"Taft has an extraordinary faculty, marked by singular compassion, care, and commitment—the best in the business," notes head of School Willy MacMullen '78.

Honoring the work of our extraordinary faculty is critical to who we are as a school, and as a community. Taft actively supports its faculty by rewarding excellence in teaching and promoting professional growth through endowed funds, made possible by generous benefactors. MacMullen recently announced the new chair appointments and sabbaticals, made possible by those funds.

"Join me," MacMullen said, "in celebrating our amazing colleagues with a loud round of applause."

Faculty Chairs

(in alpha order by last name of appointee)

Erin Duffy

The Parish Family Chair, established in 1980 by the family of Richard Parish '41, is awarded to an outstanding member of the Taft School faculty who, through years of service, has demonstrated a deep and abiding commitment to the residential life at Taft.

Shanique Garcia

The Littlejohn Family Chair, established in 2005 by Angus and Leslie Littlejohn, is awarded to a faculty member whose commitment to the whole student exemplifies the underlying philosophy of the Taft education, and who demonstrates a passion for his or her academic discipline, a profound caring for the emotional and intellectual life of students, and has made a significant and positive difference in the lives of Taft students.

Stephen McCabe

The Independence Foundation Chair I, established by the Independence Foundation in 1962 and in 1981, recognizes the service of two faculty members whose duties are primarily teaching and not administrative.

Susan McCabe

The Independence Foundation Chair II, established by the Independence Foundation in 1962 and in 1981, recognizes the service of two faculty members whose duties are primarily teaching and not administrative.

Brian Norledge

The Mary and Robert Stott Chair, established by Donald B. Stott '56 and Robert L. Stott, Jr. '48 in memory of their parents, is awarded to a member of the faculty chosen for excellence in teaching, care for individual students, and general devotion to the ideal of the "school person.

Yee-Fun Yin

The van Beuren Family Chair, established in 1995 by John and Hope van Beuren and their son, Archbold D. van Beuren, of the Class of 1975. This chair is awarded to a faculty member in the Arts Department to support excellence in teaching in the fields of visual arts, design arts, history of art, architecture, music, dance, or theater.

Faculty Leave Program

The Faculty Leave Program makes it possible for two faculty members each year to take the entire year away from school for study, research, or writing.

Congratulations to Greg Hawes and Rachael Ryan, who were awarded sabbaticals for the academic year 2023-2024. Congratulations are also in order for Eileen Bouffard, who was awarded a second-semester sabbatical for the academic year 2023-2024.