TA Welcomes Carrie Brennan, Head of School
July 11, 2019
Carrie Brennan arrived on campus last week for her first days as Thetford Academy’s new head of school. The TA community has been looking forward to her arrival.
Formerly the executive director at CITY Center for Collaborative Learning in Tucson, AZ, Carrie brings many years of experience in educational and community leadership to her new position. Carrie is nationally recognized for her contributions as an innovator in education, most recently earning Tucson’s “2019 Woman of Influence in Education” award.
“Carrie’s record of accomplishment and commitment to academic excellence, inclusivity, community engagement, and collaboration builds perfectly upon the distinctive and historic values of TA,” shared Ann Bumpus, TA parent and President of the Board of Trustees.
“Carrie brings a really strong skill set to the head’s role and I’m excited to see where she’ll lead the Academy in the years ahead,” shared long-time English teacher, cross-country coach, and TA parent Joe Deffner.
With a new, five-year strategic plan in place, and with the school on the cusp of its third century, Carrie Brennan is focused on TA’s future: “I am awed by the rich history of Thetford Academy—and inspired by what a vibrant and dynamic 21st-century school TA is today!” Knowing that she would be leading a team of such dedicated and skilled faculty and staff, sold Carrie on the leadership position. “With this team we can accomplish anything for students.”
A 1988 graduate of Dartmouth College, Carrie has long-standing ties to the Upper Valley. She did her student teaching Hanover High School, joining the school’s faculty from 1988 to 1990. Her husband and fellow educator, Michael Mann was a student teacher at Thetford Academy in 1989. “My husband and I are thrilled to be returning to the Upper Valley, where we launched our education careers three decades ago,” she says.
Carrie, her husband, and two sons and their black lab Lila will live in TA’s historic Slafter Hall. Be sure to wave and welcome Carrie and her family when you see them!