Career Center

University School seeks a highly collaborative, dynamic, and committed educator to serve as the Director of Lower School beginning in July 2022.  The Director of Lower School is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Junior Kindergarten through grade 4 Lower School Division.  The Director of Lower School will work closely with the Director of Middle School (5-8), Director of Upper School (9-12), and Associate Head of School, and will report to the Head of School and serve on the Leadership Team.

• Create a genuine connection with students, parents, teachers, and administration to maintain a sense of community in the Lower School and throughout the School.
• Provide a warm, safe, and nurturing environment that celebrates boys and their development as learners and individuals.
  • Foster a school environment in which our youngest learners feel learning is both challenging and accessible through the support of the teachers and staff.
  • Create an environment that cultivates and strengthens a lifelong relationship with the school.
• Hire, supervise, and manage all Lower School teachers.
  • Meet with Team Leads daily as situations require and hold monthly group meetings.
  • Engage faculty with best practices to support appropriate child development and learning.
  • Work closely with experienced educators to support and encourage their continued success and celebrate their accomplishments.
  • Oversee the professional development of all Lower School faculty, ensuring all teachers have opportunities to improve and grow.
• Work closely with the Lower School Dean of Students.
  • With the Lower School Dean of Students, devise and implement student policies (including discipline, conflict resolution, dress code, etc.).
  • Support the Lower School Dean of Students in implementing restorative practices as part of school discipline and conflict resolution procedures.
  • Conference with parents as needed regarding academic and social progress of students.
  • Partner with the Director of Middle School in coordination with the School Nurse, Learning Services Department, and Shaker Campus operational and support services.

• As part of the Directors Academic Group (DAG):
  • Establish and lead curricular development and review for the Lower School.
  • Coordinate curricular initiatives in the Lower School as part of the overall all Jr. K-12 curricular plans.
  • Serve as the voice of the Lower School for school-wide curricular discussions.
  • Coordinate student transition from grade 4 to grade 5 with the Director of Middle School.

• Coordinate Junior Kindergarten to grade 4 teaching schedules and divisional daily schedules; work with administrative team to coordinate school calendar of events.
• Work with members of the Student Services Department to implement and carry out programming for students with learning issues and advanced learning abilities, as well as programs to further develop the social emotional health of all students.

• Foster and develop relationships with other independent schools’ Director of Lower School.
• Oversee Lower School budget.
• Serve as a member of the Administrative Team and collaborate with other areas of the school including the offices of Advancement, Admission, Business Office, etc.

• Hold an advanced degree and a demonstrated history of collaboration and leadership.
  

• A minimum of five (5) years of teaching experience with lower school students, ideally in an independent school environment with a record of initiative there.
  

• The candidate must be a skilled communicator, both in writing and public speaking, and be able to address a wide range of audiences include lower school students all the way up to teachers, parents, alums, and trustees.
• The candidate will be an attentive and supportive listener, skilled mediator, and decisive decision maker when working with faculty and parents.  Prior supervision experience preferred.
• Be a champion of the Division in Admissions and the broader community.
• Excellent interpersonal skills as well as depth of experience teaching and leading a range of lower school grades and supervising and supporting elementary faculty.
  

• Appreciate theme-centered and integrated learning with social studies as the core of the integrated curriculum, informed by child development, global awareness, and hands-on experience.
  

• Exhibit a growth mindset and an understanding of the relationship between developmental readiness and academic and social growth, as well as be an approachable and trusted educator with a deep appreciation for children’s education.
  

• Be a role model for humanity and humility, for character and empathy.