The Lower School Division Head oversees the academic, operational, and student-focused aspects of the Lower School division, ensuring alignment with the school’s mission and strategic objectives. This leadership role reports directly to the Head of School and is an integral member of the school’s leadership team.

Leadership & Administration:

• Oversee the Lower School curriculum, in partnership with the Curriculum and Assessment Coordinator, department chairs, content specialists, and teachers, leading necessary curricular adjustments, enhancements, and their successful implementation.
• Supervise, support, and evaluate all Lower School faculty and staff, promoting professional development and fostering growth within the division.
• Partner with the Middle School Head to facilitate seamless student transitions and appropriate promotion between divisions.
• In partnership with the Director of Human Resources, develop and manage orientation and training programs for new Lower School teachers and faculty to ensure smooth transitions and alignment with the school’s goals.
• Collaborate with the Head of School and Human Resources to recruit, hire, and onboard new Lower School faculty and staff.
• Foster a divisional culture that emphasizes community, collaboration, and growth.
• Communicate transparently and effectively with Lower School faculty, staff, students, and parents, ensuring ongoing engagement and collaboration across all levels.
• Ensure compliance with Maryland State Department of Education and Office of Child Care regulations (COMAR), as well as the standards of the Association of Independent Maryland Schools (AIMS) for early childhood and elementary education.

Student Relations:

• Create and sustain an educational environment that is both challenging and supportive, meeting the developmental needs of all students.
• Oversee class placements and monitor student retention to ensure appropriate academic progression and development, while supporting the design and implementation of innovative strategies and proactive students plans by faculty.
• When necessary, collaborate with teachers and administration regarding situations relative to discipline and student needs or well-being.
• Supervise the Lower School’s student support services, including counseling, enrichment programs, and academic support.
• Collaborate with the Admissions Department to ensure the admission of students whose profiles align with the school’s mission and programmatic offerings.

Family Communication & Community Engagement:

• Cultivate a positive and supportive learning environment that promotes community, belonging, collaboration, and growth for students and faculty alike.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Lower School parents and The Parent Association to foster a sense of community and engagement through social events, open forums, and regular communication.
• Plan and attend all Lower School events.
• Oversee Pre-k classrooms to ensure developmentally appropriate programming, and maintain strong partnerships with parents, particularly at the early childhood grade levels.

• Master’s degree or higher preferably in administration/supervision/curriculum.
• Minimum of 5 years teaching experience, preferably in independent school education.
• A strong incumbent for this position possesses the following:
• Knowledge of educational technology.
• Ability to maintain an effective working relationship with students, staff, parents, and the community.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to prioritize, multi-task projects with equal priority, work as part of a team and anticipate work.
• Ability to meet deadlines and respond to sensitive matters and/or situations with discretion, tact, and confidentiality.

About Worcester Preparatory School

Located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore in Berlin just fifteen minutes from the Ocean City beaches, Worcester Preparatory School is a co-ed independent day school with an average of 500 students in grades pre-K – 12. The school has comprehensive facilities on a 45-acre campus just a mile from the vibrant town center in Berlin. Governed by an independent board of trustees, WPS was founded in 1970 and enjoyed rapid growth in the decades that followed. It is the premier independent school on the Eastern Shore, drawing students from Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware; some travelling over an hour to reach campus. All graduates matriculate to four-year colleges or universities, many among the most selective in the nation. WPS strives to keep its curriculum relevant to the dynamic world of the 21st Century, while remaining true to its values as a traditional college prep school. WPS is accredited by the Association of Independent Maryland and DC Schools (AIMS) and is a member of NAIS. In the spirit of “bricks & mortar do not a school make”, WPS’s greatest strength is the tremendous passion the educators, students, parents, friends, and trustees have for the school. It is a wonderful s...chool and community in which to work and a great opportunity for new faculty. Worcester Preparatory School is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Compensation and benefits are competitive with other area private schools and are adjusted based on experience level and credentials. Interested persons should send a letter of interest, employment application, and resume to Heather Parsons, Director of Human Resources, at hparsons@worcesterprep.org.

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Connections working at Worcester Preparatory School