Faculty Spotlight - Tracy Lytle
For more than two decades, Tracy Lytle has been a steady, spirited presence at Westover. As Language Department Head and a teacher of both Spanish and ESOL, she’s shaped the minds, and broadened the worldviews, of generations of Westover students since first arriving on campus in 2002. As many students and alums know, Tracy brings warmth, curiosity, and a deep love for Westover’s community to everything she does.
Get to Know Tracy in Her Own Words:
What is your role at Westover? Language Department Head, Spanish and ESOL teacher
Where is your classroom? Room 26
Do you live on campus? Yes, Eastunder!
Where is your classroom? Room 26
Do you live on campus? Yes, Eastunder!
Favorite Westover meal: Frugal’s cornbread with honey butter
Favorite Westover tradition: Candlelight
What is your favorite thing about working at Westover? Westover has been an amazing place to live, work, and raise my family because of the strong sense of community. I appreciate being in an environment that values learning, not just academics, but the ongoing process of growing, reflecting, and becoming more thoughtful people. That spirit extends to everyone here, not just students. I have four books to read this summer, as an example, and I’m looking forward to the post-read discussion groups.
I also really like the rhythm of the school year and the chance to work with students who are curious, fun, and full of energy. Between the traditions, concerts, plays, sports games, and special programs, not to mention the simple joy of hearing a student practicing their instrument, there is always something enriching happening around here. One of my favorite examples is the weekly Lumina program. We once had James Earl Jones as a speaker. He discussed Shakespeare and his experience reading and acting, and recited and interpreted several passages. What an incredible privilege it was to sit and listen to a true master, just one example of how memorable it can be. Some of those talks, especially those given by cherished former colleagues, have stayed with me over the years. There’s something special about being surrounded by people who care about ideas like books, art, philosophy, film, music, languages, and food.
I also really like the rhythm of the school year and the chance to work with students who are curious, fun, and full of energy. Between the traditions, concerts, plays, sports games, and special programs, not to mention the simple joy of hearing a student practicing their instrument, there is always something enriching happening around here. One of my favorite examples is the weekly Lumina program. We once had James Earl Jones as a speaker. He discussed Shakespeare and his experience reading and acting, and recited and interpreted several passages. What an incredible privilege it was to sit and listen to a true master, just one example of how memorable it can be. Some of those talks, especially those given by cherished former colleagues, have stayed with me over the years. There’s something special about being surrounded by people who care about ideas like books, art, philosophy, film, music, languages, and food.
What was the highlight of this past school year? A highlight of the year was a perfect example of how fun it is to work with students and see how they interpret assignments in their own creative ways. At the end of a unit on the Andes, one student learned a song in Spanish and, apparently, the music too, because she brought her guitar to class and sang it for us. It was such a thrill to see a student bring her own creativity and confidence, something I couldn’t have imagined back in my own high school days. Moments like that remind me why I love teaching.
What is a book you would recommend to the Westover community? I’d recommend Understanding Comics; The Invisible Art by Scott McCloud. It really changes the way you think about graphic novels—what they are, how they work, and what they’re capable of expressing.
What is a topic that you could talk about for hours? Anyone who knows me knows it’s a toss-up between kombucha and other fermented foods, and Zumba and Latin music. And then there’s Aqua Zumba. Where do I even start?
Be Boldly You
Westover School admits students of any race, color, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin, or disability to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. As a gender-diverse girls school, Westover welcomes applicants and students who are assigned female at birth and/or identify as girls. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its educational policies, admissions and financial aid policies, and athletic or other school-administered programs.