Continuing his 12-year career in education, Jeremy Bletterman joined King School this year as Dean of Student Life in the Middle School. After a busy fall semester, he shares what surprised him the most about King, his thoughts on its robust middle school experience, and his hopes for the future.

How long have you worked in education?
I have worked in education for 12 years. Education represents my second career. Prior to becoming a teacher and eventually an administrator, I worked as an advertising executive for 10 years.

Where did you work before joining King?
Before joining King this summer, I worked at The Windward School for the previous nine years. I started as an assistant teacher in its Westchester Middle School, then moved to the Manhattan campus, where I taught math and served as activities coordinator before becoming the Associate Head of Middle School.

What surprised you about King?
I was surprised at how such a large school community – with three distinct campuses – feels so tight-knit and interconnected.

How has your experience been so far in the Middle School?
I am incredibly grateful to be working in the Middle School. Dr. Deitch is an excellent leader, the teachers are all incredibly talented and dedicated, the families are very supportive, and the students are hardworking, conscientious, and a joy to be around.

What was the fall like for the middle school students?
Looking back, the fall seems to have flown by, but I think everyone was really excited to be back together for what felt like a "normal" start to the school year. We kicked it off with team-building class trips and haven't looked back since!

What is most notable about the middle school experience at King?
Middle School can be a transitional time, and at King, students are afforded so many opportunities and are genuinely encouraged to try new things. Whether it be a foreign language, a sport, a club, an instrument, etc., students here have the flexibility to discover their talents, who they are, and who they want to become, and the faculty and staff are wholly dedicated to fostering that discovery.

How would you describe a middle school "King student"?
Curious, hardworking, energetic, kind, and eager to learn.

What are you looking forward to in the future at King?
I'd have to say...EVERYTHING! I am especially looking forward to watching our middle school students continue to grow and develop into engaged upper school students while at the same time seeing our lower school friends come in as the next wave of middle schoolers. Overall, I love getting to know and supporting teachers, students and their families as we all strive to realize our own potential and the limitless potential of this amazing community.