Orchard House Middle School

Director of Academics and Student Programs

(Revised 11-19-2025)

General Information:

• a 12 month, full-time salaried employee with all applicable benefits
• other duties determined by the Head of School as needed
• Start date July 1, 2026 (possibility for earlier start)

The Director of Academics and Student Programs provides strategic and day-to-day leadership for the school’s academic and student programs, ensuring that all aspects of teaching, learning, and student life align with the school’s mission and educational philosophy. This role supports faculty growth, fosters a culture of excellence and inclusion, and promotes the intellectual, social, and emotional development of students. This role serves as a key liaison among students, faculty, families, and the Head of School, advancing a cohesive and student-centered learning community. The Director of Academics and Student Programs reports to the Head of School, serves on the senior administrative team, and helps provide leadership and supervision in the Head of School’s absence.

Academic Program Leadership

• Direct and oversee the school’s internal academic program, ensuring alignment with the school’s mission and educational philosophy, maintaining up to date practices in educating middle school girls, and a cohesive curriculum and scope and sequence for the four-year academic experience.
• Promote instructional practices that emphasize discovery, constructivist, and developmentally appropriate learning.
• Support teaching strategies that foster student engagement, critical thinking, and high academic standards.
• Coordinate class scheduling to optimize learning experiences and teacher effectiveness.
• Collaborate with local partner organizations to integrate external educational experiences into the curriculum.
• Model and promote Characteristics of Professional Excellence - What Excellent Teaching Looks Like at Orchard House Middle School

Faculty Development and Support

• Provide coaching and feedback to teachers on classroom management, instructional methods, and school practices.
• Design, implement, and assess professional development and in-service training programs.
• Lead regular faculty meetings to address school operations and engage teachers in discussions on educational and philosophical topics.
• Support the supervision of designated teachers and staff (to be determined prior to 2026-2027 school year).
• Coordinate substitute coverage as needed.

Student Support and Well-Being

• Develop and oversee student support programs that address the educational, social, emotional, and psychological needs of adolescent girls and their families.
• Coordinate and monitor student academic accommodations to ensure equitable access to learning.
• Implement policies and programs that promote positive behavior, respect, and accountability.
• Manage student conduct issues using a restorative practices framework focused on personal growth and community responsibility.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for parents regarding student life and program-related matters.

Communication and Coordination

• Maintain clear, consistent communication that explains and advances the academic program and school-wide objectives.
• Keep the Head of School informed about key programs, initiatives, and emerging needs.
• Ensure alignment and compliance with policies outlined in the Family Handbook.
• Lead annual curriculum review process.
• Serve on the Crisis Team, Threat Assessment Team, and Accreditation Team.

Lead C.O.R.E. Program

• Provide leadership for and teach the school’s C.O.R.E. (Connection, Openness, Resilience, and Engagement) program, ensuring its integration into the overall academic and student life experience.
• Design and oversee programming that fosters students’ social-emotional growth, ethical development, and community engagement.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and external partners to plan and implement service learning, leadership, and reflection activities.
• Evaluate and refine program goals, curriculum, and outcomes to ensure relevance, inclusivity, and alignment with school values.
• Communicate program initiatives and impacts to students, families, and the broader community to strengthen understanding and participation.

Essential Skills/Qualities:

• Collaborative leadership style characterized by an authentic demonstration of empathy, humility, resilience, and humor
• Understanding of the development of adolescent girls and a sincere respect for students and their families
• Ability to balance multiple demands in ways that are well organized, clearly communicated, and inclusive of a wide range of perspectives within the school
• Passion for advancing belonging and inclusion, accompanied by an ability to lead, support, and shape school initiatives that foster deeper belonging for all members of the school community
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly both in writing and public speaking to all school constituencies
• Prior successful middle school teaching and administrative experience, and genuine appreciation and respect for teachers and staff
• Ability to manage difficult decisions with sensitivity and conviction
• Ability to synthesize and articulate the school’s academic and student life vision and to inspire and motivate others toward further strengthening the student experience
• A warm, approachable, and visible presence on campus that invites and respects the views of others, yet is decisive when needed

Education and Experience:

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Master’s in Education or in the field of adolescent development is desirable
• Minimum of five years teaching experience
• Minimum of two years administrative experience
• Experience with girls’ schools is preferable
• Demonstrated leadership ability in a school setting, and with inclusion and belonging initiatives

Work Environment:

• Classroom and office, in person
• Other (field trip or offsite meeting)

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Master’s in Education or in the field of adolescent development is desirable
• Minimum of five years teaching experience
• Minimum of two years administrative experience

About Orchard House Middle School

Connections working at Orchard House Middle School