The Agnes Irwin School Names New Assistant Head of School

The Agnes Irwin School Names New Assistant Head of School

After a nationwide search, Dr. Elizabeth Rossini has been named Assistant Head of School at Agnes Irwin, effective July 1, 2022. She is a visionary, globally-minded educator with over 30 years of experience and expertise in curriculum development, classroom and program assessment, teacher leadership, and standards-based education. In this role, she will be responsible for leading strategic cross-divisional curricular alignment initiatives, identifying the signature experiences of an AIS education, supporting our faculty, and continuing the work of activating AIS' community-wide commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.

Dr. Rossini joins Agnes Irwin from the Nueva School in Northern California, where she currently serves as the Director of Teaching and Learning. Her prior roles—including leadership roles at the International School Bangkok, in the Fairfax (VA) County Public Schools, and as a globally-recognized educational consultant—have equipped her with a far-reaching skillset that will dovetail with the purpose and goals of our next strategic plan. With Elizabeth’s appointment, our community can continue to build upon the progress we have made towards aligning the pillars of an Agnes Irwin experience for the girls of today and tomorrow.

Dr. Rossini holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, a Masters in Special Education Technology from George Mason University, and a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Wisconsin at La Crosse. 

During her visit to AIS, Dr. Rossini had the opportunity to meet with students, families, faculty, administrators, and trustees. Feedback shared with the Search Committee noted that the breadth and variety of Elizabeth’s academic experience would be a welcome addition to our community. Others remarked upon her lived experience in balancing challenging academics with the arts, athletics, social and emotional well-being and for her clarity in describing a “practical approach to weaving DEIB into the fabric of school, [working towards an environment] where anyone can thrive.” A current parent recognized her ability to balance STEAM, the humanities, and a sense of global citizenship—highlighting the importance of modern languages and immersing the girls into a foreign culture. 

Dr. Rossini has shared the following statement: I am drawn to AIS' storied history and inspirational mission of empowering girls to learn, to lead, and to live a legacy. The Center for the Advancement of Girls highlights the commitment to girls’ education and helps embed a culture of continued learning and growth across the school. 

From the moment I interacted with AIS colleagues and students I felt seen, cared for, welcomed and inspired. I want to join an organization that causes me to skip off to work each and every day, and I truly believe I have found that with AIS.

Dr. Rossini will be accompanied to Agnes Irwin with her spouse, Mike Rutherford, and their dogs Bella and Luna. Elizabeth and Mike are parents to William, who is finishing up his MBA and Kelly, who is an aspiring nurse and undergraduate student.

The Agnes Irwin School is also grateful for the efforts of the members of the Search Committee for the Assistant Head of School:

  • Sally Keidel, Chair
  • Patrick Beasom
  • Elena Bertrand 
  • Julie Diana
  • Elizabeth Elizardi
  • John Gomes
  • Allison Hough
  • Andrew Katz
  • Courtney Lubbe
  • Ali Monzo
  • Joy Prince
  • Caitlin Sweeney
  • Corey Willingham

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