Dr. Armistead Webster has been named Head of School by The Swain School Board of Trustees, effective July 1.

Webster is the Lower School Head at Gilman School, Baltimore.

Webster succeeds Dr. Shannan Boyle Schuster as Swain Head of School.

“Swain is a joyful place of learning where teachers know and care about their students. I was struck by the energy, creativity and dedication of the faculty and the vibrant learning environment. I am excited to be coming to Swain as Head of School and look forward to becoming a part of this dynamic community,” said Webster upon acceptance of the position.

Webster began his career in education as a public school elementary teacher in New York and Colorado, before becoming an administrator.

After holding two principalships, he moved into independent education to become Lower School Principal at the Norwood School (PK - 8) in Maryland. Armistead was there for 11 years before being appointed Head of School at Renbrook School (PK3 - Grade 9) in Connecticut. He became Lower School Head (PK - 5) at Gilman School (PK - 12) in Baltimore in 2014.

As Head of School at Renbrook, Armistead’s accomplishments included marketing and admission initiatives to stabilize enrollment, creating a more diverse and inclusive community, and supporting teacher professional development.

At Gilman, Armistead integrated Responsive Classroom, led conversations around equity and inclusion, and supported hands-on learning and outdoor education.

Armistead received a BA in Religion from Princeton University, an MA in Deafness Education from New York University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration, Supervision and Curriculum from the University of Colorado.

Armistead has served on numerous boards, including the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools, the Westminster School, Connecticut, and Princeton University. He was an instructor with the Black Student Fund, Washington, D.C., for seven years and on the Leadership Team at the New Principals Academy in Denver for three years.

Said Lori Schoeneman, Swain School Trustee Board Chair, “We are delighted with the outcome of our search and look forward to welcoming Dr. Webster to the Swain School community.

“We are confident he will embrace our community’s joy for learning, parent partnerships and collaboration. Armistead is committed to build upon the approach of research-based practices and what is best for children. He is a kind, thoughtful communicator who will continue to lead Swain into the future while honoring the amazing elements that we all love.”

Webster’s appointment is the result of an extensive process that began in early November 2019. The Search Committee, led by Chair Greg Scagliotti, launched an international search in partnership with Educators’ Collaborative consultants Jean Lamont and Sally Mixsell.

From an initial pool of 60, the Search Committee invited seven candidates to off-site interviews in January. Following the interviews, three semi-finalist candidates were invited to campus in February to meet students, faculty, staff, parents, administrators and trustees.

After careful consideration from all constituents, the Search Committee selected Webster as its nominee to the Board of Trustees for the next Head of School. The Trustees unanimously approved the recommendation in March.