Abington Friends School is a Quaker day school located just outside of Philadelphia. The school serves students from ages 3 years to 12th grade in three divisions. Rooted in Friends principles of collaborative inquiry, peaceful resolution of conflict, equality, community and integrity, AFS is an unusually vibrant and diverse learning community. More information is available at www.abingtonfriends.net.

We place a high value on diversity of race, background, religion, ability, sexuality and gender identity in our community and see the hiring process at AFS as one which allows us to nurture, sustain and extend the diversity that is fundamental to our excellence as a Friends School.

Abington Friends School is being guided into its next generation by an ambitious Strategic Plan,  Envisioning the Fourth Century of Friends Education. This plan establishes the Fourth Century Center, which is guided by a team of four directors: Director of Teaching and Learning, Director of Student Support and Wellbeing, Director of Equity Justice and Engagement, and Director of Experiential Learning. We invite candidates interested in joining this team as the Director of Teaching and Learning to learn more about our Strategic Plan and our vision for the future of Friends education here.

The Director of Teaching & Learning is a senior leadership position, reporting to the Head of School and serving as a member of our Administrative Council.

Principal Responsibilities & Duties of the Position:

Curriculum Development & Oversight

• Establishing systems for curricular review.
• Collaborate to map and maintain a dynamic, vertically and horizontally aligned curricular scope and sequence to ensure a cohesive Pre-K-12 academic program.
• Facilitate the creation of interdisciplinary and interdivisional projects, programs, and classes.

Professional Development

• Collaborate to design and implement metrics for faculty performance, growth, and development.
• Explore PD opportunities & share with faculty.
• Support divisional and individual growth with regard to faculty lifecycle
• Suggest and track individual PD for faculty.
• Establish systems for sharing and celebrating professional development
• Collaborate to design and lead in-service days.

Administrative

• Management of all-school professional development budget.
• Collaborate to maximize efficiency of academic leadership structure.
• Establish partnerships with universities, Quaker organizations, and other local institutions in support of faculty growth and program development.

Research and Innovation

• Serve as a member of the Fourth Century Center, supporting faculty and staff research and innovation.
• Collaborate to lead Center programming (faculty fellowships, research groups, inservice days, conferences, and others)
• Ideate and iterate ways to improve the Center and how it can support faculty and staff.
• Leading data-driven decision making across the school.

All Abington Friends School faculty and staff are expected to participate in student life and learning. Candidates should be prepared to step into a classroom or guide other activities with students.

We are seeking:

• A strategic and entrepreneurial leader who will collaborate with school leadership, faculty and the community
• A person experienced in working in diverse communities, with well-developed lenses and skills for fostering equity, justice and engagement in all aspects of our work
• A life-long and adventurous learner, who models a growth mindset
• A creative, resourceful and generative colleague
• An excellent communicator and administrator who connects readily with multiple constituencies

Valued experience and qualifications include:

• Minimum 5 years teaching experience, preferably across multiple age groups
• Demonstrated commitment to issues of equity and social justice
• Experience leading professional development for faculty
• School leadership experience (e.g. Division Director or Assistant, Department Chair, Academic Dean, etc.)
• A track record of successful program and curriculum development
• Knowledge of and affinity for Friends principles and practices
• Project management and budget management experience
• A master’s degree or higher is preferred

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, professional writing sample or statement of educational philosophy, and at least 3 references.  First consideration will be given to applicants who apply before October 4, 2024.

Abington Friends School is an equal opportunity employer and affords equal opportunity to all applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other status protected under local, state or federal laws.

About Abington Friends School

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