Welcoming Our New Head of School, David Maher
It is our honor to announce that the TEA Board of Trustees has selected David Maher to become our next Head of School, effective July 1, 2021
David was chosen from a national pool of impressive candidates after a very thorough and inclusive search process. This unanimous appointment was the result of united and enthusiastic support from the Head of School Search Committee, Board of Directors, the School Leadership and the broader TEA community.
In David, we have found a dynamic leader who will bring a strong array of experience to TEA. David graduated from James Madison University in Virginia with a B.A. in Economics and a B.S. in Middle Education and eventually completed a Masters Degree focusing on curriculum and instruction. He comes highly qualified and brings a wealth of experience to TEA, including his recent HOS leadership role at Rolling Hills Prep and Renaissance Schools. During his time there, he successfully oversaw the addition of an elementary school for younger students with specialized learning needs. He also steered a strategic plan for facilities and fund-raising, began a variety of community partnerships, and led the Schools through the transition to distance learning and back again. Prior to joining Rolling Hills, David’s career included leadership roles in the U.S. and international institutions such as Chadwick International in Songdo, Korea and Fountain Valley School of Colorado.
Initially an English and history teacher, David’s career evolved to include roles as Outdoor Education Director, Academic Dean, Upper School Head and ultimately Head of School.
David’s many personal interests and experiences enhance his unique passion as an educator and leader. From teaching in Monaco to co-directing a Catholic Relief Project in New York to becoming an avid sailor in Los Angeles, David is deeply engaged and contributes to his community on many fronts. In addition, David has served as a founding board member for Teach United, dedicated to reducing the digital divide in developing nations. He has also led faculty professional development work abroad in countries such as Haiti, Kenya, and Belize.
We want to sincerely thank all members of the TEA community for your commitment to this search process and your invaluable feedback. We are particularly grateful to the Search Committee members who put in long hours over many months in this important initiative, and for
the continued support of our dedicated Board of Trustees.
We also want to thank our Co-Directors, Taylor Simmers and Mara Morrison, who will work closely on David’s transition. They have both provided strong leadership and vision over the years which has enabled TEA to be uniquely positioned for this next chapter of continued growth and evolution.
We look forward to welcoming David and his wife Laura to our community this summer and we are confident that TEA will thrive under his leadership.
Read the Sierra Sun's Article About David
We’d also like to appreciate our local newspaper, The Sierra Sun, for their article about David. You can read that article HERE.
