Theresa Tran
Each month RG175 does a "deeper dive" to get to know one of our Independent school colleagues. This month, we feature Theresa Tran. Theresa is currently the Lower School Director at Polytechnic School in Pasadena, California. A child of public school educators, Theresa grew up in San Diego and attended public schools. After teaching in Garden Grove Unified as a second-fourth grade teacher for a decade, Theresa made her way back to San Diego and started her first stint in independent schools, teaching fifth grade at Francis Parker School. Knowing her pathway was to be in leadership, after 20 years of teaching, Theresa became the Associate Director of Admissions at the Lower School. She worked with hundreds of families throughout Covid and was excited to take on the next opportunity as the Assistant Head of Lower School. Three years passed, and Theresa was thrilled to find a Lower School Director position open at Polytechnic School in Pasadena. In July of 2024, Theresa began her journey in her new academic home, and is loving each and every day at Poly.
What’s your connection to RG175?
In the fall of 2023, I applied for the position of Lower School Director at Polytechnic School and worked closely with Tony Featherston of RG175, who was leading the search.
Can you summarize your experience working with RG175?
I would encourage everyone to work with RG175. Tony was fantastic to partner with, very supportive, and transparent throughout the process. RG175’s timeline was efficient and never did I feel like I was in the dark about the process.
If you had one thing to recommend to other candidates, what would it be?
Search far and wide, and do not settle. Find the school that speaks to you and aligns with your ideals. Do your research, and be sure to take advantage of opportunities in which you can learn more about the school culture and its goals.
What do you enjoy most about your job as it pertains to Independent Schools?
Independent schools allow you the flexibility and freedom to meet students' needs. In addition to partnering with “out of the box thinkers,” independent schools provide resources that support you in accomplishing your vision for your students and teachers. Independent school parents and caregivers are supportive, active, and partner with the school with their child at the forefront. I am grateful to have had my years of experience at Parker, and look forward to the magic and change I can bring to an already amazing community at Poly!