Longtime Darlington faculty member Rebekah Kinney has been named assistant director of Pre-K to 8, effective July 1. She replaces Angela Pieroni, who is retiring at the end of the current school year.
“Rebekah excels in building supportive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues alike, and her ability to cultivate a student-centered learning environment while addressing the diverse needs of students and faculty make her the right fit for this role,” said Head of School Brent Bell and Director of Pre-K to 8 Hope Jones in their announcement to faculty and staff today.
A seasoned educator, Kinney has nearly 30 years of comprehensive experience in classroom instruction and administrative leadership, and has been at Darlington since 2002. Most recently, she has served as the school’s professional development coordinator and director of the Senior Ventures Program.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to embark on a new journey as the assistant director of the Pre-K to 8 division,” said Kinney. “This role allows me to collaborate with and support our esteemed faculty, dedicated students, and supportive parents. My journey at Darlington began as a kindergarten teacher, and I am especially thrilled to re-engage with this division and make a meaningful impact on its growth. The trust and confidence the administration and faculty have placed in me are deeply appreciated, and I eagerly anticipate serving Darlington in this role.“
Kinney’s previous roles at Darlington have included technology integration coordinator, fourth-grade and kindergarten teacher, and residential life duty staff member. Prior to Darlington, she spent 10 years in the classroom teaching preschool, first grade, and fourth/fifth grade.
“Throughout my career, I have developed a profound understanding of the intricacies
within educational environments, emphasizing collaboration and faculty support as fundamental
components of successful school administration,” she said. “In my role as professional development coordinator, I have actively advocated for faculty development through creating and implementing academic programs that align with the school's mission and goals. I have also been able to assist faculty members with curriculum development and implementation while guiding them through meaningful reflection and goal-setting procedures.”
Kinney holds a B.S. and an M.Ed. from Berry College. During her tenure at Darlington, she has received the Beachum Master Teaching Award, Brown Faculty Award, Lower School Teaching Excellence Award, and was an inaugural recipient of the Carla and Leonard Wood Faculty Professional Development Endowment Award.
She and her husband, Owen, head of the Upper School science department, are the parents of Ian ('17), Elliot ('19) and Noah ('23).
