SL_Germantown Academy Profile_0524FINAL.qxp_Layout 1 6 / 4 / 24 4 : 17 PM Page 1 by Matt Cosentino | ? ? ? ? ? by Nina Lea Photography Blazing a Path As Head of Lower School at Germantown Academy , Sue Szczepkowski treasures the opportunity to make an impact on students and teachers alike . the students in a classroom have unique tal - She savors the opportunity to work closely any people become inspired to pursue ents , and it’s the job of the teacher to put with teachers , listen to their ideas , and give a career in education based on their them in position to get the most out of their them the tools needed to put those ideas M own positive experiences in school , or gifts . into everyday practice . perhaps because they witnessed the personal “ Being flexible and creating an environ - Szczepkowski is proud of how GA pre - fulfillment that a friend or relative received ment where everybody belongs and can pares children academically for middle school , from being a teacher or administrator . Both grow at different rates is how I always ap - high school , and beyond , while equipping scenarios apply to Sue Szczepkowski , Head proached my teaching , ” she says . “ I see them with essential life skills . of Lower School at Germantown Academy myself as selecting good talent — people who Szczepkowski is no longer involved with ( GA ) , though she discovered her calling will meet children where they are , appreciate her first passion : field hockey . After previously when she least expected it . them , and love them , even if they’re tricky working with Penn’s team and with the An aspiring lawyer during her under - and have bumps along the way . Having United States Field Hockey Association’s graduate years at the University of Pennsyl - those people on the team helps everybody Olympic youth development program , she vania , Szczepkowski was also a standout grow and feel joy . ” now gets her coaching fix nowadays through player on the Quakers ’ field hockey team Szczepkowski previously spent four years Girls on the Run Philadelphia . Her work with and had such a passion for the sport that as Lower School Head for Chestnut Hill the nonprofit enables her to help young girls she started coaching children while still in Academy . She “ pressed pause ” on her career develop physical and emotional confidence college . The role ultimately changed her to start a family and raise her three boys and bring out their competitive spirit . path . before returning to education in 2012 , when She also serves on the advisory board “ One day I was on Penn’s campus and I she accepted her current position at GA . for EQuipt People , a company started by her saw a group of elementary - aged kids going “ I was really drawn to the school’s mis - former field hockey teammate , Christine into the communication school for a theatrical sion , ” she says . “ There are five points to the Miles . EQuipt People strives to help organi - performance , ” she recalls . “ They were about mission : It inspires students to be independent zations and their leaders create cultures of 7 years old , and I loved watching them in thought , confident in expression , collabo - understanding through listening . Szczep - interact and I loved their energy . I just found rative in action , compassionate in spirit , and kowski has already seen that concept resonate myself leaning toward working with younger honorable in deed . … I just felt like I could in her work at GA . children . So I decided as a senior in college really serve well here , and that my approach “ Christine has worked closely with me to go into elementary education . ” of building a strong culture for learning and and our teachers on emotional intelligence Szczepkowski went on to earn a master’s teaching , and then hiring great people and and team building , and I think that shows degree in elementary education from Penn allowing them to do their work collectively up with our kids and our teachers , ” she and later added a second master’s degree in and not micromanaging , would embrace says . “ We’re going to be doing deeper work educational leadership and her Pennsylvania my strengths as a leader . ” on specific game - based listening for students principal certification from Gwynedd Mercy Overseeing students from prekindergarten that is going to be revolutionary , so I’m very University . Her decades - long career has in - ? through fifth grade , Szczepkowski has stayed excited about that in the next year or two . ” cluded various teaching and administrative true to the principles that have made GA a roles in both public and independent schools , premier independent school for more than and through it all she has leaned on the Germantown Academy 260 years . At the same time , she has helped lessons she first learned as a hockey player 340 Morris Road | Fort Washington , PA 19034 further the development of play - based edu - and coach . ( 215 ) 646 - 3300 | GermantownAcademy.net cation , physical activity , and outdoor learning . Just like student - athletes , she explains , SUBURBANLIFEMAGAZINE.COM VOLUME 15 ISSUE 9 | 13