Jan Wintrol’s tenure at Ivymount can best be defined as setting the gold standard for educational leadership and innovation. For close to three decades, Jan helped build a school culture that celebrated students’ accomplishments, respected their families, and consistently recognized staff for their dedication and contributions to the learning environment.
Described by colleagues, parents and partners as a “visionary” and a “trailblazer,” she is also credited for being empowering to staff, dedicated to the students and families she served, and to evolving the field of special education. “She was passionate, she’s committed, she’s relentless, but she’s optimistic,” says Kurt Newman, former president and CEO of Children’s National.
Under Jan’s leadership, Ivymount developed multiple programs for students across the autism spectrum, built a robust School-to-Work Program to prepare young adults for productive futures, and supported the building’s total renovation and expansion.
She also forged crucial partnerships to support practitioners, educators, policy makers, and students in public and charter schools across the country. Among the partnerships were: Children’s National, National Institutes of Health, Georgetown University Hospital Pediatrics, George Washington University, the HSC Foundation, the Smithsonian Institution, and Montgomery County Government.
Upon her retirement and reflecting on her years at Ivymount, Jan stated: “I have loved this job and all of the remarkable people that I’ve been fortunate to work with over the years. Ivymount is a mission driven, vibrant, ever emerging entity. I’m grateful to have been part of this history and for the support of so many dedicated and talented individuals.”
Watch the tribute video to Jan.
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