Our Interim Head of School
Sue Roberts is a highly respected academic leader currently serving as the Associate Head of School for Academics and Dean of Faculty at Canterbury School. Since stepping into this role in July 2017, Sue has effectively managed a spectrum of educational and administrative responsibilities, including overseeing hiring processes, serving on the salary review team, and leading faculty development and mentoring programs. Her tenure has been marked by significant initiatives, such as the development and implementation of the Remote Academic Schedule and the Distance Learning Plan in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She also launched innovative programs like the Syracuse University Project Advance dual-enrollment program and the Summer Online Geometry offering. Furthermore, her leadership was instrumental in managing projects under the Hearst Foundations Educational Grant and participating in the COVID-19 Medical Task Force.
Sue’s career at Canterbury began in 1999 when she was hired as a Math Teacher and Coach. In this capacity, she taught a diverse curriculum, including Algebra, AP Economics, and more, while also coaching varsity field hockey, ice hockey, and lacrosse teams. Her roles extended beyond coaching as she also took on responsibilities as a dorm head, enhancing her impact on student life and mentorship. Her exemplary performance led to her promotion in 2006 to Math Department Chair, where she significantly shaped curriculum development and faculty recruitment strategies.
In 2012, Sue was appointed Director of Studies, a role in which she managed the academic progress of the entire student body, including monitoring grades and NCAA eligibility. She chaired the Academic Committee and initiated curriculum mapping efforts that were pivotal in strategically enhancing our academic program. Recognizing her comprehensive approach to education and administration, Sue was promoted in 2016 to Dean of Academics. In this expanded role, she oversaw major technological and administrative updates, including the integration of the Veracross Learning Management System and full GSuite integration. This period also saw the inauguration of the Donovan Center for Learning and a thorough overhaul of the academic day schedule, further showcasing her ability to lead significant improvements in the school’s educational infrastructure and programming.
Sue holds a Master of Science in Mathematics from Fairfield University, with a focus on educational psychology, number theory, and advanced algebra. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, with a minor in Psychology, from Middlebury College, where she was a four-year member of the Women's Varsity Ice Hockey team. Sue helped lead the team to four consecutive E.C.A.C Alliance Championships and served as captain in her senior year.
A boarding school graduate from Tabor Academy in Marion, MA, Sue demonstrated her leadership and athletic skills throughout her four years there, earning numerous accolades in academics, athletics, and leadership. She helped lead her ice hockey team to a New England Prep School Division 1 championship and participated in an international tournament in Russia. Additionally, Sue played field hockey and served as a dormitory proctor, highlighting her early inclination towards leadership and team-building roles. Her achievements and contributions to school sports led to her eventual induction into Tabor’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016.
Throughout her career, Sue has actively engaged in professional development through various conferences and workshops. Notably, she served as a panelist for a Veracross Learning Management System Webinar in May 2020, discussing virtual graduation plans and creative grading during the pandemic, and was invited to share her expertise on navigating Head of School transitions at The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) Conference in December 2018. Her commitment to curriculum leadership is evident from her participation in specialized symposiums like the Curriculum Leadership Institute at Rubicon International and the Online Education Symposium for Independent Schools, emphasizing the impact of innovative educational practices.
Sue has been recognized for her leadership and contributions to the field of education with several awards, both on and off campus. She was honored with Canterbury’s Woman of the Year Award by the Women of Canterbury student group in May 2014, acknowledging her role in fostering leadership among young women. In 2004, she received the Vincent J. Reilly Coach of the Year Sportsmanship Award from the Connecticut chapter of the National Ice Hockey Officials Association, and in 2000, she was awarded the James Spencer Award by the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) for her engaging and passionate teaching style.
Finally, Sue resides on campus with her husband, Chris, current Chair of the Math Department and head coach of the Boys' Varsity Lacrosse team, and their two sons, both Canterbury students.
These experiences collectively highlight Sue Roberts' deep commitment to advancing educational leadership and her proactive approach to embracing and implementing innovative educational strategies. Her continuous effort to stay at the forefront of educational trends and challenges exemplifies her dedication to enhancing both her personal growth and the institutions she serves.
