YWA’s Next Chapter

Change is afoot at Yellow Wood! We are excited for the next chapter for the school after thirty years as a tutoring center, school, and community. We announced at the start of the 2024-25 school year that we would be moving in the summer of 2025 to our new location at Cascade Yards, which you can learn more about below. We have also hired for a new leader of Yellow Wood.

New Head of School

We are thrilled to share some exciting news about the future of Yellow Wood Academy. After a thorough and thoughtful search process, our Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Tyrell Hardtke has been appointed as our new Head of School, beginning her tenure in July.

Currently one of Yellow Wood’s Assistant Principals, Tyrell has been an integral part of Yellow Wood Academy. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication to student success, and a deep commitment to our school’s mission. Her experience, vision, and passion for education make her the ideal person to lead our school into its next chapter.

“Tyrell’s relentless focus on students and meeting their individual needs makes her the ideal candidate to lead Yellow Wood into its next chapter. She brings a unique blend of humor, experience, and serious get-it-done skills. The school has a bright future, focused on giving every student what they need to thrive in school, relationships, career, and life, and Tyrell is the right person to lead it forward.” 

- Jay Heath, Board Chair

Tyrell brings a wealth of experience in educational leadership and a strong understanding of our unique approach to learning. As Head of School, she is committed to fostering an inclusive, student-centered environment while continuing to build on the strong foundation that makes Yellow Wood Academy such a special place.

“I am excited and inspired to bring my expertise to the role of Head of School. As an administrator and teacher in public and private schools for almost 20 years, I have a unique understanding of how vital our educational program is to the students and families we serve. 

Our school is filled with brilliant minds, many of whom shine best in a flexible and responsive environment. I look forward to furthering our vision of individualized education, while ensuring efficiency, sustainability, and service to our community.” 

-Tyrell Hardtke, Incoming Head of School 

We are confident that under Tyrell’s leadership, Yellow Wood Academy will continue to grow and thrive, ensuring the best possible education for our students. Please join us in welcoming and congratulating Tyrell.

Tyrell believes listening to student and family voices is an essential part of leading an organization. Later this Spring we will provide opportunities for families to connect with Tyrell, share input, and hear more about her vision for the school. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to Yellow Wood Academy.

Warm regards,

Jay Heath, YWA Board Chair

Head of School Search

Yellow Wood’s current Executive Director, Jed Miley, announced in the summer of 2024 that 2024-25 would be his last year after eleven years as a teacher and leader. The school is hiring a Head of School (HOS) to begin July 1, 2025. In its 30 years, the school has evolved significantly from a tutoring center to a school, and the top leadership position continues to evolve along with it. Candidates can learn more by accessing the job description and opportunity statement below. Please contact boardchair@yilunjianshe.com with any questions.

Timeline

We are excited to run a thorough, efficient, and transparent process to find the right leader to shepherd YWA into its next chapters. We plan to follow the following timeline

• August: Twelve-year employee and six-year Executive Director Jed Miley announces his departure at the end of the 24-25 school year.

• September: Board of Trustees begins planning a transition process.

• October: Faculty, Staff, Student, and Parent/Guardian engagement “Town Halls” and feedback gathering.

• November: Opportunity Statement and Job Description posted to Yellow Wood’s “Next Chapter” website. Applications due 11/30.

• December: Review applications and interview semi-finalist candidates.

• January: Finalist interviews occur on YWA campus to meet with all constituents.

• Early February: New HOS appointment announced.

• February: Continue the work of transition from Jed to Yellow Wood’s new leader.

• July 1: New HOS officially begins.

To Apply

Complete applications include:

• Letter of interest (cover letter)

• Resume or CV

• An educational or leadership philosophy statement

• Two writing samples of choice can include articles, community emails, etc.

• List of five professional references, including contact information, working relationship, and length of time working together, and answer for each “why should the search committee talk to this person?” References will not be contacted until the finalist stage of the process.

The deadline for receipt of complete application materials was Saturday, November 30, 2024. Application packages must have been sent in a single PDF to boardchair@yilunjianshe.com. The Yellow Wood Search Committee intends to interview semi-finalist candidates remotely in December. Finalists will be invited to campus for a two-day visit in January. For any questions or further information about the position, please contact boardchair@yilunjianshe.com.

YWA’s Next Chapter Updates