Essential roles and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Curriculum and Instruction

• Develop, update, and evaluate curriculum in all general studies subject areas.
• Develop programs to meet academic needs of students, including enrichment, remediation, etc.
• Promote integration of technology into all areas of the curriculum.
• Provide instruction and professional development opportunities for all faculty in the most current pedagogy and teaching practices.
• Lead Ad Hoc committees as directed by the Head of School.

Teachers

• Regular observation of, and interaction with, the teaching staff.
• Set goals and standards for teachers to include evaluation of all general studies teachers.
• Search, initial interview, observe, and make recommendations on hiring of general studies teachers and specialists.
• Plan, develop and conduct in-service training sessions, and promote professional development opportunities for teachers’ lifelong learning.
• Recognition of staff efforts and accomplishments.
• Direct faculty committees in developing curriculum and program.
• Working with the Director of Hebrew and Judaic Studies, promote cooperative activity between general and Judaic studies teachers.
• Promote professional learning communities with faculty members.
• Collaborate with Administrative Dean to provide professional development and supervision for teaching assistants.
• Monitor and review teacher communications.
• Convene regular Lower School faculty meetings.

Administration

• Oversee development of class schedules, including specialists; delegate to teacher committee and/or Administrative Dean.
• Oversee, through the PE faculty, lunch and recess to ensure effectiveness of procedures in promoting productive play and a positive and safe environment.
• Direct procedures for monitoring attendance, overseeing textbook and supply purchases, etc. Delegate as appropriate to Administrative Dean and/or office staff.
• Working with the Director of Finance and Operations, monitor budget for textbooks, school supplies, and Lower School expenses.
• Serve on the Admission Committee and work with the Admission Office as needed: testing, meeting with prospective parents and students, participating in school tours and evaluating overall student needs and classroom placement.
• Solicit teacher input on class placement for returning students.
• Coordinate and oversee the review of all Lower School report cards prior to issue.
• Establish and maintain the Lower School calendar in accordance with the school-wide calendar.
• Supervise the Lower School’s administrative assistant.
• Work collaboratively with all members of the administrative team to further the mission of the School.

Students

• Continue to promote Responsive Classroom practices to ensure the social and emotional health of our students.
• Promote positive and effective means of guiding behavior; promote reasonably uniform standards and procedures that are aligned with the School’s mission. Monitor appropriate disciplinary procedures.
• Coordinate special needs issues with the Director of Student Services, school counselors, teachers, parents, and outside therapists.
• Monitor the academic progress of all students and communicate any significant changes to teachers, Director of Student Services, school counselors and parents.

Communication

• Communicate proactively to teachers and parents.
• Respond effectively to parental inquiries; promote communication between teachers and parents; trouble-shoot and problem-solve.
• Develop and oversee parent education programs.
• Participate in providing information and articles for newsletters.
• Prepare presentations as needed to the Parent Association.

Miscellaneous

• Other responsibilities as assigned by Head of School.

Qualifications and Desired Qualities:

• Prior classroom teaching experience required.
• Prior school administration experience required. Lower School division director experience preferred. Master’s degree preferred.
• Love of children.
• Strong oral and written communications and executive functioning skills.
• Experience in mentoring, coaching, and supervision of a diverse group of teachers from novice to veteran.
• Collaborative, collegial and innovative professional.
• Commitment to lifelong learning; dedicated to best practices in teaching and learning.
• Openness to new programs and a strong integration of the curriculum both general studies and Judaic.
• Ability to manage people and programs, working effectively both independently and as a member of a team.
• Enthusiastic and energetic.
• Knowledge and interest in the Jewish community and commitment to Sinai Akiba’s mission.