC Santa Barbara.
What’s your connection to RG175?
One of RG175’s advancement professionals served as a professional mentor to me for years. Much of what I learned about relationship-centered school leadership comes from his experience in working alongside some of the most respected heads of school in the country. A few years ago, I reconnected with RG175 and was placed as the Head of School at St. Anne School. Within a few months, I asked for their expertise in a search for both a lower school head and a director of advancement for St. Anne School.
Can you summarize your experience working with RG175?
I have grown tremendously from the professional relationships I have developed with RG175’s search consultants since they are also independent school leaders. I value their professional guidance and mentorship as much as their commitment to the successful placement of candidates.
If you had one thing to recommend to other candidates what would it be?
Do your homework about the school. In our small network of heads of school and school leaders, reach out to colleagues to learn more about a school or its community that you may be interested in. To be successful, the school must be a fit for you as well!
What do you enjoy most about your job as it pertains to Independent Schools?
I enjoy having the freedom to collaboratively develop experiences that challenge young people to think critically and creatively, and help them flourish by framing their worldview with empathy and care. Creating an environment where teachers can thrive as professionals contributes to the enjoyment of my work. The most fulfilling part of education is the authentic, positive impact we have on the lives of many people, knowing they will remember us far beyond our time together.
What are some of your greatest achievements as a school leader?
I thrive on witnessing the evolution of a school’s mission. At St. Anne School, I ushered the school’s programs forward with renewed sense of purpose and clarity, elevated teacher support and stabilized retention, and greatly increased enrollment while reorganizing the school’s advancement practices leading to a school record in philanthropic giving. To guide students in leading lives of meaning and impact, we designed an entire lower school experience that sparked imagination, engaged critical thought, and embraced creativity by combining design thinking, science and technology, and service to others. At Holy Family High School, we created a Business and Entrepreneurship program and World Discovery program to support the school’s mission toward the overall advancement of women as essential thinkers, meaningful contributors, and necessary participants in the global conversation. Our commitment to their growth and success beyond high school resulted in the formation of intentional networking experiences with alumnae as well as local women leaders in the community.