Statement from Bill Clarkson

 

WHAT WE SEEK TO ACCOMPLISH

Our Teaching for Tomorrow campaign arrives at a transitional moment in the history of the Westminster Schools. After celebrating our fiftieth anniversary in 2003, we have devoted much of our energies to examining how best to prepare for our future and determining what investments are needed to build on our strengths and enhance our educational programs.

We find that just as 50 years ago, our highest priority must be to attract and retain the finest teachers to our faculty. As in those earliest years, there is considerable urgency to our actions. Nearly one of every five current Westminster teachers is 60 years of age or older. That, with normal attrition, will require us to replace 40 percent of our faculty within the next five years.

We also face challenges that were not present during Westminster’s formative years. Today, we must compete in an open market with a dwindling national pool of talented and highly capable teachers because fewer and fewer young people see the teaching profession as financially viable. Yet, anyone who has attended Westminster or witnessed its impact on one’s children knows firsthand the palpable and extraordinary effect that excellent teachers have on our students. Through Teaching for Tomorrow we intend to elevate and celebrate this transformative profession. We will seek the necessary funds to increase faculty salaries, recognize and reward exceptional promise and performance, and provide our teachers with the varied resources they require to bring out the very best in themselves and our students.

Through this campaign website and other communications we hope to keep you informed and actively engaged in our progress, knowing that what we seek to accomplish together will ensure Westminster’s continued excellence for years to come.

Bill Clarkson
President