Director of Lower School

DIRECTOR OF LOWER SCHOOLReporting Relationship:The Lower School Director reports directly to the Head of School.Position Objectives:As a vital member of the senior administrative team, the Director of the Lower School will provide excellence in the area of overall management for the Preschool and Elementary Grades K-4 – for the staff, development of program, coordination of activities, leadership of the student body, and communication and coordination with parents and students in order to provide the highest quality educational experience possible in the Lower School. The Director will provide leadership in planning for future growth and enhancement in the areas of program, faculty development, and student growth.Essential Duties/ResponsibilitiesGeneral1.      Acts as the educational leader for the Lower School (early childhood and elementary (K-4) programs) and for the implementation of policies established by the Board of Trustees.2.      Maintains congruency between the school’s Board-approved mission statement and all activities of that division.3.      Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the School’s policies and applicable laws. 4.      Serves as an integral part of the school’s administrative team in the decision making process.5.      Coordinates the day-to-day operations of the Lower School including personnel (faculty and staff), programs, and schedules. 6.      Observes, supervises, and evaluates the faculty in the implementation of curriculum; supervises the teaching process, reviews and evaluates the academic program, and helps coordinate professional development programs (e.g., effective teaching strategies through Marzano, Responsive Classroom, etc.).7.      Functions as the chief articulator of the Lower School programs, expectations, behavioral guidelines, and other information necessary to ensure that all constituencies are full informed consistent with their individual roles.8.      Oversees and directs the LS after-school program.9.      Oversees various school events including Field Day, Read Across America Day, LS Author Visit, LS STEM Fair, and Kindergarten graduation.10.   Supports a positive learning environment in which learning can take place in a school climate which is nurturing and reflects equity and belonging.11.   Helps establish programs for the orientation of new teachers and for the evaluation of all classroom teachers to ensure that teachers are familiar with and adhere to school policies in all areas of the school operation.12.   Supports the educational, physical, and social-emotional needs of the members of the lower school community and develops plans for meeting these needs.13.   Ensures compliance with legal requirements of government regulations and agencies; works with the Head of School to maintain the educational standards established by the State of California and by those agencies that examine and accredit the school (CAIS and WASC).14.   Makes recommendation to the HOS regarding the hiring, retention, and assignment of faculty based on clear and documented criteria.15.   Is a visible and constant presence in all areas of the lower school; works towards a resolution of all problems – both routine and unique – as they arise.16.   Keeps the HOS informed of the general programs, activities, problems of the lower school as well as parent concerns.17.   Works with the Pedagogy Team to establish programs for new teacher induction and for the evaluation of all classroom teachers to ensure that teachers are familiar with and adhere to school policies in all areas of the school operation.18.   Prepares a master class schedule and assigns teachers and students to classes and other obligations.19.   Strives for unity, harmony, and cooperation through tact, helpfulness, respect, and a recognition of individual differences and the special abilities and strengths of each teacher.20.   Conducts regular meetings with faculty which deal with routine school matters, decision-making, and collaboration on fulfilling instructional goals.21.   Participates in the development of the school’s self-study document for accreditation.22.   Provides supervision and direction to the Lower School Office Assistant and maintains oversight of tasks and performance.23.   Supports the school and its leadership.Establishing a Positive School Culture1.      Develops and maintains positive staff morale. 2.      Fosters collegial relationships with and among teachers and staff and shares decision-making.3.      Communicates high expectations for both staff and students and provides appropriate recognition and motivation.4.      Implements a behavior response plan that is fair and equitable and promotes positive and productive student learning.5.      Protects instructional time by minimizing interruptions to the instructional process and teacher paperwork.6.      Coordinates student and teacher schedules to promote central objectives and minimize conflict and promote optimal learning.Educational Program and Faculty Guidance1.      Oversees the coordination of the LS co-curricular and extra-curricular activity programs of the school; to assist in the planning and the presentation of regular and special school assemblies and programs; to assist in maintaining a comprehensive calendar of school events.2.      Works with faculty to integrate technology, art, garden, culinary arts, and design thinking into the academic program.3.      Oversees the LS STEM Fair program, working with faculty to meet the learning goals.4.      Follows up with teachers on field trip scheduling and implementation of procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook.5.      Knows school curriculum; is familiar with California framework; is familiar with guidelines for independent schools, national standards, and latest research findings; ensures teaching of the curriculum; and helps staff use curriculum resources.6.      Participates in curriculum review as chair or member of Curriculum and Assessment Committee to ensure alignment with standards.7.      Reviews teachers’ lesson plans and yearly pacing guides.8.      Regularly visits the classrooms (daily basis) for informal observations, faculty check-ins, and student connection.9.      Monitors and documents personnel performance and conducts personnel evaluations according to the Employee Handbook.10.   Writes objective, descriptive and insightful evaluation reports along with reviewing goals with faculty.Student Assessment and Monitoring1.      Oversees the process of generating and reviewing various student assessment reports including progress reports, report cards, STAR reports and CTPV data to identify strengths and weaknesses in student performance.2.      Works with the faculty to identify student learning issues and develop plans for intervention.3.      Works with LS Student Support Coordinator to develop education plans for students with learning needs and for 504 plans and to follow up with specific students and their progress.4.      Works with faculty to use appropriate, effective, and frequent tools for regular assessment of student progress.5.      Reviews report cards for errors, appropriate and useful comments, and student performance. Students1.      Manages the behavior response plan by counseling students and communicating with parents regarding student behavior. 2.      Works closely with School Counselor to provide further guidance to students.3.      Responds to student concerns.4.      Serves as the New Horizon Navigator Advisor.5.      Writes and/or revises Student/Parent Handbook with feedback from faculty and staff.Parents1.      Creates an open and welcoming atmosphere for parents to share their concerns and addresses such concerns in a timely and appropriate manner.2.      Responds to parent concerns with timely follow-up.3.      Conducts various parent meetings such as grade level meetings and the new parent orientation meetings.4.      Prepares information for the school’s Weekly to keep parents updated on lower school matters.5.      Conducts information meetings for parents (e.g., parent socials, 4th grade trip, etc.).Facilities Management1.      Establishes and maintains rules and procedures for student and staff safety.2.      Communicates with Facility Manager on any issues related to the physical environment of the middle school campus in terms of aesthetics, functionality, and/or safety. 3.      Works with MS Office Assistant to monitor office and school equipment maintenance.4.      Works with Facility Manager and LS Office Assistant to ensure timely repair of school facilities and equipment.5.      Participates in the Emergency Operations Team (EOT) to plan for crises and emergencies.Other1.      Assists in the admission process for the testing, interviewing, and evaluating of new applicants.2.      Serves as the liaison to the Pasadena Unified School District to access funds available through various state and federal educational funding programs.3.      Coordinates with the HOS and Finance Manager for the utilization of funds for Lower School needs. Qualifications[Some qualifications you may want to include are Skills, Education, Experience, or Certifications.]Example: Excellent verbal and written communication skills