Interim Director of Studies and Student Support

Full-Time, Year-Round

40 hours per week

Friends School of Portland seeks an interim Director of Studies and Student Support for the 2026-2027 school year. 

Position Summary

The Director of Studies and Student Support works within a dynamic administrative team and faculty community, holding the academic vision for the school as a whole. The qualified person will have enthusiasm for progressive and whole child education and a commitment to furthering our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging goals. They facilitate a learning community of inquiry and curiosity for faculty and students alike – practicing deep listening skills, building trust, and facilitating meaningful dialogue with all members of the school community - and are committed to the growth of all members of the school community. A large part of any given work week is providing academic support for teachers, which may look like developing curriculum, supporting instruction, or providing assessment. Together with the faculty, this person conducts ongoing assessment of our approach and our programs.  

Key Responsibilities

• Facilitating all-school focus on student learning and instruction

• Leads or supports strategic initiatives related to academic program improvement
• Facilitates ongoing faculty-led revision of the curriculum
• Develops and reviews expectations for student learning and assessment
• Works with learning strategist and consultants to assess and report on student learning
• Maintains a clear vision of learning that resonates with Friends School’s values and approach while staying informed about educational research and best practices; shares insights with faculty and school leadership
• With the head of school and clerk of faculty, develops agenda for faculty meetings and in-service days which involve teaching/learning components (about once each month)
• Develops and maintains master and duty schedules
  
  

• Hiring, Evaluating, and Supporting Individual Teachers 

• Coordinates, with the head of school, the support and assessment for new and veteran teachers

• Observes classes of teachers being evaluated 
• Reviews professional goals and suggests continuing education for individual faculty members
  
  

• Providing Day-to-Day Student Support, in partnership with faculty

• Serve as a key member of the administrative backup team (which also consists of Head of School and Learning Strategist), working with students in emergent situations on self-reflection, developing new behavior strategies, and conflict resolution

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in education or related field strongly preferred

Significant teaching experience, ideally in an independent or Friends school environment

Familiarity with and appreciation for Quaker educational philosophy

Strong communication, collaboration, and facilitation skills

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About Friends School 

Friends School of Portland is an independent preschool through 8th grade school arising from Quaker faith and practice and built upon long-held standards of exceptional Friends schools. Embracing the Quaker belief in the unique worth of each individual, we seek students from diverse ethnic, economic and family backgrounds. In small, multi-age classes, as well as in afterschool and summer programs, we nurture children’s unfolding development as curious, creative, and compassionate world citizens. We emphasize high standards for independent thinking and personal integrity. We offer cooperative learning in a close community where simplicity, service, stewardship, and peaceful resolution of conflict are practiced every day. 

The position is 40 hours per week, with benefits included 

(health insurance, short term disability, life insurance, and 401K match). 

Salary Range: $70,000 - $80,000

This salary range represents the expected annual salary range for this position. 

Ultimately, in determining your pay, we’ll consider your education level, experience, and other job-related factors.

This job begins on July 1, 2026.

Please email a cover letter, resume, and three letters of recommendation to Jenni Casas by February 20: jenni@friendsschoolportland.org

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in education or related field strongly preferred

Significant teaching experience, ideally in an independent or Friends school environment

Familiarity with and appreciation for Quaker educational philosophy

Strong communication, collaboration, and facilitation skills

About Friends School of Portland

Connections working at Friends School of Portland