Hampshire Country School

Leadership

In August 2009, Bernd Foecking became the school's fifth headmaster, following founders Henry and Adelaide Patey (1948-1981), Peter Ray (1981-1996), and William Dickerman (1996-2009). With the appointment of Mr. Foecking, the school continues its tradition of selecting headmasters with years of experience at the school and a full understanding of the school's mission and students. Mr. Dickerman continues at the school as admissions director and a faculty member.

Mr. Foecking earned his B.A. Degree in 1999 in English, History, and Education from Ruhr Universität Bochum and his M.Ed. in 2009 in Experiential Education from Plymouth State University. He was an elementary school teacher, German teacher, dorm parent, and academic coordinator during his initial five years at HCS and spent two years as associate director of Camp Echo in Bloomingburg, NY before returning to Hampshire Country School.

Faculty Training

Hampshire Country School faculty meet regularly to improve their understanding of educational issues, child and adolescent development, learning issues, safety, professional issues, and optimal approaches for individual students. Orientation and training sessions take place for all faculty for several days before the start of school in September and for two or three days while students are on vacation in the winter and spring. In addition the entire faculty meets weekly when school is in session. Through these meetings and the regular interaction that comes from living and working together in an unusually small school, all faculty have a thorough familiarity with all students as well as a full understanding of Hampshire Country School 's approach to its students.

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