Saint Mary’s Hall seeks an outstanding Assistant Head of Lower School who will work closely with students, faculty, parents, and other administrators to support students in the Lower School. The Assistant Head of Lower School will work closely with the Head of Lower School and school counselors to foster an inclusive, engaging and caring atmosphere, and a healthy Lower School community. This role will oversee student behavior and discipline as well as the daily operations and activities of Lower School including coordinating extra/co-curricular activities. The Assistant Head of Lower School will work in consultation with the Head of Lower School and will be an integral member of the Lower School Leadership team.
Required Qualifications:
B.A. in education related field required, advanced degree(s) preferred
A minimum of five years of teaching at the elementary school level
A minimum of three years with administrative experience preferred
Demonstrated work in the discipline of elementary aged students
Ability to manage multiple projects at the same time
Communicates clearly and effectively with parents, colleagues, staff, and administration
Student-centered, collaborative, and transparent educator who is accessible to students, parents, and colleagues and is adept at building relationships
Academic leader with extraordinarily high expectations of self her/himself and the ability to inspire and motivate others
Focus on student health and wellness
Passionate about working at a school that values and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
Responsibilities to the General Community:
Model core values of Saint Mary’s Hall and maintain congruency between the School’s Mission and Belonging Statement with all Lower School academic and extracurricular activities
Plan, coordinate, and communicate extra/co-curricular activities in consultation with the Head of Lower School, including Enrichment, after school Athletics, Extended Care, and after school Fine Arts
Assist Head of Lower School on schedules, calendar, special events, and handbook revisions
Create equitable duty roster and lunch coverage schedule for teachers and monitor to ensure effective coverage
Ensure hallway bulletin boards are rotated regularly, and Lower School website is current
Compile and submit stories for News from the Hall
Oversee and update substitute list, ensure class coverage, ensure substitute folders remain current in classrooms, and greet substitutes upon arrival
Assist in preparing a Room Parent guide and serve as liaison to the LS Parent Circle representatives offering assistance in planning special events for students
Serve as liaison for scout troops and schedule meeting spaces and activities (ie can drives, etc) accordingly
Participate in admissions process including administering Gazelle test when necessary
Responsibilities to Students:
Work collaboratively with the Lower School team to create a student-centered, dynamic school culture of belonging
Oversee the day-to-day discipline and cultural concerns in the Lower School
Maintain accurate records regarding disciplinary infractions and consequences for students in Montessori – Form 5 and submit a monthly discipline report
Assist Extended Care program in addressing behavior concerns
Assist Head of Lower School and counselors to monitor student behavior progress and develop and coordinate programs to address student behavior problems and confer with parents regarding behavior and other issues affecting student performance and sense of well-being within the Lower School community
Collaborate with Community Expectations Committee on behavior concerns
Oversee Lower School attendance and tardy policies, enforce the dress code, and notify parents as appropriate
Oversee Lower School Dining Hall decorum and prayer daily
Responsibilities to the Faculty:
Assist Head of Lower School in creating programs for the orientation of new teachers and in-service training of all teachers
Assist the Head of Lower School and faculty with student class placement
Assist Head of Lower School to ensure that Lower School teachers are familiar with and adhere to school policies in all areas of school operations
Provide ongoing support and feedback
Serve as a consultant to School teachers in matters of classroom management and general school procedures
Provide support to Lower School teachers and facilitate resolution of conflicts that may arise with parents and/or students
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Ethical, principle-based leader who communicates high standards and expectations
Highly developed interpersonal skills with the ability to be diplomatic, manage internal politics, and build consensus in a complex environment
Strategic thinker with strong business acumen
Excellent verbal and written communications skills
Must be highly organized and detail-oriented
Able to manage simultaneous projects and multiple deadlines
To be a good steward of sensitive and confidential information
To be computer literate and able to multi-task well
To demonstrate maturity, tact, diplomacy, and excellent communication in all interactions with parents, students, faculty, and visitors
Physical Requirements and Work Environment:
Work in a fast-paced environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and a varied and diverse array of contacts
May work at a desk and computer for extended periods
May occasionally work events, nights, or weekends
Must be able to teach, instruct, and communicate with students, parents, coworkers, visitors, and other professionals
Work primarily in a traditional climate-controlled classroom environment
Work intermittently in outside weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold