Housemasters are now Deans, according to an email sent to the high school community from the principals of both Newton North and Newton South. Their reasoning makes sense: As an extension of the word “master,” housemaster has negative connotations.
First aldermen became city councilors, now housemasters are called Deans. We’re on a roll. What should be next?
The principals’ email follows. It’s a clear explanation of the thinking behind the decision.
January 26, 2016
To the Newton North and Newton South communities,
We are writing to announce a change of terminology for Newton’s high schools: The “Housemaster” title in each school will be replaced with “Dean.”
We are making this change because we believe that the words we choose to describe ourselves indicate our values and beliefs. The usage of words also changes over time, and the intentions of those who chose a title over a century ago may be betrayed by new meanings.
The term “Housemaster” is an extension of “master,” which is a word meaning “teacher” in a different century. While it is important not to lose touch with our history, it is also important to recognize when current meanings of words hamper our ability to establish who we are and what we care about. The term “master” has powerful negative connections that override the more benevolent definition from previous eras. The word no longer communicates the supportive, welcoming relationship that our Housemasters share with their students. “Dean,” on the other hand, is a term used throughout education to mean a person in authority over a specific academic area.
Housemasters will now be formally known as “Dean of Wheeler House,” “Dean of Riley House” and so on. This is only a change in title – our Deans will continue the same supportive work with students, families, and faculty as before.
We are most fortunate to have eight wonderful educators in our two schools overseeing the emotional and academic needs of our students. We think that this title will better convey their relationship and connection with our students.
Thank you,
Joel and Mark
How much more will this change cost the taxpayers of Newton?
@Doug: I don’t see why it should cost very much. But are you suggesting you support this is if was inexpensive and oppose if it was costly? If so, how much do you think removing a term that, in the schools’ opinion, “has powerful negative connections” is worth? $50? $250? $2,000?
Did someone make a complaint that this was offensive? Words have different meanings in different situations. I suggest you look up the meaning of “Dean” in the Urban Dictionary. I will suggest THAT definition is far more offensive than Housemaster. Ridiculous.
What does “house” describe at the high schools?
The houses of Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff?
Carry,
The high schools are both divided into four smaller cohorts of teachers and students. Students take classes with any teacher in the school, but by remaining in the same house for four years, they keep the same guidance counselor and Dean. The thinking behind the houses is to make the schools feel smaller and to enable relationships between adults and students. Personally, I’m not sure if they succeed in preventing kids from getting lost in the system, but having the same guidance counselor (who works with the same dean) throughout high school is definitely a good idea.
Language matters. This is terrific.
I would have preferred a change from HouseMaster to TaskMaster. Clear and unambiguous as to the intent and purpose of the position.
I also have issue with title “Principal”. The principal of….what, exactly?
I think a more apt term for the position would be Head Honcho. Or Big Cheese.
@Greg: As long as this change is budget neutral, Housemaster to Dean has no significance.
If this is going to be used to hit Newton Taxpayers then I have a problem.
Gail,
Thank you. I agree that that consistency is crucial, especially with such a large student body.
I agree. Consistency is a necessity as a means to foster a good relationship. Particularly with guidance counsellors. I’m curious how they choose the names – after certain people I assume. Other schools label them teams such as red team, blue team. Or cores.