In his current role since July 2007, Mr. Winters’ previous positions with the district include coordinator of the English as a second language (ESL) program from 1999 to 2006, coordinator of the world language program from 2003-06 and Folsom housemaster at Greenwich High School from 2006-07. Mr. Winters began his career in education in 1990 as an ESL teacher in the Bronx, N.Y., at Morris High School, after serving for two years in the Peace Corps in the Republic of Mali, West Africa. In 1998 he moved to Roxbury Elementary School in Stamford, before coming to Greenwich in 1999.
Mali RPCV Christopher S. Wintersappointed interim headmaster at Greenwich High School
District officials appoint interim high school head
Monday, June 08, 2009
Breaking News | Posted 3:39 p.m., Monday, June 8, 2009
Superintendent of Schools Betty J. Sternberg has appointed Christopher S. Winters, director for curriculum, instruction and professional learning, as interim headmaster at Greenwich High School, effective July 1.
“Chris is a valued colleague, administrator and educator,” Ms. Sternberg said in a press release. “His experience as a housemaster at the high school, as an administrator in the district for 10 years, as an educator for almost 20 years and as a Greenwich High School graduate provides a solid foundation for leading the high school through this transition.
“In addition, Chris’ continuing leadership on the secondary schools review committee is an ideal bridge for guiding the high school community through further development of the vision of the graduate and how best to achieve that vision.”
As he will be responsible for overseeing the search for a permanent headmaster/mistress, Sidney Freund, incoming superintendent of schools, was consulted on this decision.
In his current position, Mr. Winters has led the district through a number of priority initiatives for improvement. As co-chairman of the secondary schools review committee, he has led a cross-role group of educators, students, parents and members of the community in developing the vision of the graduate — a description of the attributes that every student will need in order to be successful in college and/or the world of work.
He has also played a major role on the district data team in developing the improvement plan for the Greenwich Public Schools. This plan sets district goals and develops strategies for improved academic achievement and for attaining the vision of the graduate.
Mr. Winters worked with the Board of Education to update its policy for curriculum and program review. He is currently working with curriculum coordinators in media, science and world languages in review of their programs. Additionally, Mr. Winters initiated the transdisciplinary unit committee charged with developing units of instruction that establish clear connections between and among subjects. Mr. Winters has also formalized curriculum reporting to the Board of Education, guiding curriculum coordinators in creating comprehensive and succinct reports that are useful to the board and to the staff for monitoring progress in each curriculum area. Finally, in collaboration with other district administrators and a committee of teachers, Mr. Winters is working to increase collaboration time for teachers as an integral component of the Greenwich Public Schools’ professional learning program.
The district will internally post the opening for the interim director for curriculum, instruction and professional learning immediately.
In his current role since July 2007, Mr. Winters’ previous positions with the district include coordinator of the English as a second language (ESL) program from 1999 to 2006, coordinator of the world language program from 2003-06 and Folsom housemaster at Greenwich High School from 2006-07.
Mr. Winters began his career in education in 1990 as an ESL teacher in the Bronx, N.Y., at Morris High School, after serving for two years in the Peace Corps in the Republic of Mali, West Africa. In 1998 he moved to Roxbury Elementary School in Stamford, before coming to Greenwich in 1999.
He received his bachelor of arts degree in political science from Middlebury College in 1986; his master of arts degree in TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) in 1992 and his master of education degree in 1997, both from Teachers College, Columbia University; his sixth year degree in administration from Sacred Heart University in 1998; and his superintendent’s certification from the University of Connecticut’s executive leadership program in 2005. Mr. Winters is currently working toward a doctorate in education at the University of Connecticut’s Neag School of Education in Storrs.
District administrators have begun the process of selecting a search firm to recruit nationally for the permanent position of Greenwich High School headmaster/mistress. The objective is to appoint a permanent leader by Feb. 1, 2010. However, the district will extend the search and the interim appointment until July 1, 2010, if necessary. The search firm will seek input from the staff, students, parents and community in the fall to assist in developing a leadership profile for the headmaster/mistress of Greenwich High School. Mr. Winters will be eligible to apply for the position.
