Head of Middle School

Almaden Country Day School (ACDS) seeks a dynamic, engaging, flexible and energetic educator to become its Head of Middle School (HMS). The successful finalist will be a student-centered leader with strong interpersonal and organizational skills to support a multi-tiered workflow in a dynamic, upbeat learning environment, while embodying the ACDS mission of “discovering the gifts in every child.”

The HMS oversees the ACDS middle school programs, faculty, and student body (about 150 children), in conjunction with the Assistant Head of Middle School (AHMS). Together they provide instructional leadership for their division and partner across divisions in whole-school initiatives and priorities.

The HMS is part of the senior administrative team at ACDS, reporting directly to the Head of School, in a leadership culture that is motivated, upbeat, highly collaborative, solution-oriented, hardworking and fun-loving, with unrelenting commitment to the mission and to student wellness.

Responsibilities:

Educational leadership

Work in partnership with the other division heads on matters of instructional planning, professional development, scheduling, hiring, faculty meetings, more
Assure instructional methods reflect best practices consistent with ACDS values
Observe in classrooms on a regular basis and provide feedback
Determine and carry out professional development needs
Hire, support, supervise, and evaluate teachers
Evaluate and choose curricula, with input from faculty, Lead Teachers, and the instructional leadership team
Help the AMHS implement Positive Discipline to support students and parents
Ensure that student learning needs are met, with outside intervention as necessary, with support from the AHMS
Other primary responsibilities

Create the MS division schedule of core classes
Compile the electives course descriptions, schedule, staffing, and student survey with support from the Registrar
Serve on committees, including Admissions, CAIS accreditation, and more
Support the AHMS with administering the MAP and other standardized testing
Lead faculty meetings in conjunction with division heads, AHMS, and Lead Teachers
Coordinate and lead key milestone events like Back-to-School Night, High School Information Night, MS Transition Events, and Graduation
Oversee 8th grade high school recommendations, testimonials, and other graduation planning with support from the Registrar
Maintain robust parent and school-wide communication
Attend school events and maintain a presence at middle school activities (athletics, performing arts, one or more overnight field trips, etc.)
Duties as assigned

Specific Attributes Sought:

Demonstrated competence as an accomplished educator familiar with a range of instructional skills and programs, as well as fluency with social-emotional learning and support for learning differences
Demonstrated proficiency in relationship-building, communication, conflict resolution, and creative problem-solving
Excellent organizational skills
Hopeful, optimistic, humble disposition and a sense of humor
Supportive, relational, servant-leadership orientation
Desire and aptitude for collaborative leadership and teamwork

Required Qualifications:

Substantive teaching experience at the PK-8 level
Comfort and familiarity with, and passion for, educating middle school learners
Fluency with and deep belief in child-centered, developmental, progressive instructional philosophy and methods
Experience in an educational setting similar to ACDS: relational, student-focused, developmental philosophy, PK-8, range of student abilities
Proficiency and comfort with relevant educational technology
High degree of organizational proficiency and demonstrated commitment to responsiveness
Experience with inclusive practices
Highly collaborative leadership style
Demonstrated oral and written communication skill, and propensity for regular and open communications
Willingness and commitment to being available for meetings, activities, and other school needs after school hours to support students and families

Preferred Qualifications and Qualities:

Prior school leadership experience in a private school setting
Middle school teaching and/or administrative experience
Prior experience with instructional coaching, curriculum development, and/or developing, implementing, organizing, and leading school initiatives
Advanced degree in educational leadership or other relevant field

…All in an environment characterized by collaboration, camaraderie, enthusiasm and fun! – focused on what’s best for the children we serve. ACDS is a fantastic place to work!

To apply:

If you meet the candidate profile above, please (1) complete the Application located in the “Careers” section of the ACDS website, and (2) send a letter of interest and résumé to:

Olaf Jorgenson, Head of School

ojorgenson@almadencountryday.org

Interviews begin immediately and this position remains open until filled.

Overview of Almaden Country Day School

Almaden Country Day School is an independent, pre-K through 8th grade school located in the Almaden Valley of San Jose. The school’s mission is to “discover the gifts in every child.” Parents are drawn to ACDS for its emphasis on the balance of rigorous academics, character development, and joyful learning. ACDS promotes the belief that children learn best in a high-opportunity, low-stress environment, and when instruction is age-appropriate, highly individualized, and fun.

We serve 425 students in small classes with multiple sections at each grade level. Our graduates are prepared for a rigorous high school experience. Over the past ten years, more than 98% of our middle schoolers who apply to private high schools have been admitted; and it is not unusual for half of the students in an ACDS graduating class to be accepted into high school with academic distinction or honors placement. It’s important to note that these outcomes are byproducts of our program and philosophy; they are not “the goal.” Our goal is ensure that our students are challenged, stimulated, and cared for, every day. If we do this, with the support of caring and involved parents, our students soar.

ACDS strives to develop well-rounded learners; the middle school includes extensive choices for nearly 50 elective classes, in addition to overnight field trips and an array of sports, performing arts, speech and debate, clubs, and more. The school’s signature enrichment programs, hands-on science featuring an outdoor classroom, and a robust integrated technology program all contribute to our emphasis on whole-child instruction.

ACDS parents are very committed to the school and follow the progress of their children carefully. Teachers are held to high expectations for meeting the needs of our children and families.

We seek educators and school leaders who are well versed in developmental pedagogy and differentiated teaching methods, and who are committed to providing individualized attention to our students and parents. A collaborative work style and a receptive attitude toward cooperative efforts are required in our small school, as is a can-do, glass-half-full attitude. All positions involve additional required duties, such as playground and lunch supervision, chaperoning field trips, and more. Administrators readily accept “other duties as assigned” in the spirit of teamwork and in pursuit of our mission.

For more information about Almaden Country Day School, candidates are encouraged to visit our website at www.almadencountrydayschol.org.

Tagged as: Middle School