On Monday, May 8th at 9:03am Principal Daniel Frank and Middle and Upper School Director of Studies Sven Carlsson sent an email to the Parker community announcing that Upper School English Teacher Cory Zeller was selected to serve as the next Head of Upper School. 

Parker conducted a rigorous nationwide search for the Head of Upper School, in a process which involved students, faculty, administrators and parents. The school utilized executive search firm Strategenius to assist in finding the candidate with the best fit for Parker. The candidate pool consisted of more than 40 applicants, and Strategenius passed along 17 resumes for the Parker search committee to review. The search committee then met with eight candidates via Zoom and finally, hosted four finalists on campus from 4/26 – 5/1.

Zeller was then selected among this competitive field of applicants. Zeller has taught English at Parker and served as an advisor since 2013. Additionally, she has served as a freshman grade head for the past nine years.

She started her career at Parker in 2012 as a paternity sub for Matt Laufer and then for Anthony Shaker. Zeller earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Pennsylvania and her Master of Arts Degree in Curriculum Development from The University of Michigan. She attended high school at Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. In addition to teaching at Parker for many years, Zeller is also the parent of 8th grader Owen Zeller and 6th grader Sloane Zeller.

Zeller is extremely excited to serve as the next Head of Upper School. “I love Parker, and I believe in its mission,” she said. “I really want to be a steady, positive presence in the Upper School, supporting students and teachers.” 

In addition to being the first internal hire for the Head of Upper School position in more than 10 years, she is also the first woman to ever serve in this role. “I’m still wrapping my head around that. It is an incredible honor. I want to set a precedent of leading with integrity and compassion,” she said.

Many Upper School Faculty members were thrilled that the search committee chose an internal candidate for this leadership position. “I couldn’t be more thrilled that Ms. Zeller is taking on this new leadership role. I expect to be fully supported and well guided. She has been such a great spokesperson on behalf of the student body and colleagues for many years now. We’re in great hands,” said Cindy Marker, Co-Chair of the Languages and Cultural Studies Department. 

Joe Bruno, the Upper School Dean of Students will work closely with Zeller in her new role. He reflected on his past experiences with her. “Her attention to detail and level of organization is unmatched,” he said.