Gill St. Bernard's Names Karla Long Middle School Director

Dear GSB Community,

I am excited to announce the appointment of Karla Long as our new Middle School Director, beginning July 1, 2026.

Karla brings decades of classroom experience as a middle school educator and leader. She began her career teaching middle school history and social studies while coaching soccer, lacrosse, and tennis. She has since served as Head of Middle School – at All Saints Episcopal School of Tyler in Texas, Columbus Academy in Ohio, and Trinity Valley School in Texas – leading program development, faculty growth, and student-centered innovation in each community.
 

Following her work as a three-time Head of Middle School, Karla was recruited to serve as Senior Director of Learning and Research at The Dawes Arboretum in Ohio. Across her career, she has remained rooted in education, namely how young adolescents learn and thrive.

Throughout the search process and particularly during her visit to campus, Karla distinguished herself as a thoughtful, experienced, and practical leader. One faculty member described her as bringing a “hands-on, boots-on-the-ground leadership style grounded in deep knowledge of middle school practice.” Another shared that “her experience aligning curriculum, working with department chairs, and supporting teachers to grow in their student impact would serve our program well.” 

Karla shared, “I am drawn to Gill St. Bernard’s focus on experiential education and its balance between intellectual curiosity and creative exploration. It is clearly a place where students are known, faculty are supported, and families feel connected.” Her clarity around curriculum, advisory, and faculty development positions her well to build on the foundation already in place at GSB and guide our Middle School forward with confidence. 

This appointment follows a national search led by Educators Collaborative, in close partnership with our community. I am grateful for the search committee and to the many faculty and families who engaged in the process. Karla noted that she felt immediately at home during her campus visit, a reflection of our welcoming culture.

Karla will primarily report to Assistant Head of School Ananya Chatterji, who reflected: “Karla's visit to campus confirmed her deep alignment with GSB's mission and values, as well as her passion for working with Middle School students. She knows and appreciates this very special age group, and how to shape a school experience that is challenging, supportive, and infused with joy. We are thrilled to be welcoming her to the GSB team.”

Prior to her official start date in July, Karla will visit us again on campus this spring. We will share opportunities to connect with her as plans develop. 

Karla earned her BA in American Studies from Smith College, and an Ed.M., Administration, Planning and Social Policy from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She and her husband, Christian, have two children – a son attending Middlebury College and a daughter in the 11th grade.

Karla succeeds Kyle Armstrong, who has served as Middle School Director since 2014 and will soon begin his tenure as Head of School for Green Hedges School in Virginia. We are grateful for Kyle’s leadership and look forward to celebrating his many contributions in the months ahead.

With appreciation,

Dr. Delvin Dinkins
Head of School