| Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School (HIES) is conducting a search for its next Primary School Principal. Reporting to the Associate Head of School, the Principal supervises approximately 27 faculty and staff members, and 130 students and works with administrators, parents and students to achieve the goals of the division and the school overall. HIES seeks candidates with proven experience in a leadership position within the church and/or independent school communities and a successful track record working with a wide range of people and groups. The new Principal will earn the respect and support of faculty, administrators and parents by demonstrating superior collaboration and mediation skills, showing outstanding interpersonal and communication abilities and demonstrating enthusiasm for the academic community. A Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership or other education related field is preferred and at least five or more years of experience working in administration or teaching early learners is required. HIES is the largest Episcopal parish day school in the country, serving more than 1,350 students in PK3 through 12th grade. HIES offers an educational program encompassing academics, arts, athletics and spiritual formation. Through opportunities to grow intellectually, spiritually, physically and emotionally, students develop their individual worth and dignity. The challenging academic program prepares students for higher education and emphasizes learning as a pathway toward ethical leadership and a commitment to the common good. The school provides a welcoming and supportive environment, embraces the differences inherent in a diverse community and embodies the inclusive Episcopal tradition of respect for the beliefs of others. HIES is an active community of faith engaged in local, national and international service to others. Founded in 1959 by the parishioners of Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church, Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School began as a small, parish preschool in 1959 and grew steadily, adding elementary grade levels, a middle school, and eventually an upper school in 1991. The school’s first senior class graduated in 1995. Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School is accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and maintains memberships in the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES), Georgia Independent Schools Association (GISA), and Council for Spiritual and Ethical Education (CSEE). HIES is proud of its commitment to serving a broad range of learners. Its support programs for students who learn differently are well regarded, complementing the division’s excellent reputation for encouraging social-emotional, spiritual and character development in its students. The Primary School Principal will understand the range of students the school serves, examine current practices for differentiation, and determine paths and programs for the future that serve students along the full continuum that the school comprises. The Primary School offers an academically focused, age-appropriate early-childhood program. Beginning with 3-year-olds and progressing through the pre-kindergarten and kindergarten years, students have the opportunity to learn and grow in an environment of love and support, with an emphasis on personal responsibility and service to others. Our curriculum, based upon our Episcopal identity and built around the Round Square Discovery Framework, offers a strong academic challenge at all Primary School levels, while never losing sight of the fact that children learn best when they know they are in a place where they are known, where they are safe and where they are loved. While each grade holds its own, unique properties, all are based on these core beliefs: - That you don’t have to be an adult to be a teacher;
- That every child is a gift from God, and that each has his or her own voice to add to our conversation;
- That children learn best when they are given the opportunity to play, explore, create, imagine, hypothesize, guess, serve and get dirty every day;
- That recess is an essential part of the school day, and that play is the work of children;
- That faith remains a visible thread through the fabric of everything that we do;
- That service to others is essential, and that one is never too young to learn to give of themselves;
- That all human beings, children and adults alike, should be treated with respect and kindness.
HIES is committed to creating a school community that reflects and promotes diversity, equity and inclusivity (DEI). The Primary School Principal will take a leadership role in the school’s efforts around DEI, articulating clearly the importance of these initiatives, working with admissions on efforts to recruit students from diverse backgrounds, and hiring and retaining a faculty that reflects the diversity of the community HIES serves. The Principal supports the HIES mission by managing the policies, regulations and procedures for the Primary School. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Support the school’s mission by fostering a love of learning, respect for self and others, a faith in God, and a sense of service to the world community. Promote high standards and expectations for all students and staff in regard to academic performance and responsible behavior. Manage, evaluate, and supervise effective and clear procedures for the operation and functioning of the school, consistent with our philosophy, mission, values and goals. This includes instructional programs, extracurricular activities, discipline systems to ensure a safe and orderly climate, building maintenance, program evaluation, personnel management, office operations, and emergency procedures. Establish the annual master schedule for high-quality instructional programs, ensuring sequential learning experiences for students consistent with the school’s philosophy, mission and instructional goals. In concert with PK3-12 Academic Directors, supervise the instructional programs of the school, evaluating lesson plans and observing classes on a regular basis to encourage the use of a variety of instructional strategies and materials consistent with research on education and child growth and development. Establish procedures for evaluation and selection of instructional materials and equipment. Supervise effective discipline and attendance systems with high standards in a fair and consistent manner, consistent with the philosophy, values and mission of the school. Ensure a safe, orderly environment that encourages students to take responsibility for behavior and creates high morale among staff and students. Foster strong enrollment by working closely with Enrollment Management staff and serving as an ambassador for the Lower School with prospective families. Establish a respectful, professional rapport with students and staff. Oversee and manage budgets in accordance with established school procurement policies. Ensure compliance with all state and federal laws, board policies and civil regulations. |