Tracy Foster, whose 17 years as an educator include experience in classroom instruction, teacher mentorship, and school administration, has been named the new executive director of the Henderson-Hopkins School in East Baltimore. She assumed her new role this week.
As principal of Randle Highlands Elementary School in the District of Columbia Public Schools system—a position she has held since 2011—Foster designed and implemented a blended learning program for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. She increased her students' proficiency in Language Arts by 20 percent and Mathematics by 25 percent while decreasing truancy.
She is a proponent of personalized learning, a key component of the academic experience at Henderson-Hopkins School.
"Johns Hopkins is wholeheartedly committed to Henderson-Hopkins, and Tracy Foster is a visionary leader who shares our unshakable belief in our students," JHU President Ronald J. Daniels said. "She joins us at a time when this school is becoming more firmly rooted in the revitalization of our community."
Foster holds a master's degree in administration from Trinity Washington University and an executive master's degree in leadership from Georgetown University.
"Tracy brings to this position a strong dedication to data-driven, results-oriented curricula that engage all students," Mariale M. Hardiman, interim dean of JHU's School of Education, wrote in a message announcing Foster's appointment. "She also brings an ability to connect with children and families, and an unwavering commitment to and belief in our students.
"It's a role that requires a depth of instructional experience, a strong background in managing and developing teams, and a clear understanding of climate and community engagement," Hardiman added.
The Henderson-Hopkins School—formally Elmer A. Henderson: A Johns Hopkins Partnership School—is a contract school of the Baltimore City Public School System that opened in 2014.
The school—operated by the Johns Hopkins University School of Education in partnership with Morgan State University's School of Education and Urban Studies—is the first new school to have been built in East Baltimore in more than 20 years and marks Johns Hopkins University's first foray into university-assisted community school partnerships.
Henderson-Hopkins aims to take a holistic approach to developing each student and to foster a diverse community of students, families, and teachers. The curriculum emphasizes the crucial role of family and community involvement in education.
As executive director, Foster will oversee the Henderson-Hopkins campus, a 130,000 square-foot facility that includes the K-8 school and the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Early Childhood Center. She will work closely Henderson-Hopkins School leadership and with Sherron L. Murphy, a veteran early childhood care leader who was appointed to lead the Weinberg ECC in May of this year.
"Providing a quality education to young people is our moral obligation," Foster said. "I am excited about joining Johns Hopkins University, and the Henderson-Hopkins School and the Weinberg Early Childhood Center school communities, to work toward doing just that for our students and community."
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