Scott Greene Returns to Rectory: A Homecoming Story

When a need arose in the Learning Center, Mr. Ames knew exactly who to call. A single phone conversation between the best of friends led to an opportunity that Scott Greene could not refuse—the chance to return to Rectory and work as a learning specialist within the program he once led and innovated. The Individualized Instruction Program (IIP) was located in the Tutor Tower of the Main House when he first started at Rectory. As he returns to substitute, IIP may be in a new space, though much of it bears the mark of Scott's vision and dedication during his tenure here.

For Scott, walking back into the Learning Center meant returning to a place that had become home. His son, Alexander, grew up in Pomfret, and his wife, Tonya, served as an Orton-Gillingham (OG) tutor in the Learning Center while he was the director. "I really liked this job," Scott reflected, "and I was working with experts like Claudia Abbott, Susan Sherman, and Marge Mosher, experts in their field and people who knew more than I could ever know about OG tutoring."

Leaving Rectory years ago was one of the hardest decisions the Greene family had to make. Scott's father was sick, and the frequent travel back and forth to North Carolina—with young Addie and a Newfoundland in the back seat—became increasingly difficult. Torn between his love for the Rectory community and his family's needs, Scott made the difficult choice when his father's health took a turn and a position at Darlington School became available. It allowed him to continue building innovative programs while being close to family.

Once at Darlington, Scott and Tonya rolled up their sleeves and built a dyslexic learning program almost from the ground up. "When I was hired," explained Scott, "the Director left, and all but one of the tutors that worked there had left." As Director of Teaching and Learning, Scott created the Accelerated Learning Program for Dyslexia, one of the most significant accomplishments of his career. The program allowed students to have a full Darlington experience while being pulled into small, ability-based groups for English and Spanish classes. Similar to how IIP creates a seamless experience for Rectory students, the Accelerated Learning Program was designed to help students in Grades 2-5 be part of the Darlington community with tailored OG support.

After more than three decades in schools, Scott decided to retire and try some new things he never had the chance to do. He got a Realtor's license, worked security at the Baltimore House in Asheville, N.C., and also worked for UPS. "I always knew I wanted to stay busy," he said, "and part of the reason it was so easy for Tonya to agree to coming up here for a few weeks is because we hardly get to see Alexander anymore." Who now works less than an hour drive from Rectory, at The Williams School.

After graduating from Rectory in 2017, Alexander continued his education at Darlington, where he was an avid swimmer. He went on to attend the University of Georgia, "which, while there, happened to win two national championships!" added Scott. Addie joined the Pre-K program when they first moved to Rome, Georgia, and is still enrolled today. She is a standout athlete in any sport she decides to play—volleyball, softball, and even baseball, where she plays for the Georgia Peaches, the only girls' baseball team in Georgia. She is one of the top players for her age group in the country and struck out 16 batters in an all-boys league, as well as her .800 batting average in softball last year.

On weekends, Alexander and Scott enjoyed trips down memory lane to their former schools and the people they had worked with. "We went up to Concord, Massachusetts, one of my favorite places to visit!" They also ventured up to Maine, a place he never visited during all the time he spent in New England.

Scott will head back home too soon for some of the students he has made an impression on in his short time here. He will also miss Pam Ames' home-cooked meals, having occupied one of the boys' bedrooms that has been left empty since Cooper and Carson are both off to college this fall. Although for a brief time, a community made up of people like Scott Greene is what we can be so thankful for. You are always welcome back, and congratulations on a retirement where you have the opportunity to enjoy the most beautiful things in life - family. Scott will head back home to drive to practices and watch Addie’s baseball games - while Rectory will have him on speed dial for another time.