Director of Schools Tori Jueds will leave her position on July 1. 

A June 4 email from University of Chicago President Paul Alivisatos emphasized the long and productive time that Ms. Jueds spent as director since 2021. 

“During her tenure, Tori developed a strong record of positive cultural, organizational, and programmatic growth at the Laboratory Schools,” Dr. Alivisatos wrote. “She instituted innovative programs on topics such as AI and free expression and led the launch of a new LabVision strategic planning process, as well as several stages of the ISACS accreditation.”

Ms. Jueds’ departure comes just months after the university announced a review of the Laboratory Schools in late February. 

Dr. Alivisatos added that the search for an interim director will begin shortly. 

The full text from President Alivisatos’ email and Ms. Jueds’ email to the community is included below.

In an interview with the Midway the day after the announcement, she recounted some of her favorite moments at Lab, the many little moments and interactions with the community. 

“I love it here so much … Every encounter that I have with students,” Ms. Jueds said. “Yesterday I chatted with a fifth grader about his baby tomato plant, and a few weeks ago I ran into Ms. Tonsguard, who teaches in early childhood with her little kids. We have 15 grades and four divisions, and every single kid, every single student here inspires me.”

U-High Principal Martin Woods said that he is still processing this change. 

“I can tell you that I think this is a huge loss for Lab, and I admire the contributions and the work that Director Jueds has done over the years and in the two years that I’ve been here,” Mr. Woods said.

Mr. Woods is aware that this is not the first time that Lab has lost a director so he stresses his “open-door policy” as he knows that this will affect people in different ways.

“I’m going to make myself available for faculty and even students if they wanna come in and use me as a sounding board,” Mr. Woods said.

Christy Gerst, a history teacher, worked closely with Ms. Jueds as the co-chair of the Steering Committee on Free Expression. She emphasized Ms. Jueds’ commitment to free expression and the work she put in to bring it to the forefront of the university’s considerations. 

“She has done more to advance faculty work on expanding my colleagues’ consideration of [freedom of expression] than any other Head of Lab in my 11 years here,” Ms. Gerst said. 

Looking toward her future, Ms. Jueds plans to spend time with her mother in Philadelphia and start her job search. 

“I’m in a few job searches, and there’s a lot of aspects that are sad for me because I’ll miss Lab so much, but there’s a happy coincidence because my mom has been very sick,” Ms. Jueds said. 

As Lab searches for its next leader, Ms. Jueds said she hopes for an inclusive process where students and faculty will be involved as they search for a permanent director. 

“Because that’s really what this should be, you know,” Ms. Jueds said. “The next leader should reflect what the community is looking for. What I would hope for the community is continued excellence, continued learning and growth.”

Ms. Jueds said challenges are inevitable, but with the time to think and decide what is important to the community, the community will prosper.

Ms. Jueds said, “I think we are the best of the best, but even the best of the best has room to grow.”

Email from Dr. Alivisatos:

Dear Members of the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools Community,

I write to share that Victoria (Tori) Jueds, Director of Schools, plans to leave the Laboratory Schools on July 1, 2025. Since joining the Lab community in 2021, Tori has brought energy and commitment to the Laboratory Schools. Please join me in thanking her for her service.

During her tenure, Tori developed a strong record of positive cultural, organizational, and programmatic growth at the Laboratory Schools. She instituted innovative programs on topics such as AI and free expression and led the launch of a new LabVision strategic planning process, as well as several stages of the ISACS accreditation. From increasing support for student wellness and neurodiversity to improving daily operations and communication, Tori has improved systems to be more inclusive of the full Lab School community. Importantly, Tori has overseen the hiring of many devoted teachers, administrators, and staff who engage students every day and who enable the Lab School’s excellent academic and extra-curricular success.

We will promptly launch a search for an interim director and expect to share further details soon. Transitions inherently have some uncertainty and can be challenging. The University, along with the Laboratory Schools leadership and board, will work closely together to ensure a seamless transition during this period.

Looking ahead, we will remain dedicated to upholding Lab’s enduring academic values and distinct educational philosophy which have evolved through the contributions of each successive generation since the founding of the School in 1896. I am grateful to have your continuing support, partnership, and shared commitment as we navigate this period of transition and look toward the future with purpose and care.

Email from Ms. Jueds:

Dear Friends,

A few minutes ago, President Alivisatos shared the news that I will be departing Lab on July 1, 2025. It has been an enormous privilege and a true pleasure to serve as Director of Schools at this marvelous institution. From the bottom of my heart, sincere thanks to this great community for your support and partnership, care for our students, and dedication to the mission and values of the Laboratory Schools.

I am very proud of everything that we have accomplished together. Emerging from the pandemic, we opened a new chapter in Lab history. We renewed our commitment to John Dewey’s whole child approach, as reflected in our Theory of Action. We dived into sustained dialogue about free expression in a nursery-12 community that places a premium on kindness and inclusion. We expanded and clarified supports for diverse learners, and took strides to make good on our promise to all students: You Belong Here. We grew and honed our curriculum, responsible use of artificial intelligence, professional development, communications, policies, and processes. We built trust and worked productively across differences. We developed friendships that I will always treasure. 

I am excited to hear about what comes next for Lab, where the future is just as bright as our outstanding 130 year history. Thank you, everyone, for your commitment to scholarship, honoring diversity, and exhibiting kindness. I appreciate you more than I can say!