Schechter welcomes Dr. Mindy Pincus as Lower School Principal

Dr. Mindy Pincus is falling in love—with a school and the children in it. The highly regarded educational leader, who holds a doctorate with honors in counseling psychology and previously served as head of a school in Miami, became the Lower School Principal this fall at Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Boston. "This is a school where there is such an emphasis on teaching and learning—where it’s valued," says Dr. Pincus.“And there are great teachers, who are dedicated and so hard working."

At Schechter, a Jewish day school in Newton with 466 students in grades K-8 and a comprehensive curriculum in both secular and Judaic studies, Dr. Pincus has set several priorities. At the top of her list are ongoing professional development for the faculty and continuing curricular development to ensure that each student receives an outstanding education that is engaging, challenging and supportive. She is committed to doing this within the underlying framework of derekh eretz, the Hebrew phrase for “way to act,” which is characterized by courteous, respectful behavior that enables all members of the school community to function together in an environment of mutual respect, trust and appreciation.

Dr. Pincus is a strong advocate for creating a culture of reading, both at home and at school. "Everywhere I go, I tell parents that children have to read," she says. "Reading plays an integral role in our growth, both as individuals and as students. Nothing should match the enjoyment of reading a great book."

"The literacy program in our Lower School is excellent," she continues. "Through a multifaceted approach, teachers create a literacy-rich environment where time spent reading independently or being read to as a group is highly valued." She urges parents to be a role model for literacy by reading their own books, newspapers or magazines while their child reads or looks at books next to them.

The selection of Dr. Pincus as Lower School Principal followed an extensive nationwide search by the school’s Board of Trustees and administration. "Dr. Pincus is a clear, consistent communicator who always keeps the highest standards for herself and others around her," says Arnold Zar-Kessler, Head of School .“She is an outstanding leader who understands the opportunities and challenges of a Lower School."

Before coming to Schechter, Dr. Pincus was the Head of School for the past seven years of Temple Beth Am Day School in Miami, FL. She holds a Ph.D. degree with honors in counseling psychology from the University of Miami School of Education, an Ed.M. degree in school counseling from Boston University’s School of Education, and a B.A. degree in English literature from Swarthmore College. During her 25-year career in education, she has served as Director of Counseling at Ransom Everglades School, Coconut Grove, FL; Assistant Head of School and Director of Student Services and Academic Affairs at Roland Park Country School, Baltimore, MD; and teacher and JV girls’ tennis coach at the Hackley School, Tarrytown, NY.