TCS director
Laura Dougherty named director of The College School
11:32 a.m., March 9, 2012--For students, families and faculty at The College School (TCS), 2011 was a tumultuous year. Last winter, when the University of Delaware College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) announced it would be performing a review of the program, many were concerned that the school -- one of the few in Delaware that benefits children with learning differences -- might close.
Fortunately, reports of TCS’s demise were greatly exaggerated. The evaluation was positive and resulted in a number of recommendations that will strengthen the school’s academic programs and improve its fiscal position.
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Lynn Okagaki, dean of CEHD, explains, “Over the fall, we developed a financial plan designed to help TCS become fiscally sustainable. We identified a variety of strategies to reduce costs and increase revenues. This is a strong step forward to ensuring the long-term success of the school.”
Another important step was appointing Laura Dougherty as the Emily L. Phelps Director of The College School. Dougherty, who received her master of education degree from UD, has been a member of the TCS family for 18 years, serving as classroom teacher, lead teacher, director of admissions and most recently, interim director, upon the retirement of Jeanne Geddes.
Geddes offered her endorsement of the new director. “I am delighted to know that Laura will assume the role of head of the school. As interim director for the 2011-12 school year, Laura has proven to be a competent and thoughtful administrator. By giving a voice to our parents, students, and educators, she will ensure this new administration will be sensitive to their needs while remaining committed to quality and innovation.”
Jack Baroudi, a TCS parent and professor in the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics, said he is pleased with Dougherty’s appointment. “Laura has demonstrated tremendous skill in providing both educational and emotional support to her students and their families. She is dedicated to the children, a great communicator and a strong advocate for TCS and its important mission.”
As Dougherty assumes her role as director, she is embracing the challenges ahead. “I am committed to honoring the strong traditions and values of TCS, while inviting further collaboration with UD faculty to identify progressive research opportunities," she said.
By collaborating with key stakeholders, she is helping to implement a number of initiatives, including:
- Seeking avenues to better integrate TCS into the academic mission of the University.
- Establishing a Leadership Council, made up of engaged parents, leaders in business and the UD community to assist TCS in its fundraising and stewardship goals.
- Working with faculty, staff and researchers across the UD campus to identify new ways to strengthen the academic and social skills of the students.
“We are delighted to have someone of Laura’s caliber lead TCS,” said UD Provost Tom Apple. “She will take this great school, already a top-performer, and make it even better through increased participation of faculty and University students. The result will be an even better learning environment.”
About The College School
The College School is a specialized school within the College of Education and Human Development that supports children in grades 1-8 with learning differences. Teachers understand the issues faced by students struggling with learning, attention and/or mild social/emotional/behavioral issues and are dedicated to helping children become successful learners.
Classes for the 2012-13 school year are forming now, however, students are accepted on a rolling basis, when space is available. For more information, visit www.collegeschool.udel.edu.
Article by Alison Burris