Joan Lonergan, Hewitt’s seventh head of school, has announced that she will retire from her career as an educator, effective June 30, 2015. As an alumna of Vassar College, Ms. Lonergan has led Hewitt with firsthand knowledge of single-sex education. During her tenure, Ms. Lonergan has refined our mission statement, implemented the Strategic Plan, and secured a new building for the school. Ms. Lonergan’s open glass door and her commitment to greeting students before they enter the building affirm her active and welcoming presence around school. The Hewitt Times recently sat down with Ms. Lonergan to discuss her experiences as an educator and Hewitt’s leader, along with her next steps.
Hewitt Times: What were your expectations coming to Hewitt? Looking back on your experience, how did the reality compare to those expectations?
Joan Lonergan: I just found that Hewitt was ready to move. It was ambitious and ready to embrace new ways of thinking about what an education at Hewitt could be. It was really exciting!
HT: What are you most proud of accomplishing at Hewitt or more generally as it relates to education?
JL: I would say at Hewitt I am most proud of the new mission statement and the strategic plan. I think in my career I’m most proud of helping girls become leaders.
HT: What were the greatest challenges you’ve faced in your career as an educator and school leader?
JL: I think the greatest challenge has come in creating and sustaining a strong community, and understanding and appreciating the unique qualities of individuals within the community.
HT: After years of educating and working at schools, what keeps you going and approaching things with a fresh perspective? What inspires you along the way?
JL: I like being a catalyst for change, and I like the concept of a growth mindset and continuing improvement and just the dynamics of a community of people who really all care about the same thing. There’s nothing like a school community.
HT: What defines Hewitt in your eyes?
JL: I think there really is a strong sense of community among students, teachers, and staff, even if they’re upset with the school, colleague, staff or themselves. They are extremely loyal to Hewitt and there’s such good feeling. I love that. It’s like the bedrock for everything.
HT: What do you hope Hewitt students are able to do or achieve when they graduate?
JL: I want them to be leaders in their own lives. I want them to take charge of their own lives and be leaders in the lives of others. I want them to be confident and resilient. I want them to let their hearts and their heads lead them.
HT: What are your plans after leaving Hewitt?
JL: Renew friendships! I can’t wait to see friends, take time for my family and my grandchildren, read, travel and volunteer. I’m going to keep an open mindset, and a growth mindset. Maybe do something completely new. One thing I’ve told people is that I want to walk the streets of New York. We plan to stay in New York, and Henry will still want to come to Hewitt.We’ll have to retrain him because he is so used to coming here.