This interview is the fifth in a series of five introducing new members of the senior administration of Charlotte Latin School.

This summer, Tracey Vanneste took on a new role at Charlotte Latin School — the Interim Head of Upper School — but she’s well-known to the Latin community, having worked at the school since 2007. Starting as an Upper School teacher (with a particular love for Macbeth), she went on to serve as Dean of Students in the Middle School and then took on the same role in the Upper School.

What were you proudest of about your work as Upper School Dean of Students?

I love that we have a phone-free campus and I’m so thrilled that I was part of that process. It’s made a massive difference to us in the Upper School — watching our community, we can see friendships blossoming among our students because they’re looking up from their phones and engaging with each other. It’s allowed us to move into our new schedule more easily; they now know what it means to connect. We have a beautiful new Quad where they play games and they talk to each other. There’s laughter, there’s music. We’re a happier campus, and I think being phone-free is a big reason for that.

How would you describe your approach to this job?

My vision for the year is a focus on teaching and learning. I’m a teacher at heart. I want us to have conversations about what effective teaching looks like: it can range from silence to chaos and everything in between. We’re going to have some common elements, but we’re also going to have some qualities that are specific to the History Department or the Math Department. I want us to have a set of professional standards that we can point to and say “This is what we believe.” I’ve also reminded our teachers that the “why” and the “how” of what we do is not nearly as important as the “who”: the kids are central to everything we do. Teaching’s amazing: you transform lives. That’s huge, so we need to make sure that we’re doing it right.

When you were growing up, did you think you would end up working at a school?

I actually wanted to be a lawyer. My grandmother was one of a very few female attorneys in South Africa; she became a lawyer when she was 50. I admired her, and I was accepted into law school. But the summer before I started, I had a moment of “I’m not quite sure that this is what I want to do.” I was able to pivot and get into a program for teachers. I loved it and never looked back. I started my career at an all-boys school in South Africa; I taught there for four years before marrying and moving to America in 1996.

What aspect of the Portrait of the Latin Leader resonates with you?

I’m going to say Resilient Navigator because my path hasn’t been straight. Moving to America was a rude awakening: I thought it would be easy because English is my first language. Being an immigrant was hard, and I had to become resilient to navigate a new world. 

Once I got my green card, Charlotte Latin took a chance on me — that was one of the happiest days of my life. I loved it here right away: I taught English and advised the yearbook staff. I also was the Student Council advisor with Amy Zinn, and one year, every student elected to the student government was male. We were outraged: we’ve got to get these girls to step up and be counted and get out of their comfort zones. And I had a moment of self-reflection: “Well, Tracey, what are you doing to model the kind of behavior you expect in your students?” So I looked for opportunities where I could serve in leadership roles and I got my masters degree to support my pursuit of school leadership.

What aspect of the job of Head of Upper School has surprised you?

I’ve always been a collaborative decision-maker, and I believe in that. But I’ve learned that there are times where the buck stops with me and I’m the one who needs to make a decision. I have a problem-solving nature, and often there is a very neat solution to the problem at hand — but I need to consider the broader ripple effects.

What might surprise people about you?

I’m an open book, but I’ll give you a few things. I was bitten by a copperhead snake a couple of years ago and I spent a good four days in the hospital recovering. I’m ridiculously addicted to tea — hence the kettle in the corner of my office. I love rugby, but I feel like I should say something more American. I also love Disney.

If we followed you around for a day, what phrase would we be most likely to hear you say?

“Hi, friend.” I know people’s names, but greeting them as “friend” removes barriers straight away. I think you should approach people with an open heart and a willingness to engage. I love Upper School students. I think they’re challenging and complex and fun and crazy and frustrating and selfish and beautiful and smart and kind. They’re all the things.