| SUMMARY Far Brook School, an independent, coeducational day school located in Short Hills, New Jersey, seeks a progressive and passionate Director of the Lower School. The Director of the Lower School will oversee the day-to-day operations of the division (Nursery-Grade 3), work closely with the Head of School, Director of the Upper School, and the other Directors that make up the Senior Leadership Team. Start Date: July 1, 2019 SCHOOL OVERVIEW Far Brook School currently serves 222 students in Grades N-8 and represents a variety of economic, racial, and religious backgrounds. 21% of our students receive tuition assistance. This ensures the intellectual diversity and artistic creativity so valued by the school community. Students of color make up 45% of the student body. Far Brook’s progressive approach provides a unique combination of theme-based, experiential learning intrinsically connected with high academic standards and an emphasis on integrating the arts. Our richly diverse student body is encouraged to voice their ideas. Intelligence and creativity are honored. Students acquire problem-solving skills through insightful questioning, experimentation, and hands-on experience. They learn that success is often found through collaboration, honoring differing perspectives and opinions, and risk-taking. We emphasize the importance of leadership, responsibility, and respect for others. These lessons are fundamental to the development of confidence and character as students prepare to contribute to the world beyond their years at Far Brook. Guiding this creative journey, our outstanding and highly credentialed faculty value curiosity and inspire questioning and academic discussion. The Lower School, comprised of just over 100 students in Nursery 3s through Third Grade, is made up of one class per grade. Students explore the world around them in a joyful, child-centered curriculum that balances opportunities for indoor and outdoor learning; active and quiet play; and time for reflection, experimentation, and involvement in the learning process. Faculty and Administration at Far Brook are passionate about what they do and love children. The Far Brook campus, set on 9 ½ wooded acres, encompasses playing fields, playgrounds, and a wetlands habitat. Red clapboard, light-filled buildings house classrooms which open directly to the outdoors, enabling the students to experience the natural world in all seasons and weather. The Lower School recently went through a major renovation and in 2016, after a significant capital campaign, the School opened a state-of-the-art Science and Environmental Center and Music and Arts building. RESPONSIBILITIES In addition to other responsibilities assigned by the Head of School, The Director of the Lower School will: - Serve as a member of the school’s Senior Leadership Team
- Hire and supervise Lower School faculty
- Provide feedback and support for Lower School faculty in an effort to improve instruction, growth and renewal, and create the best possible learning environment and educational experience for students
- Work collaboratively with teachers and parents regarding student progress and growth
- Participate in the orientation and professional development of new and continuing teachers
- Lead curriculum design and centralize scope and sequence
- Work with the Admissions Team as an ambassador of the school who can demonstrate the school’s value proposition to prospective and current families
- Maintain the division’s budget and partner with the Business Office and Head of School on financial decisions
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