| Overview The Director of Experiential Learning leads the development of experiential education at St. Mark’s in line with the school’s mission, creating space for our students’ curiosity and exploration of their “place in the larger world beyond our campus.” The incoming Director assumes this role at an exciting moment in the growth of Experiential Learning at St. Mark’s. Following the consolidation of programming under a new leadership structure in the summer of 2019, the present Director and Assistant Director have developed a consistent approach to the important skills and habits of mind cultivated in our experientialofferings. ThenextDirectorwillsustainthisproject,ensuringthatourexperientialofferingsfunctionasavital and cohesive component of our holistic educational program. At the core of this educational focus, St. Mark’s holds a number of important aspirations for our students: to think critically and creatively to discover and make meaning; to communicate skillfully in a variety of modes; to collaborate effectively, demonstrating openness to diverse perspectives and new ideas; and to cultivate knowledge of self, including healthy habits of mind, body, and spirit. As a visionary academic leader, the Director will bring expertise in curriculum design and instruction both inside and outside of the classroom, a commitment to student-centered learning, and a passion for pedagogical innovation. Experience in instructional coaching and mentorship will enable the incoming Director to uphold the school’s dedication to the professional growth of the faculty, deepening our colleagues’ capacity for and confidence in leading experiential learning. The Director should demonstrate strong interpersonal, organizational, and communications skills with students, families, colleagues, and community partners. Finally, the Director must be an advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, and support St. Mark’s commitment to becoming an anti-racist school. Supervision and Partnerships In the capacity of oversight for academic programming offerings, the Director of Experiential Learning reports to the Dean of Academics. Collaboration with the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning, Community and Equity, Wellness, and Global Citizenship allows the Director to integrate experiential learning within the St. Mark’s holistic educational model. Through partnership with the Advancement office, the Director engages our alumni and parent communities. Specific Responsibilities - Oversees the work of all who are charged with developing and leading experiential programming. Meets regularly with the group of Lion Term Form Leaders and St. Mark’s Saturday Core Leaders. Collaborates with the Assistant Director of Experiential Learning to guide the development and implementation of programming. The Assistant Director provides direct, daily oversight of the logistical elements including course enrollments, transportation, and budget requests for course supplies.
- Partners with the Assistant Head/Dean of Faculty and the Dean of Academics to solicit the input of program leadership and the broader faculty on the future direction of programming.
- Contributes to the broader academic and strategic work of the school as a member of the Academic Council and the Strategic Planning Implementation Team.
- Partners with the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning to support student learning opportunities beyond our campus, including internship and grant programs.
- Supports the professional growth of the faculty by identifying opportunities for professional learning, conducting observations and coaching through classroom and site visits, and facilitating on-campus professional development.
- Communicates regularly with students, faculty, staff, families, and trustees. Nurtures and sustains relationships with external constituencies and community partners.
- Collaborates with the Assistant Head/Dean of Faculty to develop appropriate staffing models for experiential programming, and with the Dean of Students’ office to plan for campus coverage.
The Director of Experiential Learning is active as a faculty member outside of the program, teaching two Monday - Friday course sections in each semester, two seasons of St. Mark’s Saturdays (in a teaching and/or leadership capacity), fulfilling residential life responsibilities as a part of a House Duty Team, and coaching one season of athletics (or the equivalent) |