As a new school year begins, I find myself thinking about the first day of school. No matter how many years we spend in education, there is something special about that moment: fresh faces, new possibilities, and the opportunity to begin again. A new school year invites us to reset, reflect on what we have learned, and embrace the growth that comes from stepping into something new.
As I write my first message as Executive Director of the Cotsen Foundation for the ART of TEACHING, I find myself experiencing those same feelings. After five years with the Foundation, I am honored to step into this role and to build upon the work of those who have come before me. While there is certainly a learning curve that comes with any new responsibility, I am approaching this chapter with curiosity, gratitude, and hope.
In our last newsletter, Jerry Harris wrote about the power of chapters and the stories we create together. I am grateful that, while Jerry has retired from his role as Executive Director, he remains an important mentor to me. His leadership helped shape this remarkable community, and I carry forward many of the lessons he shared about service, relationships, and the importance of joyful learning.
The beautiful thing about new beginnings is that they invite both continuity and change. As we begin this school year together, I look forward to learning alongside you, celebrating your successes, and serving this community with a collaborative, reflective, and hopeful spirit. The next chapter of our story is already beginning, and I am excited to see where it leads
Wishing you a year filled with growth, connection, and possibility. – Julie Graham
Pictured at the 2026 Skirball Graduation Ceremony:
Executive Director, Julie Graham (current)
Former Executive Director, Judy Johnson (2001-2013)
Former Executive Director, Jerry Harris (2013-2026)