Few have exemplified the essence of National Louis University like Linda Tafel, Ed.D. She stands among the iconic women who graced this institution and made a lasting mark. When the request for stories about Tafel, who passed away in the late spring of 2014, was sent out — responses came pouring in from colleagues who knew her best. By far, there were too many fantastic quotes to print, but what she meant to the NLU community became abundantly clear. Incredible Teacher Tafel dedicated her life to teaching, and 33 years to NLU. And despite holding what seems like nearly every title National Louis had available, she was always a teacher first. Creative, insightful and unflappably positive, colleagues said she had a knack for bringing out the best in people. “When Linda spoke, everyone listened,” explained Educational Leadership assistant professor Linell Monson-Lasswell, Ed.D. Visionary Historian Tafel was an Elizabeth Harrison fanatic. With over two decades of research into NLU’s history, Tafel possessed invaluable historical context covering not only the school’s founder but many of her successors. (“She could tell you every story about every [NLU] president,” mused Dan Buckman, Ed.D., assistant professor in the Educational Leadership program.) Channeling the lessons of innovation she learned from Harrison, Tafel continually pushed for innovative teaching strategies that characterize the National College of Education today. Dedicated Friend In addition to the deep respect Tafel’s colleagues expressed for this hero of NLU, they also shared their deep affection.
She was known to many not only as a mentor, but as a friend. She took a disarming, relational approach to teaching and leadership. It didn’t matter if you were a student or a fellow faculty member — she went out of her way and took the time to connect on a personal level. She had a “dedication to everybody,” expressed Buckman. Widely Influential Not surprising for a woman known for her deep relationships, Tafel was widely well regarded in the educational leadership community. Whether attending an education conference or visiting local school districts, “…many teachers ran up to her so excited to see her. The same thing happened in whatever district she visited,” Monson-Lasswell recalled. In the world of education, it seems Tafel was something of a minor celebrity. Linda Tafel spent so much of her life deeply immersed in the life of education pioneers like Elizabeth Harrison that she became a heroine of higher education herself. Buckman summarized it best when wrapping up his thoughts about Tafel: “Did Linda have any bad traits? I guess, since she was human — but I can’t think of any.” “The world is a better place because Linda Tafel was here. They don’t make too many Linda Tafels.” DAN BUCKMAN, Ed.D. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, NCE
Linda Tafel, first row, center, poses with faculty members from the National College of Education.
Linda Tafel speaking to a crowd in Evanston, Ill.
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National Louis University VIEW | Spring 2017
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