Meet our Incoming Middle School Head

Mingyan “Ophelia” Ma, who will become Browning’s Head of Middle School on July 1, 2022, is seeing working students at Presidio Knolls School in California. When describing the all-boys' school environment, Ms. Ma said, “The faculty and staff here understand boys' needs and potential, hold space for deep connections, and celebrate different expressions of masculinity.” (Mingyan Ma)

From working at Beijing’s Number Four High School to creating the Chinese immersion program at Presidio Knolls School in California, Mingyan "Ophelia" Ma is bringing her talented skills in the world of humanities to Browning when she becomes our new Head of Middle School this summer. The Grytte spoke with her ahead of her move to the Big Apple to get to know her better.

What drew you to Browning? 

The relationship piece really impressed me as I got to know the School. People care about each other so deeply and so authentically at Browning that I think that it's pretty rare in schools.

What did you find compelling about working in an all-boys’ school?

I was not intentionally looking to work at an all boy's school. Initially I was looking for a school where students are deeply known, and a school that challenges students to grow as great scholars, citizens and human beings. When I fell in love with Browning, I realized that its strength stems from how intentional it is about being an all boys school. The faculty and staff here understand boys' needs and potential, hold space for deep connections, and celebrate different expressions of masculinity. Middle School boys are probably the most misunderstood and underestimated group of kids, and I can't think of a more worthy job than to show both the boys what they are capable of and show the world how wonderful they are.

What stood out for you when you came to visit and meet our community?

The first thing that caught my attention was the jacket and tie. Compared to New York City, California is a lot more casual in general, and the school that I work at right now does not have a dress code at all. With the formal dress came a seriousness of purpose, and I saw purpose growing out of curiosity, honesty and dignity which filled every interaction I observed. The second thing that stood out to me was how well everyone knew each other and cared for each other. I overheard conversations where teachers shared and celebrated their students' growth. I saw students laugh with each other and greet each other as they rushed up and down the staircases. The people I met were not only interested in my professional experiences, but also curious to get to know me as a person. Browning felt like a caring and close-knit community, and I felt at home here.

What reassured you of your decision to move and work at Browning?

It's always a little unsettling, moving halfway across the country and taking on a new job; knowing that this is a community where people are ready to accept me as a member of it, is really reassuring.

“Browning felt like a caring and close-knit community, and I felt at home here.”

What is one thing that you are looking forward to next fall?

I look forward to getting to know everyone! I am particularly excited about the overnight trips - some of my fondest memories as a teacher have been on school trips, and I look forward to creating new memories with the Browning community.

What is your philosophy of learning? 

As an educator, I have worked at many different types of schools. I have been at high schools, K-8 schools, and project-based learning schools that spend a lot of time outside of classrooms. I have also been at traditional schools with many tests and lecturing. So I have been thinking about what makes schools work? What helps kids have a good experience at a school? The notion that I have come to is the strong relationships between the adult and the student as well between students and each other.

Tell me a fun fact about yourself?

I have a very well-traveled dog. I got my dog when I was living in Beijing six years ago. She has moved with us to California and will be moving with us to New York City. Her name is Coco, and she is a certified Chinese Country Dog.

We look forward to the great work Ms. Ma will do in the new school year!