Now hiring a visionary, community-minded Director to lead our democratic K–12 school in Canton, NY

Little River Community School, founded in 1999, is a K–12 democratic school with 37 students located at Birdsfoot Farm in Canton, New York. We are seeking a full-time Director who brings administrative skills, teaching experience, and a deep commitment to democratic education.

About the Role

The Director maintains and communicates the school’s philosophy, provides leadership to the school community, creates and oversees the budget, fundraises and conducts outreach, supports students and staff, and serves as a key point of contact for families. The Director works in a consensus-based environment, facilitating collaboration among students, staff, and families.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide vision and leadership consistent with Little River’s mission
  • Support and guide staff through collaboration and consensus
  • Oversee operations, budgeting, fundraising, and outreach
  • Maintain open communication with students, parents, and board members
  • Represent the school in the broader community

Candidate Profile

We seek a leader with teaching experience, a passion for working with children, strong communication and problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of democratic education. The ideal candidate will be flexible, patient, reliable, and eager to stay for a minimum of five years.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary: $41,000 per year
  • Benefits: free tuition for one child, health fund, paid holidays and breaks, personal and sick days, and a supportive environment with academic freedom
  • Work schedule: 7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. on-site, with additional meetings and events as needed; reduced workload in June and July; start date August 3

Application Process

Please visit our website for a job description and application. https://littleriverschool.org/  Applications are accepted until the position is filled.

Qualifications (The ideal candidate will have all or most of these skills and experiences.)

• Compatible philosophy with Little River's democratic model
• Strong leadership and problem-solving skills
• Team manager experience
•  Five or more years of teaching experience
• Excellent communication skills
• Fundraising experience
• Administrative experience and organizational skills
• Master's degree preferred

About Little River Community School

Little River Community School is a democratic school serving 39 students, grades K-12, in a four-classroom schoolhouse, in Canton, NY. At Little River, we have a fundamental trust in children and their inherent motivation to learn about their world. Our approach nurtures self-motivation and is characterized by the following: Multi-age groups 8:1 student teacher ratio Commitment to nonviolence and nondiscrimination Cooperation Community involvement Appreciation of our natural and physical world Hands-on activities Little River is located 5 miles south of Canton on the Canton-Russell Road, 1227 County Route 25. Call us at (315) 379-9474 or write steve@littleriverschool.org for more information.

Connections working at Little River Community School