PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Miss Hall's School has named Meghan Smith as the School's inaugural Dean of Teaching and Learning.

 

Meghan comes to Miss Hall's with more than 20 years of teaching and administrative experience, demonstrated success in designing and implementing curriculum, and a background in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion-focused leadership. 

 

Prior to Miss Hall's, she worked since 2005 at Lawrence Academy, in Groton, serving in several roles, including Latin, History, and English Instructor; Language Department Chair; Director of the 9th grade interdisciplinary program; and Director of DEI Professional Growth and Practice.

 

"I am thrilled that Meghan has joined the MHS Leadership Team and is contributing her vision, experience, and new ideas," said Head of School Julia Heaton. "Meghan's background in the classroom, in developing interdisciplinary curriculum and professional development, and in advancing learning in a way that centers inclusion in how we teach, make her an ideal fit for leading our transformative academic program."

 

As Dean of Teaching and Learning, Meghan provides direction for academic life at Miss Hall's, convening department chairs and faculty to spearhead a transformative academic program that develops vision, voice, interpersonal efficacy, and gumption in MHS students. She also models and implements best practices in girl-centered pedagogy, oversees hiring, retention, and evaluation of faculty, and serves on the School's Senior Leadership Team, providing institutional vision and direction.

 

"What I appreciate most about Miss Hall's is the commitment to providing a thriving school environment that strives to include the world outside the four walls of the classroom and engage with the Berkshire Community," Meghan said. "Making connections is an essential part of education, in terms of fostering interpersonal skills, as well as confident communication, and I am excited to join a community that values student-centered learning and community-centered growth."

 

Meghan joined Lawrence Academy as a Latin Instructor and served as Language Department Chair from 2007 to 2010, when she began as an English/Humanities Instructor, a position she held until joining Miss Hall's. From 2014 to 2016, she served as Ninth Grade Program Director, leading a team that developed a skills-based, multidisciplinary curriculum for all ninth graders. 

 

In 2021, Meghan was named LA's Director of DEI Professional Growth and Practice, designing and implementing professional development around teaching and learning practices related to culturally responsive teaching, and guiding school leadership through a review of policy and curriculum as it related to DEI and the school's mission. She also served as a Dorm Head, Advisor, and Coach.

 

Meghan holds an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Boston College, an M.F.A. in Poetry from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and a B.A. in Classics, with a concentration in Music, from the University of Dallas. She is also certified in Teaching Mindfulness and brings this practice to her work.