Worthy Convos: Trinity Valley’s Blair Lowry on Education

Blair Lowry never planned on a career in education. But fast forward 25 years, and Lowry’s institutional experience at schools across the country has earned her a board position on the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS). She has served as Head of School at Trinity Valley School since 2020 and continues to be excited about the future of her students, as well as the future of her new(ish) city.

After a unanimous vote, you are now the At-Large Secondary Representative for the Secondary Schools Commission of the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (a bit of a mouthful). What is the mission and purpose of the ISAS?

The mission of ISAS states that ISAS “… promotes the highest professional and ethical standards of educational excellence for independent schools in the region and recognizes by formal ongoing accreditation those schools which demonstrate adherence to its standards. As a collective voice of the independent schools of the Southwest, ISAS fosters collegial relations among its member schools and represents their interests.

ISAS member schools are truly collegial in the way that they come together to support independent school educators, students, and families. I am excited to be able to serve on the Secondary Schools Commission of ISAS with fellow heads of school.

As the at-large secondary representative, what do you recall about your own secondary schooling experience?

I actually attended an ISAS member school in New Orleans (Saint Martin’s School) before moving to Coral Gables, Florida, for the rest of my high school education. My teachers prepared me well as a writer and as an independent thinker. They were always eager to go the extra mile for me and wanted to know me better as a learner.

Your education background includes politics and Latin American studies. How did you transition to teaching? Was it always the plan?

It was truly the one profession I said I would not pursue. My mother was a teacher and later a head of school, and my grandmother was also a teacher. I earned my master’s degree in Political Economy in the UK.  I then worked as a political economist for about a year. It was a very interesting job, but I found that I was not really fulfilled. I was fortunate to be offered a teaching position at an independent school where I taught history and economics. Since then, I have taught and have been a department chair, a middle school principal, an assistant head of school, and now I serve as Head of Trinity Valley School. Honestly, every degree and every position I have held has helped to prepare me for this amazing job.

You joined Trinity Valley School in the summer of 2020. What surprised you the most during your transition in such uncertain times?

I certainly didn’t expect to be faced with a global pandemic in the first year of headship.  It was quite an interesting time to move and start a new job. I was delighted to find myself in a school where everyone had such a “can do” attitude. Truly, our school community and the city of Fort Worth inspire me.  This is a place full of people with huge hearts, terrific energy and a willingness to work hard.

What does education mean to you?

Education is all about possibility! From our youngest learners who are just beginning to experience school, to our middle school students learning to navigate their social world, or our upper school students who are starting to pursue their interests leading them to college majors and beyond… it is all about what can be. Education really does shape lives and communities.  I also believe that the best education includes academics, the arts, athletics, the outdoors, travel and so much more. I hope that all students will see their time at school as the first stage of their education. My goal for them is to be life-long learners.

If you were a student at TVS, what class would you be most keen on taking?

There is really no way to choose just one class [but] I would love to take one of Dr. Taylor’s Graphics Programming & Foundations of Robotics classes so that I could learn how to design apps and use laser printers. I am constantly amazed at what our students are able to do. Dr. Ostroff’s Signature Program in Entrepreneurship is one I would definitely take as well. There are so many! I would also love to take part in the TOE (Trojan Outdoor Experience) program with Blake Amos. My list goes on and on…

You have lived in Fort Worth for two years now… what do you think?

I love this city! Fort Worth is booming. There really is something for everyone here. It is a big city with incredible growth opportunities, yet it hasn’t lost that small-town feel. That is pretty hard to accomplish. It really comes back to the people. It has been so welcoming. Fort Worth is also beautiful! One of my favorite things to do is to take the dogs out to the Trinity Trail. I am so proud to call Fort Worth home and I am so excited about the future of our dynamic city!

Although she prefers burnt orange to purple, Hannah Bush is happy to call Fort Worth her new home. She began freelance writing a few years ago to break up the monotony of her 9 to 5, and to prove to her parents that she’s making good use of her journalism degree. When she’s not hanging out with her cat, Hannah can likely be found on a patio with her husband, talking about her cat.