In Memoriam
Tamara Breed 1948-2026
Photos
Thirty seven years ago, as The New School started its first day, Tamara brought her daughter, Kira, to The New School. That started a relationship which lasted for the rest of Tamara’s life, and for the length of this school’s existence.
As that first year progressed she remained a supportive and caring member even helping in difficult conversations when we had to tell a second teacher we would not be able to rehire her for the following year.
That support never waivered and in 2002 when Tamara took over running the business end of the school she had absorbed the culture and processes of The New School. She had seen and knew much of the school’s philosophy and processes and could quite seamlessly find ways to work with them as a team. She always recognized that the teachers set the teaching methods, worked cooperatively with each other to train new staff. She appreciated that teachers evaluated and changed their processes, as a team, as each year and subject was designed and built. Tamara and the teachers developed methods to collaborate on the calendar that reflected the complicated and
myriad events that supported a program that builds learning, relationship, cooperation and creativity.
Her sensitivity to her role and the role of the teachers has been extraordinary. It complemented and strengthened the school as a learning place for both teachers and students. As one might expect, her attention to the needs of children also made her office a safe place where children could come for minor first aid-bandage, ice, a moment of talk and comfort. Sometimes the ability to balance that was tested, but it was an important part of her day and role.
Over the years, she balanced the relationships with New York State, 7 school districts, other alternative schools, possible new families, incoming families, old timers, teachers, children, student workers, student teachers, Percy-our regular maintenance person, the Temple, the bookkeeper and the Board of the school, giving each her attention, time and thought. Her ability to juggle all of this with grace will be truly missed.
I have known Tamara since the fall of 2004. She was a fixture of my childhood as well as a fixture of The New School community. She always so warmly greeted me, and was always so happy to see me whenever I would show up at school functions after I moved on from The New School. In more recent years, she would call me if she had computer problems, and I would meet her at the school early in the morning to help her. We would always share long conversations about politics or other topics, and I will forever cherish those times with Tamara.
When we enrolled our daughters at The New School, I was in somewhat of a difficult place with my mental health. At times, this translated to my parenting in ways I didn’t like. When I first met Tamara, I was awed. Her energy was so grounded. I had never been around anyone so respectful to, and gentle and patient with children. Tamara was such a role model that whenever my husband and I found ourselves getting irritated or upset with our girls, we would say to one another, half-jokingly, “What Would Tamara Do?” I swore I was going to get a bracelet that said “WWTD”. I never did get the bracelet, but I’ll never forget Tamara or the impact she had on our entire family. She was such a gift to the world.
Tamara was one of the best things about the New School. Her warmth, kindness, humor, and amazing emails will never be forgotten. ❤️
Tamara was the first person we met when we looked at The New School for our daughter. I knew we were in a warm, inviting, accepting, kind environment as she explained the schools philosophy to us and gave us a tour. As soon as we left that day, we knew it was the right place not only for our daughter but for our son as well. She was a gift to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Both our children often talk about how kind Tamara was to them. She will be greatly missed.
I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Tamara’s passing. I still remember with great warmth the day she welcomed my daughter with her gentle smile when she entered New School during our unfamiliar first days of life in America. Her kindness helped my daughter and our whole family feel at home, and because of her, our time in the United States became a happy and meaningful one.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude once again, along with my sincere condolences.
Tamara was such a kind, shining light in my educational journey.
Even now in college I still think about how I would go to to her office when I felt overwhelmed or needed a band-aid, and would see her in her desk chair. The wonderful, silly conversations we shared, and the patience she provided me in times of need.
My heart goes out to her family, and the rest of the new school community, both who are actively enrolled and those who have graduated. I am so honored to have known her.
Tamara was special. When our children were at The New School with her, she was like another parent to them. She took them seriously and honored their feelings. She noticed them, checked in, and kept us informed. There was a gentleness in the way she cared that made us feel safe. She saw our children as whole people, and she treated them with respect and tenderness. She extended that same grace to us as parents, as she offered empathy and patience.
We will remember Tamara’s essence and sincerity with deep gratitude and respect. And plan to mirror her tenderness and joyful spark as we move through life.
I will never forget Tamara spending hours, days, weeks and it felt like, years patiently nit-picking lice out of the children’s hair every morning. It was quite a task to check every strand on every child’s head. Tamara did it with a smile, easy and real joy. You are missed!
I was a student teacher at the New School in 2004 and can with absolute certainty say that I wouldn’t have been the teacher I became without that experience. Tamara was warm, thoughtful, lighthearted, energetic, passionate, and above all, learner-centered. Every decision was anchored in what would be best for the students and families we served.
Tamara (as well as the teachers there, Miranda, in particular, for me) and the incredible students will always be an integral part of my journey story as an educator. I remain forever grateful that for a brief time, I was a part of this beautiful community.
I met Tamara when my son, Max, began Kindergarten in 1992. We were part of a close-knit group of moms who were very involved with the New School. We all stayed friends long after our children graduated. Tamara was always caring, fun, and bright. She will be missed.