Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL) Executive Director

Ed graduated from Chestnut Hill Academy in 2003 and started teaching at SCH Academy in 2014.
 

What inspired you to become a teacher?

I don’t think there is anything more inspiring than seeing a young person broaden their perspectives and grow their abilities over time. I sought out teaching because it gives me the opportunity to play a role, however small, in that growth. This is especially true at a Pre-K–12 school like SCH, and I’m in a really cool and unique position in that the CEL program enables me to teach across all three divisions.

What attracted you to teach at SCH?

I joined SCH academy only a couple of years post-merger. I saw it as an opportunity to create a new culture, one that honored the traditions of two incredible institutions while being fresh and new. I was also drawn, of course, to Priscilla Sands’ (former head of school) and Dick Hayne’s (former board chair) vision for the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. I had learned through personal experience the power of entrepreneurship and I knew that rooting a K-12 academic program in those principles of resilience, resourcefulness, and creativity would be truly unique. I was just excited to be a part of that. 

What part of SCH’s mission or values is most meaningful to you as a teacher?

For me, it’s the idea that our learning environment expands far beyond the classroom. Our students are working out in the “real world” launching their ideas for businesses, non-profit organizations, apps, inventions, and environmental initiatives in truly impactful ways. I love that the school has given us the freedom and flexibility to develop a program that puts aside grades and traditional notions of evaluation in favor of giving the kids a chance to take risks and try things without fear of failure. 

What do you enjoy most about teaching and why?

It’s really wonderful to spend each day in an environment where you can feel deeply and authentically good about everything you do. My colleagues and I are working so hard to create moments of authentic learning and fun for the SCH students. There are, of course, moments of stress (especially this year!) but at the end of the day we are all working together to better ourselves and better the world. It makes for a really uplifting work experience. 

Do you have a favorite teaching story or moment?

Alysa Akins (‘19) was one of the students on a trip with me to Cambodia. We spent a few days living in a weaving village in Kampot, one that is rooted in sustainable agriculture, fair trade manufacturing, and children’s education initiatives. Alysa was clearly moved by the visit, as were so many of our students. But she really put her entrepreneurial mindset to work, forming the first US partnership with the village. Over the course of her senior year, Alysa formed a team of SCH students, sourced scarves and wraps, and sold hundreds of products, donating 100% of the proceeds back to the women in the village. It was such a success that the work has been carried on by her friend Mia Costonis (‘20) and Meena Padhye (‘21). This is such a great example of how to become a role model for other aspiring young leaders who want to “be the change.”

Is there some object in your office or on your desk that has special significance to you?

The CEL space is full of amazing artifacts of learning—designs, prototypes, survey results, and sketches. It’s impossible to pick one, and they change every year as we take on hundreds of new projects and ideas. It’s why it’s such an awesome place to work!

Learn more about SCH Academy's Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership program, and see how our students are changing the world. Hear directly from Director of the CEL Ed Glassman about our trademarked curriculum and read about our CEL course offerings.