Career Center

Upper School Division Head
The Winston School, a small college preparatory school designed to maximize the potential of bright students who learn differently,®  is currently looking for an Upper School Division Head due to internal growth.  This talented and compassionate individual will work closely with the Head of School, Lower and Middle School Division Head and additional leadership team members, to provide educational leadership in accordance with the mission, philosophy, policies, and strategic initiatives set forth by the Board of Trustees. This position reports to the Head of School and is for the academic year starting July 1, 2023.

Mission Statement

The Winston School is a small college preparatory school designed to maximize the potential of bright students who learn differently.®  Through individualized learning strategies our students are empowered to meet confidently the challenges of tomorrow.

 Qualifying Characteristics

The ideal candidate is in whole-hearted agreement with the mission, vision, and core values of The Winston School. They must appreciate and understand the challenges that accompany a growing school community and embrace the opportunity to oversee and manage their division. The ideal candidate will have the ability to develop and maintain a rapport with students, parents, and staff by providing open dialogue accompanied by a strong sense of confidence and balance.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as the educational leader for the Upper School division, responsible for the day-to-day operation through the development and articulation of school goals, department goals, course objectives, materials, methods, and means of assessment.
• In conjunction with the registrar, prepare a master school class schedule and assign teachers and students to classes and other obligations. Prepares exam schedules and class schedules for students and teachers.

• Work to maintain congruency between the board-approved mission statement, strategic plan, and all activities of the Upper School division.
• Promote a school climate in which learning can take place, which is safe and supportive, and which emphasizes age-appropriate responsibility.
• Function as the chief articulator of the division’s programs, expectations, behavioral guidelines, and other information necessary to ensure that all constituencies are fully informed.
• Informs Head of School of difficulties and achievements in the instructional process.
• Supervise, evaluate, and oversee the development of the divisions’ teachers and support staff.
• Oversees faculty professional growth and development by providing professional training workshops.
• Mediates student/faculty, parent/faculty, and faculty/faculty issues.
• In collaboration with the Director of Human Resources, oversee the hiring, onboarding, retention, termination, and assignment of faculty and staff.
• Conduct regular staff meetings with faculty and staff which will incorporate both routine school matters affecting students and faculty and the stimulating exchange of ideas on issues of educational/philosophical interest and concern.
• Serve as a consultant to faculty in matters of classroom management, teaching methods, and school procedures.
• Supervises the preparation of all school reports and cumulative records.
• Participate in parent-teacher conferences as appropriate.
• Facilitates the relationship between faculty and PTO.
• Oversee curriculum development and implementation along with Department Chairs and Head of School.
• Create and maintain budgets for Upper School.
• In coordination with Department Chairs, oversee textbook and teaching material selection.
• Working with the faculty and members of the leadership team, overseeing the coordination of the co-curricular and extracurricular activities and programs of the Upper School divisions.
• Working with the Head of School and the Lower and Middle School Division Head, establish guidelines for proper student conduct and dress. Maintain student discipline consistent with school policies and communicate effectively with families regarding disciplinary matters.

• Collaborate with Athletic Director to see that all sports activities are administered in accordance with school philosophy and expectations. Attend athletic and extracurricular events.
• Oversee and direct the activities of the department chairs, the sponsors of various student organizations and activities, and faculty committees.
• Serves on Admissions Committee and supports the admission and re-enrollment activities for Upper School and coordinates activities to introduce eighth-grade families to Upper School.
• Stays abreast of all legal and ISAS requirements of the State of Texas for Independent Schools.
• Teach at least one class.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to articulate the mission, long-term benefits, and distinctive value of The Winston School.
• Demonstrated leadership highlighted by the ability to problem solve, build consensus, work in collaborative partnerships across all constituent groups, and have fun.
• A passion for and understanding of independent schools.
• Demonstrated understanding of differentiated techniques in the classroom.
• Experience in budget allocation and making informed financial decisions.
• Specialization in faculty recruitment and development.
• Excellent verbal, listening, and written communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills.
• Genuine sense of humor and infectious optimism, integrity, and a deep desire for teaching and learning.
• Collaborative point of view; and the ability warmly and enthusiastically partner with students, faculty and parents.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries from students, parents, faculty, or other colleagues and to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Flexibility; ability to act quickly and make important high-level decisions in a variety of circumstances.
• Proficient skills in common education tech platforms, such as Veracross, Google Suite, Microsoft Office, etc.

Credentials and Requirements

• Master’s Degree required and education field, preferred.
• Experience as a Division Head or Dean of Students, preferred.
• Experience in working with students who have neurodiverse learning profiles.
• Substantive teaching and administrative experience, preferably in an independent school environment.
• Prior classroom and broad school community experience is essential.
• Experience in Curriculum Mapping desired.
• An understanding of and appreciation for family dynamics in crisis situations.