After a nationwide search, Head of School Peter Becker ’95 has appointed Sara Metzger Deveaux as Taft’s new Assistant Head of School for Faculty and Academics.

“With her deep experience in boarding school leadership at Westminster and her work advancing excellence in teaching through Loomis’s Kravis Center, Sara is exceptionally well prepared to lead and support Taft’s faculty and academic programs,” said Head of School Peter Becker ’95.

“Sara is an outstanding leader and collaborator, bringing a visionary approach to fostering teamwork and aligning efforts among faculty toward shared goals for students,” Becker continued. “Her deep commitment to the 24/7 learning opportunities boarding schools make possible for adolescents will enhance Taft’s capacity to execute strategic initiatives while championing inclusive and reflective practices. Her dedication to the continuous improvement of teaching and learning will make her an invaluable partner to and leader of our faculty and the broader school community.”

The search was conducted by the executive search firm Isaacson, Miller, with guidance from an advisory committee that helped shape the position description, review candidate materials, and interview semi-finalists and finalists. The committee included faculty members Thomas Allen P’27, Sierra Berkel, Dana Bertuglia P’27, Jillian Danaher, Andy Dunn, Brianne Foley, Jake Odden ’86, P’19, ’23, Sarah Suber, and Peter Becker.

A distinguished educator and leader in faculty development, pedagogy, and world language instruction, Sara Deveaux currently serves as the Director of the Henry R. Kravis ’63 Center for Excellence in Teaching at the Loomis Chaffee School. In this role, she has led initiatives that promote professional growth, instructional innovation, and inclusive teaching practices. With extensive experience mentoring faculty, designing professional development programs, and coaching teachers in equitable teaching, grading, and feedback processes, she has played a pivotal role in shaping faculty culture and enhancing student learning. She also advises and teaches French, fostering engagement through proficiency-based instruction and research-informed pedagogy.

Her career spans more than three decades in independent schools, including leadership roles at Westminster School and consulting work for institutions such as Harvard-Westlake and The Browning School. A respected voice in education, she has co-authored a French language textbook, contributed to national conferences, served as a co-lead language teacher at The Klingenstein Summer Institute, and published articles on teacher evaluation and pedagogical best practices. Recognized as a Connecticut Language Teacher of the Year finalist, she brings a deep commitment to innovative teaching, faculty mentorship, and curricular excellence.

At Taft, Deveaux will provide strategic leadership in academic excellence, faculty development, and institutional growth. Her key responsibilities will include:

• Serving as a trusted partner and advisor for the Head of School, senior leadership, and trustees.
• Leading a transformative, mission-aligned approach to faculty recruitment and retention.
• Advancing Taft’s commitment to teaching excellence and professional development.
• Ensuring the holistic excellence of Taft’s academic program by advancing a 24/7 ecosystem for whole student learning and growth.
• Creating a comprehensive framework for Taft’s unique, post-Advanced-Placement curriculum.
• Continuing to establish a sense of belonging and serve as a key champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Supporting, developing, and empowering a high-performing team of senior academic leaders.

She will oversee approximately six direct reports, including the Academic Dean, the Deans of Faculty, the Director of Teaching and Learning, the Director of the Moorhead Academic Center, and the Director of the Library.

“With her passion for faculty development and student-centered learning, Sara will make a profound impact on Taft’s academic learning community. The second quarter of the twenty-first century will require that we regularly evaluate our curriculum and teaching practices to ensure the level of excellence that Taft has long stood for,” said Becker. “We look forward to welcoming Sara to campus and supporting her leadership in the years ahead.”