St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School (SSAES) is delighted to announce Ms. Sarah A. Derian as the new Assistant Head of School. After a thorough and extensive search process, Ms. Derian emerged as the clear choice for this newly created position that primarily will assist with daily student services, support administrative operations, and implement the school’s mission and vision. The addition of administrative staff is one of the recommendations of the school’s accrediting agency the Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE).
“The Assistant Head of School is a key leadership role in advancing the school’s mission through administrative leadership,” noted Head of School Dr. Garine Palandjian. Through the interview process, Ms. Derian’s experience and leadership style proved to be one that resonated with families, faculty and staff, and the Board. “We are delighted she has accepted this position,” remarked Board Chair Michael Guzelian, “and look forward to her starting after Winter Break.”
Sarah Derian is a lifelong learner. While she holds a B.A. in Psychology from Gordon College and an M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from New England College, her most transformative learning experiences happen outside traditional educational settings. By continually placing herself in new and challenging learning environments, she stays deeply connected to the vulnerability we feel when we embrace something new. She currently studies the Armenian language at the Mesrob Mashdotz Institute and teaches Sunday School at St. James Armenian Apostolic Church.
As the SSAES Assistant Head of School, Ms. Derian has expressed her eagerness to learn alongside every student, teacher, parent, and community member. Please join SSAES in welcoming Ms. Sarah Derian to the community.
St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School and Preschool is the only Armenian day school in New England. Licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) and accredited by the Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE), its mission is to provide a high quality Armenian and American education, develop a strong Armenian identity in each child, promote and nurture the Armenian language and culture, develop self-esteem and leadership skills in students create a child-centered, nurturing learning environment that facilitates the students’ success, and foster an intimate school community that encourages family involvement and connections. For more information about SSAES please browse the school’s website.
