First Distinguished Teaching Chair Established at ESD
June 23, 2023
Earlier this week, The Episcopal School of Dallas (ESD) announced the establishment of its first endowed Distinguished Teaching Chair, made possible by a generous gift from ESD parents Anne Clayton and Jacques Vroom.
“We very much believe in ESD and the vision for igniting lives of purpose and a love of learning,” said Jacques Vroom. “We have watched with amazement the warmth, patience, and enthusiasm ESD teachers use as they inspire our children. In a time with elevated competition to fill teaching positions, growing ESD’s teaching endowment is critical for ESD to retain and expand its roster of fabulous teachers. Our family made this gift to support ESD teachers and hope we will inspire others to do the same.”
The Vrooms were motivated to make this gift after attending a Leadership Briefing as David Baad, Hobson Family Head of School, laid out the priorities for the school. During the presentation, Baad communicated the importance of ESD’s commitment to excellence today and in the future and outlined the top priorities.
“The gift from the Vroom family puts us on a path to a goal of endowing 20 Distinguished Chairs,” said Baad. “We want to ensure ESD attracts, develops, and retains an exceptional teaching staff that leads us to cultivate a talented and diverse student body. We are thankful for the Vrooms’ leadership and commitment to ESD.”
A Distinguished Teaching Chair recognizes a teacher who has earned their place among the best in their field and assures that excellence in teaching at ESD is a value held in high regard. ESD currently has a full-time teaching staff of 140 who are dedicated to helping students find their passion and foster a life-long desire to learn.
“Our family has benefitted from many incredible teachers at ESD,” said Anne Clayton Vroom. “They have created an environment where kids are respected for their own individuality and shown the rewards that come from learning and intellectual curiosity. If we are going to continue to inspire the next generation, we must show our teachers that they are appreciated and cherished."
