The Taft School is pleased to announce the appointment of Eileen Bouffard, Ed.D., as Assistant Head of School for Faculty and Academics, effective July 1.

A respected educator, leader, and mentor, Dr. Bouffard brings more than a decade of distinguished service to Taft and a deep commitment to teaching, learning, and faculty development. Since joining the faculty in 2013, she has held a number of key leadership roles, including Director of Teaching Fellowships, Chair of the English Department, Director of Teaching and Learning, and co-chair of Taft’s Strategic Design Implementation Team.

“Eileen is ideal for this role. She is deeply committed to Taft’s students and faculty, has the wisdom and courage to ask the hard, essential questions, has the capacity to both explore the underlying philosophical issues at stake and be practical–translate theory into practice and get things done on behalf of the community,” said Head of School Peter Becker ’95. “Her thoughtful leadership, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to educational excellence have earned the trust and admiration of colleagues and students alike.”

Dr. Bouffard began her career in education as a Teach For America corps member in the Mississippi Delta, an experience that sparked a lifelong dedication to schools, teacher mentorship, leadership development, and service. Prior to joining Taft, she taught in Connecticut public schools and served in leadership positions with Teach For America, supporting educators across a wide range of school settings. She has also taught literature and writing at the university level as an adjunct faculty member.

At Taft, Dr. Bouffard has played a central role in advancing teaching and learning initiatives across the school. As Director of Teaching and Learning, she has led faculty onboarding programs, designed and facilitated professional development opportunities, and guided ongoing efforts to strengthen instructional practice. As Chair of the English Department, she oversaw a comprehensive curriculum revision while supporting faculty growth and development within the department.

Beyond campus, Dr. Bouffard is a respected voice in the broader educational community. She has presented nationally on topics including adolescent digital media use, artificial intelligence in education, and innovative approaches to humanities instruction. In 2024, she earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Connecticut’s Neag School of Education, where her research focused on teacher learning and student feedback. She has also been selected as a Leadership + Design Fellow for the upcoming academic year.

In her new role, Dr. Bouffard will provide leadership for Taft’s academic program and faculty, helping advance the school’s mission and strategic priorities while supporting the continued growth and development of its educators.

Building on the work of Taft’s Strategic Design Plan, Dr. Bouffard will help bring to life the aspirations articulated in Taft’s Portrait of a Learner and Portrait of an Educator, ensuring that the school’s academic program continues to prepare students for lives of purpose, leadership, and service while supporting excellence in teaching.

Working closely with Assistant Head of School for Student Life Ozzie Parente and colleagues across all areas of school, Dr. Bouffard will play a central role in translating Taft’s strategic vision into evolving programs and experiences for students. 

“With her experience both at Taft and outside of our school, her clear vision, and her deep understanding of Taft’s culture and values, Eileen is exceptionally well positioned to help lead the school’s faculty and its academic program into our next chapter,” Becker said.