This role provides visionary leadership in implementing and continuously enhancing the Kindergarten through Grade 5 curriculum, ensuring alignment with Trinity School's mission, belief statements, and strategic goals. This role fosters a culture of academic innovation, inquiry, and collaboration in service of delivering exceptional, student-centered learning experiences. Working closely with the Head of School, the Head of Elementary/Academic Dean facilitates and supports a culture of professional growth, delivers high-quality professional development, and ensures curricular continuity and coherence across grade levels. The role also emphasizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, promoting a learning environment that is engaging, safe, and inspiring for all students. This senior leadership position serves as part of the Pedagogical Leadership Team (PLT) and Admin Leadership Team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leadership and Vision:
- Develop and articulate a clear vision for academic innovation aligned with the school's mission and strategic goals.
- Serve as a thought leader, staying abreast of educational trends, research, and technologies that enhance student learning experiences.
- Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and sustainability within all aspects of the school community and curriculum.
- Curriculum Leadership and Development:
- Oversee the development, implementation, and revision of the Kindergarten through Grade 5 curricula, ensuring alignment with academic standards and competencies.
- Partner with faculty to design inquiry-based, transdisciplinary, and student-centered learning experiences.
- Integrate principles of concept-based inquiry into curriculum planning and instruction.
- Provide coaching and mentorship in curriculum design, teaching, and assessment strategies.
- Guide the documentation and mapping of units of study including curriculum standards, assessments, and learning goals.
- Professional Development:
- Design and deliver professional learning opportunities that inspire and equip teachers to adopt innovative practices.
- Support internal professional growth through intentional and responsive design of professional development opportunities during grade level and grade band planning meetings, in-service days, and weekly staff meeting times.
- Supervision and Faculty Support:
- Guide faculty in reflective self-evaluation, goal-setting, and professional growth.
- Conduct formal and informal teacher evaluations, including observation cycles, reflective conversations, and constructive feedback on the written, taught, and assessed curriculum.
- Student Learning and Evaluation:
- Oversee student assessment systems, including standardized testing (ERB, MAP), progress reports, and report cards.
- Collaborate with teachers to adapt curriculum and learning plans to meet individual student needs, including those working above grade level.
- Conduct parent-teacher conferences as needed to ensure timely and accurate communication about student progress and behavior.
- Operational Management:
- Coordinate schedules, internal calendars, and duty assignments for the Elementary Campus.
- Community Engagement:
- Act as a liaison between the school and families, addressing student concerns and promoting academic programs.
- Contribute to school publications, admissions tours, and Board presentations to effectively communicate academic and co-curricular programs.
- Collaboration and Administrative Support:
- Partner with the Assistant Head of School and Head of Early Childhood Campus to ensure curricular continuity across grade levels.
- Serve on committees as appropriate, including admissions, educator evaluations, and administrative meetings.
- Budget Oversight:
- Manage budgets related to academic programming, ensuring alignment with school priorities.
- Fostering Innovation:
- Lead the integration of innovative practices and programs that enhance student learning experiences.
- Support the adoption of emerging educational trends and technologies to advance teaching and learning outcomes.
Other Duties:
The Head of Elementary/Academic Dean may be assigned additional responsibilities based on the needs of the School.
Qualifications:
- Strong background in inquiry-based pedagogy.
- Proven leadership experience in curriculum development and teacher supervision.
- Expertise in fostering inclusive, student-centered, and innovative learning environments.
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
Credentials and Expertise:
- Master's Degree with specialization curriculum or a related field, OR Bachelor's Degree with substantial curriculum experience.
- Minimum 5 years experience in a school leadership role.
- Experience in independent schools is preferred.
- A copy of the academic diploma of highest achievement as well as copies of specialized credentials are required.