CSW Appoints New Academic Dean and Dean of Faculty

Diana Baruni will serve as CSW’s next academic dean, taking the place of Chris Ellsasser, who leaves CSW at the end of this month for his new role as principal at Nauset Regional High School on Cape Cod. Diana has been at CSW since 2010, teaching French and serving as chair of the Language Department. Prior to joining the CSW community, Diana taught at the Webb School in California.

Diana is a passionate, devoted educator who radiates enthusiasm for CSW. During her tenure here, she has partnered closely with Chris Ellsasser, serving as an important voice in many discussions related to our academic mission and program. She has taken a leadership role within several committees and project groups, including recent work with Rosanna Salcedo, dean of equity and inclusion, on the school’s evaluation system. Diana will play a key role, with our department heads, in the evolution of the Mod System and the new curriculum development. She will initially serve for a two-year term.

Rachel Hirsch will be CSW’s new dean of faculty, also in a two-year appointment. Rachel has taught in the History Department at CSW since 1999 and has served as department chair. In addition, Rachel was instrumental in helping to launch the Progressive Education Lab as a senior mentor and administrator in the program. A self-confessed "big picture thinker," Rachel plans to place building the community of the faculty at the core of her work.

Congratulations to Diana and Rachel!