Career Center

Job Title: Middle School Division Head

Classification: Full-Time Exempt

Grade Level or Admin Status: Middle School

Direct Supervisor: Head of School

Minimum Educational Requirement: Master’s Degree

Minimum Work Experience Requirement: Administrative experience in an academic setting

Job Overview

The Middle School Head is the key academic and administrative position in the school and ensures that the Middle School’s academic program and activities reflect the school’s mission. 

This position is responsible for fulfilling the requirements of the school accreditation and licensing agency, including the guidelines of the French Ministry of Education and the CAIS/WASC (California Association of Independent Schools/Western Association of Schools and Colleges). This senior administrator is responsible for all the operations of the Middle School, and is assisted by the Middle School Dean of Students and the Middle School Counselor. 

The Middle School Head oversees the academic department and the Middle School faculty, and ensures the optimum implementation and harmonization of the curricula and the methods in the Middle School. The person in this role  works in consultation with the Head of School and the Assistant Head regarding all major decisions in the Middle School. 

Essential Functions

 Supports effective and professional communication among school constituencies 

• Clarifies expectations
• Organizes events such as Back-to-School Night and parent-teacher conferences
• Oversees progress reports
• Organizes faculty meetings

Leads and Supports Middle School Faculty and Staff 

• Supports and communicates school pedagogical values, practices, and professional standards
• Provides faculty with information regarding professional development opportunities
• Encourages faculty members to pursue professional development, as needed
• Organizes in-house presentations and workshops for faculty to promote discussion.
• Assists and supports the Head of School with hiring faculty and staff for the Middle School division
• Oversees the performance of Middle School teachers, according to the standards and timetable outlined in the Faculty Handbook.
• Supervises and evaluates the Administrative Assistant, the School Counselor, the Curriculum Coordinators, the Librarian, and all other academic support specialists at the Middle School.

Supports students’ progress 

• Meets with teachers and parents regarding student’s academic progress
• Works closely with the Head of Primary and the Counselor to facilitate the transition from 5th to 6th grade
• Ensures smooth academic transition between grades in G6-G8
• Oversees the development of Individualized Academic Support Plans for Middle School students, communicates to families, and implements plans
• Organizes Middle School remediation resources to support students
• Establishes and participates in community service activities
• Works closely with the Counselor for Character Development Program, and students of concern
• Works with the advisors concerning students academic needs, monitors their progress, facilitates discussions of students’ progress during meetings, and Conseils de Classe
• Follows up on remediation plans for students experiencing difficulties
• Coordinates and oversees the citizenship projects during the year, with teachers and counselor
• Oversees the student council

Supports effective student discipline 

• Clarifies student behavior and academic expectations
• Supports teachers, as necessary, with all student discipline
• Meets with students, when requested by a teacher or parent, to address academic or behavioral difficulties
• Ensures parental support of student discipline issues, as necessary

Ensures effectiveness of French and English academic programs 

• Oversees periodic review of the both curricula 
• Ensures the integration and harmonization of curriculum between English and French programs
• Oversees the appropriate implementation of both French and American standardized evaluations 

Ensures smooth Middle School operations 

• Oversees the assignment of students to their classes
• Designs class, teachers, and supervision schedules
• Oversees all aspects of day and overnight field trips
• Approves instructional materials and instructional expenses within budget limit

• Assists in developing and editing communication material in French and English, and with producing articles for the school’s Weekly Update as necessary 

• Ensures collection of accurate attendance, health and academic records
• Co-ordinates the substitute teacher process
• Supervises the integrity of the school database and coordinates with other departments
• Organizes the graduation arrangements
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Head of School

Work Environment

This position functions indoors, in an office setting at times with much movement throughout the day in the completion of the various tasks this job requires, including potential off campus events. There is a lot of interaction with children and staff throughout the day.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time, exempt position.  Hours are:  Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm.  Extended hours may be necessary as needed to cover staffing needs. Work may include occasional evening and weekend events, when necessary.

Required Qualifications

• Teaching Credential
• Strong leadership experience
• Previous academic administrative experience 
• Ability to successfully lead and navigate sensitive matters while maintaining confidentiality
• Comfortable working with diverse faculty, student, and parent populations
• Excellent interpersonal skills, and an ability to build trust and maintain positive relationships with others
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills
• Self-motivated, flexible, and able to work as part of a team
• Detailed-oriented with strong prioritization and time management skills
• High level of organization, with the ability to multitask
• Adaptable problem-solver
• Innovative and creative way of thinking

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree preferred
• Knowledge of French language and culture a plus

This job description is not necessarily a comprehensive definition of the post. It may be subject to modification or amendment at any time. 

Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any protected class prohibited by law.