Over the last dozen years, Ms. Samantha Stern-Leaphart has worn several hats at Pennington and, in doing so, has played an important role in making the School a stronger institution.

Since joining us in the fall of 2011 as a member of the English Department, Ms. Stern-Leaphart has taught many interesting courses. These include her current Grade 10 Honors English course, American Identities, as well as Gender & Sexuality, Hyphen-American Literature, Film & Visual Media, Finding Identity, and Creative Writing.

As the names of some of these courses suggest, it is no surprise that Ms. Stern-Leaphart, often called “Ms. S.,” was named the School’s first Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion several years ago. In this role, Ms. Stern-Leaphart espoused a commitment to creating a community in which every person, from a student in the sixth grade all the way to the members of our Board of Trustees, is seen and feels included.

Although Pennington is, in comparison to many others, a small school, Ms. Stern-Leaphart remarks on how wonderfully diverse our community is. “Not only do we boast some forty nationalities, but also our School community includes a wide range of religious, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Throw in all of our various learning styles, and we’re talking about a number of perspectives all co-existing in our educational space.”

Ms. Stern-Leaphart points to one of her English classes as an example of a microcosm found at Pennington. “Of eleven students in this particular class, we have seven who speak other native languages, we have students of color, and we have non-binary students. Working together is not always easy, but it is beautiful.” 

Ms. Stern-Leaphart now serves as our Upper School Dean of Students. It is in this (at times) difficult but crucial role that Ms. Stern-Leaphart also helps our students to grow. “High school is a place where some students make mistakes, and we’re here to see them through the rough patches and come out better on the other end. I really feel that it’s an act of love to help students move on from Pennington after having learned valuable lessons from their mistakes.” 

Like many educators, Ms. Stern-Leaphart hasn’t stopped learning herself. In July, she is set to receive her second master’s degree, this one a Master of Education in School Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. Among her other coursework, Ms. Stern-Leaphart will deliver a dissertation of approximately ninety pages. Her topic: “How Students of Color Experience Inclusive Curriculum and How this Affects Student Belonging.” 

Like many of our faculty members, teaching and living at The Pennington School is a family affair for Ms. Stern-Leaphart. Husband Jordan Aubry is the chair of the English Department, and their children Ellis (Grade 6) and Miles (future Pennington student) often invite other teachers to join them at meals in the dining hall on the weekends!