Ms. Kinyette Henderson is the associate dean of student life, Walter Crain fellow, and an instructor in English. She joined the school in 2022, in the inaugural year of the Walter Crain Fellowship. Mr. Pierre Yoo, co-director of pluralism and community, who taught and coached Ms. Henderson when she was a student at St. George’s School, recommended that she apply for the position.
Ms. Henderson will leave this December to start her next chapter at KIPP Miami Technical High School. KIPP is a free, public charter school with the mission “to prepare students for college and a fulfilling life.” Ms. Henderson will be the founding school leader at KIPP Miami Tech. Her connection to KIPP runs deep, as she was a student at KIPP New Jersey and later on worked at KIPP schools in New Jersey and New Orleans. Mr. Yoo said, “She is a KIPP person. She worked at KIPP, she went to KIPP, and I can’t think of a better person for the job.”
Why did you go into education?
I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. Teachers made such a difference in my life growing up. A teacher was the first person who told me I was going to go to college. My teachers helped me find out about boarding school and supported me through college. I wanted to do the same for kids, so right after college I joined Teach for America and never looked back.
Why did you come to Hotchkiss?
I came to Hotchkiss after the pandemic. Mr. Yoo was my Chemistry teacher and track coach when I was a student at St. George’s in Newport. He sent me the posting about the Crain Fellowship, and it felt like a perfect time to get back to boarding schools.
What have been some of your favorite experiences here?
I have had so many great experiences at Hotchkiss! My favorite parts have been moments with kids. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all of my English classes and the students I have had in the dorm, as well as being a part of the Boys Varsity Basketball team. I loved being invited to be a part of the dance performance last year in Fowle Gym. There are so many to name—so many students have created some of the happiest memories for me.
Why did you decide to work with the new KIPP school?
KIPP has a mission I believe in deeply. They want to run the best schools to provide the best education for students in urban cities. Good teachers and good schools truly make a difference for different demographics of kids.
I was a founding student at KIPP in New Jersey. My middle school experience changed the trajectory of what I thought was possible for me. After college, I taught at KIPP in New Orleans and back at my old middle school in Newark, NJ.
Can you tell us about your new position at KIPP Miami?
I am going to be the Founding School Leader. It has always been a dream of mine to design and run my own school. The chance to build a vision and culture from the ground up is an educator’s dream. I am looking forward to building a team of adults who are passionate about teaching!
I hope that I can provide an excellent education to kids in Miami similar to what Hotchkiss has done for their students.
What do you see in your future as an educator?
I want to lead school leaders and impact public schools.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank you to Hotchkiss for making me a better educator and a better teacher.
