Teachers College alumna Merryl H. Tisch has been selected to serve as chancellor of the New York State Board of Regents, the first woman to hold the position on the panel that oversees the state’s educational system.

Tisch, who has a doctorate from Teachers College, is a former educator, having taught first grade at New York City’s Ramaz School and the B’nai Jeshurun School from 1977 to 1984. A regent representing New York City since 1996, she has been reelected twice and was most recently the board’s vice chancellor. The Board of Regents elected Tisch chancellor on Monday, March 16.

 

Tisch was most recently at Teachers College in October to take part in a conference on university-public school partnerships organized by TC’s Office of School and Community Partnerships. She is the 36th chancellor and will serve the remainder Robert Bennett’s term. Bennett retired as chancellor but remains on the board as a Regent.

 

The Board of Regents set education policy for the state’s K-12 public schools and postsecondary institutions, as well as oversee and authorize the Regents exams and other standardized tests.

 

“Going forward, standards, accountability and innovation will be the watchwords of this Board and the state education department,” said Tisch after her selection by the board. “As chancellor, I will insist that we continue to raise standards for all of our children and hold every school district accountable for their results, while providing the support necessary to get that done.”