June 22, 2020
Even as a young child, teaching came naturally for Tambi Tyler. She would line up her stuffed animals and her brother’s toys in chairs to play school in her bedroom.
“My passion was always in education,” she said. “I worked at a summer camp in high school in the inner-city neighborhood as a day camp assistant, and it was where I felt the most comfortable. I enjoyed working around children so much that it didn’t feel like work.”
That passion continued into adulthood. Ms. Tyler joined The Colorado Springs School (CSS) on June 15, 2020, as the 10th Head of School since its founding in 1962. She brings nearly 25 years of experience in education. She succeeds Aaron Schubach, who served as Head of School for six years.
The CSS Board of Trustees unanimously selected Ms. Tyler following an extensive and inclusive international search process, which included input from faculty and staff, parents, students, alumni, and community members who aided and informed the search process.
“Tambi Tyler is student-centered and institutionally-minded, bringing a passion for academics, arts, and athletics,” Head Search Co-chairs Pio Hocate and Heather Kelly said in a written statement. “She embraces experiential education and is a dynamic and visionary innovator who is ready to lead The Colorado Springs School into our next era.”
The Colorado Springs School is a college-preparatory, day, and international school serving students from prekindergarten through high school. Through superior academics and mentoring, students learn to think independently and meet the challenges of a dynamic world with leadership, ingenuity, problem-solving skills, and personal integrity.
Ms. Tyler began her education career as a teacher’s aid in her hometown school system in Des Moines, Iowa, and has steadily advanced from a classroom teacher to a senior administrator. Her focus has always been children.
“I enjoy working with children, hearing from them, and understanding their development,” she said. “Whenever the meetings and day-to-day work have me overwhelmed or I just need to reconnect, I spend time in the classroom. I visit classes often in order to stay focused on what I do and why I do it.”
Before joining CSS, Ms. Tyler served five years as the Upper School Principal and Deputy Head of Secondary at Atlanta International School, a co-ed, day school with 1,200 students in preschool through grade 12. She also pioneered equity and inclusion initiatives at the school.
Ms. Tyler joined Atlanta International School from Des Moines Public Schools, where she worked for 19 years. She held multiple leadership roles, including teacher, Middle School Dean of Students, K-8 School Improvement Leader, Interim Human Resources Director, and Middle School Vice Principal in an International Baccalaureate program.
Ms. Tyler earned a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary English Education from Grand View University in Des Moines and a Master of Science in Effective Teacher Learning Leadership from Drake University in Des Moines. She also recently completed the National Association of Independent Schools Fellowship for Aspiring School Heads.
There were several powerful reasons that compelled Ms. Tyler to commit to The Colorado Springs School. She was moved by the school’s mission and philosophy in shaping young minds to be prepared for the real world. Those principles include experiential learning, a supportive and dedicated school community, being connected to the global community, and a mindset of growth and improvement.
“The Colorado Springs School truly expands learning beyond the traditional classroom walls,” she said. “It is through the curriculum that is integrated, experiential, and at times expeditionary, that students embark on a learning journey to know both themselves and discover their interconnections with the real world. There is a commitment to problem-solving, critical thinking, mentorship, and integrity. Faculty and staff encourage students to discover and develop their strengths.”
Ms. Tyler, who has two adult children, is excited to join the school community and become an active resident of Colorado Springs.
“There is a particular sense of community that comes from each interaction with students and teachers,” she said. “There is an incredible sense of hard work and dedication to achievement, personal responsibility, and a true feeling of community. I look forward to sharing the school’s mission and story, while making meaningful partnerships with leaders, companies, and families in the region.”
