Instructor in English Christina Breen Appointed Next Head of School for Laurel School

By ANGELA HE, FIONA LIU, LOGAN LIU, and LILY RAMPE

After 17 years of shaping young minds in the Academy’s English classrooms, serving as a trusted advisor, dorm head, associate dean, and varsity lacrosse coach, Christina Breen is beginning an exciting new chapter. Next fall, she will leave Exeter and become the next Head of School at The Laurel School in Ohio. With a deep appreciation for her time at Exeter, Ms. Breen reflects on her journey and looks forward to the opportunities ahead.

After founding Heronfield Academy, a middle school in the area, Breen was excited to get back into the classroom. “When a position opened, I jumped at the opportunity to join this wonderful school,” said Breen, reflecting on her decision to come to Exeter. Teaching was something she missed, and Exeter’s reputation made it an obvious choice. “I wanted to return to the English classroom, and once Heronfield was up and running, Exeter was the perfect fit,” she said.

Looking back on her time at Exeter, Breen said, “I have loved every day I have been able to spend in the classroom, working with students to make meaning of the texts we read. Being part of Williams House for a decade, as well as Front Street Dorm, has been meaningful for me too. My experiences as a varsity lacrosse coach have been a source of joy for me out at Phelps Stadium. Lastly, I have loved the close relationships I have developed with students in advisory and with my colleagues throughout campus.” 

As an English teacher, Breen is enthusiastic and passionate. Lower Ari Benenson said, “Ms. Breen is always excited to be in the classroom. She really loves teaching and has a great energy.” 

Benenson also reflected on her leadership in the classroom. “She does a great job moderating our Harkness discussions and helping us to understand text. She guides us through the text and encourages us to ask questions.”

In the fall, Breen coaches the girls JV-2 volleyball team. Lower Sophia Xue, a player on that team during her prep year, reflected on Breen as a coach. Xue said, “I think she was very supportive last year. This year when I was trying out for JV and probably wasn’t going to be on her team anymore, she still supported me. Now, when I see her around campus, she still says hi to me. I think she is a really sweet person and I hope she has a great time in her new school.” 

Xue continued, “I think she was really fun to have as a coach. I remember we did themed practices and she always showed up to practice with [her dog] Misty in really goofy outfits. It just made practice more fun.” 

Breen reflected on how Exeter has changed her life. “It has opened my mind to the value of Harkness learning and it has been an institution that has supported my professional growth, given that I earned two additional masters degrees with the help of the Academy,” she said. 

Breen looks forward to her new role. Breen explained what her new leadership will entail, “I will be the Head of School, responsible for all elements of the pre-K-12 program, including pedagogy, fundraising, supporting the physical plant, and guiding faculty and staff.” 

Breen shared her excitement and the importance of this new job to her. “Laurel is a national leader in girls’ schools, and I am so excited to join their community where I will be leading students aged 18 months to 18 years,” said Breen. “The Laurel Center for Research on Girls is at the forefront of research related to how girls learn best, and their strategic research partnerships nationally help to inform the curriculum and best practices at Laurel. Laurel also has a 150-acre outdoor campus where experiential and environmental learning is the focus, and this feels special to me.” 

“Exeter has taught me the value of raising up student voices and this will be a primary tenet of my leadership approach,” Breen continued. “I am thankful for the 17 years I spent teaching at Exeter, the opportunity my children had to be supported in their education by Exeter, and for the many wonderful friends, colleagues, and students I have been able to work with. I am also very excited for this next chapter in my career.”