Get to Know New Head of School Dr. Terwin

LJCDS warmly welcomes our new Head of School Jeff Terwin, Ph.D. As a seasoned educator with over 20 years of experience in independent schools, our newest Torrey spent the last 12 years in leadership at the Wellington School in Columbus, Ohio. Born in Michigan, Dr. Terwin earned his bachelor’s degree at Michigan State University and his doctorate in marine biology at the University of Maryland, where he studied the blue crab population in the Chesapeake Bay. He met his wife Mia (originally from California) while both were teaching in Chicago, and they have three grown children, Hannah, Cooper, and Finn.

Dr. Terwin immersed himself in our community even before officially becoming a Torrey this summer. He celebrated a win with the women’s basketball team during the winter and visited campus to connect with students across all divisions and departments. At the first-ever back-to-school assembly, with students from Tiny Torreys to the Upper School packed in the gym, Dr. Terwin shared his goals of strengthening the LJCDS community, creating more opportunities for the divisions to interact, and his concept of joyful exploration. He reminded students that their voices matter and they belong at LJCDS.

Joyful exploration is a term Dr. Terwin explains as “all about embracing the process of discovery and celebrating the moments that make the journey worthwhile. It’s not just about reaching a goal but finding joy in the surprises, challenges, and new questions that arise along the way. When we focus on the journey rather than just the outcomes, we teach our children to appreciate the process, even when it’s tough. Every step, whether easy or difficult, holds opportunities for moments of joy and wonder.”

One of the things that drew Dr. Terwin to LJCDS was that our mission and program align well with his educational experience and pedagogical beliefs, including an innovative curriculum where students are at the center of the learning. Honoring students’ passions and interests is part of Dr. Terwin’s core educational philosophy. He shares, “Everything I learned and experienced at the school during the search process was optimistic and inspiring. I loved that it was clear that parents and students who chose LJCDS did not have to compromise with any aspect of the school experience. So many schools are strong in a particular area but do not have the same opportunities in others. LJCDS has it all and does it all very well.”

Recognizing that LJCDS already has a strong foundation of engaging programs and a positive atmosphere, Dr. Terwin sees limitless potential for joyful exploration. “By bringing new ideas together, we can affirm that teaching and learning should be joyful, even when it's challenging. Joy and difficulty can coexist, driving us to work harder and embrace new challenges when we feel safe, supported, and engaged.”

This vision aligns with my superpower: unflappable optimism. I believe that the work we do is the most important and challenging in the world, but we can always find positive outcomes, no matter the situation or setback. Joyful exploration, rooted in optimism, can transform our school into a place where learning is both hard work and deeply fulfilling.”