Career Center

McLean School (mcleanschool.org) in Potomac, Maryland announces a search for an Assistant Head of Middle School.

The School

Changing the lives of students and families, McLean School is Washington, D.C.’s most comprehensive and academically rigorous full-scope college preparatory program for bright, college bound students, including those with dyslexia, anxiety, ADHD and executive functioning challenges. For 70 years, the School has helped students realize their full potential with a curriculum that is traditional without being rigid, challenging without being intimidating, and designed with the real world in mind.

Many schools talk about the warmth of their community, the collegiality, and the deep sense of caring and trust among and between students, faculty, staff, administration, and parents. At McLean, born from the mission of serving learners that span the range of racial, socio-economic, cultural, and learning strengths and challenges, that deep sense of caring for one another provides a bedrock foundation. Many schools talk about their expanding ability to serve students who learn differently, but McLean has been built for that mission.

McLean recognizes that all children are natural learners, but that they learn in different ways. The school’s Abilities Model® is a more complete way to understand how student minds work. This approach recognizes each child for their strengths, providing support in areas of need and fostering resilience, transforming how students view themselves and their futures. McLean focuses on what a child can do, not what they can’t.

McLean School in many ways looks like a typical, maybe even traditional college-prep school. But what happens within that framework is anything but traditional. The School has attracted deeply caring and trained educators whose passion is discovering and teaching to the unique abilities of each student in whatever innovative, personal, or progressive manner is best for the student.

With close to 500 students in kindergarten through grade 12, and approximately 200 in the Middle School, McLean School is delivering on the promise of giving students skills, confidence, tools, and knowledge to succeed in college and beyond. Many schools whose population includes both traditional learners and those who have learning challenges talk about their aspiration for graduates to attend college. At McLean School, that is not only an aspiration but a reality for nearly 100% of graduates, and those graduating with a B average or above almost always complete a four-year college program.

McLean’s dynamic Middle School Program is designed to help students in grades 5 through 8 thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. It’s a time of tremendous change, challenge, and growth as children become more accomplished and confident learners, and our students develop insights about who they are and how they learn while being accelerated and supported accordingly. We provide a nurturing environment to foster increased independence and fortify a range of skills so students are poised for success in our college-preparatory Upper School Program.

McLean seeks a talented, experienced, and committed Assistant Head of Middle School to build on the School’s culture and strength and collaborate with other leaders to assure the School continues to fulfill its potential well into the future. This 12-month position will start on July 1, 2024. 

Reaching all corners of the McLean experience, the School’s commitment to diversity and equity is an extension of its mission to make education accessible, stimulating, and meaningful to a broad range of learners. McLean embraces diversity and values the integrity of all individuals. This recognition enriches the community and encourages students to be better leaders and more responsible citizens.

Duties & Responsibilities

Working closely with the Head of Middle School, the Assistant Head of Middle School is responsible for providing leadership to over 30 full-time faculty and staff in the Middle School. This person will help augment and implement a comprehensive educational program that supports student academic growth and social-emotional wellbeing. 

She/he/they:

• Builds a relationship with students to ensure they feel understood, nurtured, and challenged.
• Establishes and supports a positive school climate and culture. 
• Cultivates a strong relationship with parents to support students academic and social-emotional learning needs and foster effective home-school collaboration.
• Exercises leadership in the development, implementation, and interpretation of Middle School policies.
• Maintains student discipline and supports Grade Level Deans.
• Supports and monitors Middle School student activities.
• Serves on the Middle School Admission Committee, assisting in the discussion and decision making about student applicants.
• Assists the Head of Middle School regarding the hiring, retention, and the assignment of faculty and creates student schedules.
• Works with the Lower and Upper School Assistant Heads to optimize the School’s student-facing programs by facilitating collaboration, coordination, and programmatic coherence.

Qualifications, Experience & Education

• Has demonstrated the leadership qualities and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with students, teachers, and parents.
• Has a strong emotional intelligence and can work positively with parents and students.
• Has experience working with students with learning challenges.
• Is creative, responsive to change, and has strong written and verbal communication skills. 
• Possesses strong organizational and follow-up skills.
• Displays a collaborative spirit and growth mindset.
• Is committed to professional development for self and others. Cultivates a strong relationship with parents to support their students.
• Has at least three years of successful experience as a classroom teacher at the Middle School level and/or two years of successful experience at an Administrative level.
• Holds a Bachelor’s Degree in education or special education. A Master’s Degree in education or special education is preferred.  
• Strong preference given to those with experience working with non-traditional learners. 

McLean School is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, disability, genetic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you need a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the recruitment process, please contact Executive Support Manager, Robin Speller.

Interested applicants should fill out an online Application, and upload their cover letter, résumé, and list of references.