Assistant Head of Lower School
Assistant Head of Lower School Job Description
Reports to: Head of Lower School
Position:
The Assistant Head of Lower School is a vital member of the Lower School leadership team, working closely with the Head of Lower School to foster an exceptional educational experience for students in preschool through fourth grade. This individual will play a key role in supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional development, collaborating with faculty, interacting with parents, and contributing to the overall vibrancy and success of the Lower School. The Assistant Head supports day-to-day operations, curriculum development, faculty and student well-being, embodying the school’s mission and values. This position requires strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills, along with a deep understanding of early childhood and elementary education and child development.
Key Responsibilities
1. Academic and Program Leadership
- Curriculum Support: Collaborate with the Head of Lower School and the Director of Curriculum to review and implement curriculum, ensuring it aligns with the school’s mission and educational philosophy.
- Teacher Development: Assist in the professional growth of the faculty by conducting classroom observations, providing constructive feedback, and helping to identify professional development opportunities.
- Scheduling: Work with the Head of Lower School to create and manage the daily master schedule, focusing on the efficient use of time, resources, and best practices
- Collaborating: Partner with the Assistant Heads of Middle and Upper School to ensure alignment across divisions, promoting consistent curriculum, clear communication, and a cohesive preschool–12 student experience.
2. Student and Community Relations
- Student Support: Assist in supporting students’ social, emotional, and academic needs.
- Student Discipline: Assist with student discipline, reinforcing positive behaviors and implementing consistent behavioral expectations.
- Family Communication: Act as a point of contact for parents regarding student progress, school policies, and divisional activities.
3. Administrative and Operations Management
- Budgeting: Assist in managing the divisional budget, tracking expenditures, and making recommendations for resource allocation.
- Hiring: Participate in the recruitment, interviewing, and hiring of new faculty members.
- Logistics: Assist with the daily operational flow of the lower school, including arrival, dismissal, and lunch in accordance with best practices
Qualifications
- A degree in education, preferably at the early childhood or elementary school level
- A minimum of 3-5 years of classroom teaching experience, preferably at the early childhood or elementary school level
- Proven leadership or administrative experience in an educational environment
- Experience resolving conflicts between students by using restorative justice
- Strong interpersonal, communication (written and verbal), and organizational skills
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and to demonstrate flexibility, discretion, and ethics through a collaborative leadership style