BRAVE NEW WORK

PBI: You’ve worked to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion at some of the top independent schools in the U.S. before moving to South Florida to join Oxbridge Academy. What’s your why?

Portlock: The old paradigm of “fitting in” was set up 20 or so years ago—and persists even now to some extent. I like to help students understand their own identities enough that they develop a sense of belonging, instead of trying to fit in. Belonging means you don’t compromise who you are. You can actually be who you are within the school community.

I’m passionate about teaching kids how to love