staff from Bullis High School

New principal to step in over the summer

Future adminstrator enthusiastic to join staff from Bullis High School

Kaylah Goldrich Reporter

For incoming High School Principal and Associate Head of School Dr. Lisa Vardi, working in education was not something that she always dreamed of. In fact, she “kind of stumbled into it” when living in Israel with her Israeli husband. Vardi was looking for a job when she came across an advertisement in the newspaper; the Ministry of Education was looking for native English speakers to teach in schools. The rest is history.

Vardi has been working in education for 24 years, initially a teacher in Haifa at Leo Beck Junior High School. When she moved back to the United States she worked at Sherwood High School in Sandy Spring, Maryland for eight years as a teacher and Global Studies Coordinator. She taught AP NSL government and AP Comparative Government and Politics.

For the last 13 years, Vardi worked at Bullis School as the director of Teaching and Learning. She also received a master’s degree in secondary education and received a doctoral degree in educational leadership and policy from Vanderbilt University in May of 2020.

“I loved being with kids,” Vardi said. “I loved thinking about how to be creative in the classroom, how to empower students and also how to be part of really young vibrant individuals that will go on and make change in the world.”

Additionally, Vardi prides herself on being very student-centered and is always thinking about what is in the best interest of the students. At her past three schools, Vardi worked hard to prioritize the needs of the students and hopes to bring this value to the CESJDS community.

Her two children also attended the Lower School several years ago, “I loved thinking about how to be creative in the classroom, how to empower students and also how to be part of really young vibrant individuals that will go on and make change in the world.”

-Dr. Lisa Vardi

so working here feels like “coming home” for her.

“I know the JDS community, and I just know the great reputation of the high school. So I am super excited to be able to join it,” Vardi said.

Working in education during a pandemic gave Vardi the opportunity to think about infusing more technology in education in order to enhance what goes on in the classroom.

“I think there’s an opportunity to change the way we assess students,” Vardi said. “Like this paper and pen kind of test, can’t really do that this year… so might there be a better way that students can demonstrate their learning?”

She believes the most important aspect of a school is building a relationship with the students and teachers. It can be difficult to achieve that while online, so her initial goal as new high school principal is to ensure that students and teachers are moving forward as a community.

Get to Know Dr. Lisa Vardi

Israel

Vardi with her two sons at the beach in Tel Aviv. Although her husband is Israeli, she no longer lives there and went back for a summer vacation.

Education

After completing a three year long course at the Peadbody College of Education at Vanderbilt University, Vardi was filled with “pride and joy.”

Hobbies

Vardi is in the process of reading this stack of books. Her love for books plays a big part in her being an “avid learner.”