Sarah Beck
Each month RG175 does a "deeper dive" to get to know one of our Independent School colleagues. This month we are spotlighting Sarah Beck. Sarah is currently the Assistant Head of Academics and Interim Head of Upper School at The Potomac School in McLean, VA. Sarah's K-12 educational experience was at an independent school. Following college and a career in finance and consulting, she went back to school to become a social studies teacher. After nearly a decade working in a large public middle school as a teacher, dean, assistant principal, and director of student services, she knew she always wanted to return to the independent school environment. She had the opportunity to become the director of curriculum in a preschool - grade 8 independent school. After serving as the director, lower school head, and assistant head of school, she moved to The Potomac School to experience a K-12 program. In addition to serving as assistant head of academics, she served in the Upper School as interim head. It has been a great experience and provided her with the springboard needed for her next role. Sarah has enjoyed all three schools where she worked, and learned so much from each.
What’s your connection to RG175?
Last spring, I had the honor of being named the incoming head of school at the Windward School in Los Angeles, California. RG175 was running the search, with Steve Morris, Debbie Reed, and John Farber leading the effort.
Can you summarize your experience working with RG175?
Being a candidate in a search can be a whirlwind! Having a team who would engage both professionally and thoughtfully with me throughout the process was a relief. They carefully answered any question they could and partnered closely with the school to ensure the process was both thorough and efficient; no small feat! It was clear they cared about me as a candidate even while they worked to ensure the best fit for the school and the position.
If you had one thing to recommend to other candidates, what would it be?
Know your leadership values and look for a school community that shares them. Be sure to spend just as much time asking the right questions as you do on giving the “right” answers.
What do you enjoy most about your job as it pertains to Independent Schools?
Collaboration is the most wonderful thing about working in schools. I love being able to work with faculty, staff, students, and families to create the most inspiring learning opportunities possible. We are better and stronger when we have diverse ideas and perspectives around the table, working on the same vision. I feel very lucky to love what I do so much!