Career Center

Catlin Gabel School, a nationally-recognized, progressive independent PS-12 day school, seeks a new Head of its Beginning and Lower School (PS-5). The Beginning & Lower School at Catlin Gabel is an inspiring learning community of 270 students in preschool through fifth grade, with 45 teachers and staff that engage children in a progressive, child-centered program. The Head of Beginning & Lower School is responsible for fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment based on progressive education principles of inquiry, experience, serving the whole student, and educating for democracy. Catlin Gabel focuses on providing every student with a top-tier academic education, and lessons in character and integrity that they carry with them throughout their lives.

In order to be considered for this position you will need to provide the following materials to the link below:

https://airtable.com/shrvq8ZgXoJQYXyT0

A cover letter indicating the candidate’s particular interest in and qualifications for the position.

• A current résumé/CV
• A statement of educational philosophy
• The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references, including at least one recent supervisor. References should speak to the applicant’s ability to be an effective educator and administrator, to work successfully with children, and to work collaboratively and collegially with adults (references will be contacted only with the candidate’s permission).

Please address any questions by email to jobs@strategenius.org

or by phone at 415-881-7105.

Review of applications begins immediately, and position is open until filled. Position has a tentative start date of July 2023.

Reporting to the Assistant Head of School, the Head of Beginning & Lower School is an experienced, empathetic and progressive educator responsible for leading and inspiring the Beginning & Lower School community of teachers and students. This is a senior administrator position, working closely with the Head of School, Assistant Head of School, and other division heads and administrators to implement Catlin Gabel’s strategic plan and educational programs. The combination of the Beginning and Lower School is still a transition in progress and there is an opportunity to clarify the pedagogy of the combined school. What will not change, however, is that Beginning & Lower School honors childhood, giving students the time and space to be young while providing the framework for them to develop confidence in who they are, inspiring them to be curious and thoughtful learners.

The Head of Beginning & Lower School will partner with the Head of School, Assistant Head of School, and the senior administrative team to continue to support and grow a strong and consistent division as it moves into the future as one school.
The Head of Beginning & Lower School will champion the following objectives as they lay a foundation of growth for the division.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

The Head of Beginning & Lower School will be a community builder, strategic partner, and thought leader who will help strengthen and advance Catlin Gabel’s vision and strategic plan for the Beginning & Lower School. By working in close partnership with key constituencies, the Head will prioritize the following:

• In emerging from the “pandemic era,” guide the renewal and reestablishment of the community by building trust and cohesion.
• Strengthen and advance the curriculum in partnership with the faculty.
• Build relationships with sensitivity and cultural competence in an open and inclusive manner.
• Articulate and affirm the school’s roots in progressive education so that families, faculty, and students all understand the mission and goals in Beginning & Lower School.
• Advocate for all full and part time teachers and staff, bolster and grow the Beginning & Lower School community, and build opportunities for professional growth.
• Continue to ensure the integrity of the diversity, equity, and inclusion work that upholds Beginning & Lower School as a safe, supportive, and inclusive community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Support teaching and learning aligned with the tenets of progressive education including educating for democracy, attending to the whole child, and experiential, inquiry-based learning
• Oversee the development, alignment, and evaluation of curriculum in collaboration with the instructional leadership team of the school
• Oversee assessment and reporting practices
• Identify curricular, pedagogical, and professional learning needs and develop paths toward improvement
• Hire faculty, supervise and coordinate faculty duties in and out of the classroom
  Direct the professional learning and evaluation programs for all Beginning & Lower School faculty and staff
• Partner with the Director of Equity and Inclusion and faculty to promote an inclusive, culturally responsive curriculum, community, and culture in the Beginning & Lower School
• Foster strong relationships and open communication with parents and guardians through regular meetings with families, Parent Faculty Association groups, and written information and presentations
• Oversee the development of the Beginning & Lower School schedule and allocation of learning, social, and play spaces
• Foster the development of an inclusive, healthy school culture
• Prepare and manage the divisional budget; participate in and contribute to all-school budget discussions and decisions

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY

• Direct and supervise safety policies and practices for Beginning & Lower School students, faculty, and staff
• Work with the Director of Enrollment Management, faculty, and prospective families to ensure a diverse student body in the Beginning & Lower School
• Partner with Division Heads and the Enrollment Management team to ensure effective student transitions, retention, and placement
• Share responsibility with other Division Heads for faculty evaluation, curriculum, and school programs, on and off campus, during and outside the school day
• Supervise the Director of Before and After School Programs
• Supervise or coordinate other educational or personnel matters delegated by the Assistant Head of School or Head of School

OTHER DUTIES

• Actively support the school through participation in the variety of activities that make the Catlin Gabel School a vibrant community
  Ability to work as a team member to problem solve, compromise, and collaborate, bringing flexibility and the ability to give and take direction, when necessary
• Effective meeting facilitation skills, including providing a clear agenda and process, monitoring interpersonal interactions, and providing a clear decision-making process (consultancy, consensus, etc.) that fosters collaboration and productivity
• Understanding of instructional coaching and ability to take a coaching stance while supporting teachers
• Understanding of PS-5th grade curriculum and pedagogy
• Understanding of processes to create curricular integration and alignment.
• Ability to manage faculty and staff evaluation processes
• Ability to manage effective, equitable hiring processes
• Ability to create and maintain positive and supportive relationships with faculty colleagues and administration
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, interpersonal abilities, positive attitude, and patience
• Ability to work independently, prioritize and manage multiple projects, solve problems, make decisions, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
• Proficient in technology to enhance instruction and communication, including but not limited to, Google and Microsoft applications
  
  

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directly responsible for supervision of the Beginning & Lower School Assistant Heads, Beginning & Lower School Counselor, Learning Specialist, Director of Before and After School Programs, and all Beginning & Lower School faculty and staff.
• Participate in ongoing professional learning and training to support Catlin Gabel’s mission
• Other duties as directed by the Head and Assistant Head of School
  
  

COMPETENCIES

• Cultural competency, a respect for and understanding of diverse cultures and experiences
• Ability to create and maintain positive, supportive, and trusting relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds and positions
• Ability to listen deeply, recognize individual and community needs, and navigate challenging conversations about sensitive issues

More information on the role can also be found here:

https://www.strategenius.org/opportunity-catlin-gabel-head-of-beginning-lower-school

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
• At least seven years of experience in a school environment
• At least two years of supervisory/management experience
• Experience with progressive education and experience as a teacher and administrator in grades PS–5 is desirable
• Experience in navigating challenging conversations about sensitive issues

About Catlin Gabel School

Catlin Gabel School is a coeducational, independent day school located on 54 acres in the West Hills neighborhood of Portland, Oregon formed in 1957 by the merger of the Catlin Hillside School, which had been founded as Miss Catlin’s School in 1911, and the Gabel Country Day School, whose roots extend to 1859 with the founding of The Portland Academy. The campus itself is a former farm with beautiful trees, fields, and plantings that has been modernized and upgraded over the years with new and renovated buildings that blend in with the natural surroundings. We offer a broad and challenging curriculum based on a progressive philosophy with small classes designed to educate the total person, incorporating the academic along with the arts, physical education, and a strong sense of community service. The school enrolls nearly 740 students in Pre-Kindergarten through twelfth grade and has 100 faculty members committed to diversity among students, faculty and staff. Catlin Gabel is an equal opportunity employer.

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