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Friends School Boulder is a dynamic, progressive, co-educational, preschool-8th, day school and teacher education program serving approximately 165 students (PS-8) and 20-30 student teachers from the Boulder area. Guided by our vision, Challenging minds, nurturing spirits, and honoring individuality, Friends School is committed to educating the whole child, nurturing every aspect of development — academic, social emotional, and physical — and to fostering well-rounded citizens who are prepared with the knowledge, skills and values to thrive in a dynamic world. Graduates from our well-established teacher education program are eligible for a Colorado state teaching license and can earn a Master’s Degree in partnership with CU Denver. Friends has a reputation for being a welcoming and inclusive community where students and adults build lasting friendships that serve as a strong foundation of success and fulfillment in school and life.

Job Overview

Friends School is seeking a highly motivated, experienced administrator to take on the exciting role of Teacher Preparation Program Director. Friends School is a designated agency with the state of Colorado for training Early Childhood and Elementary teachers. This role is perfect for a visionary leader who is passionate about impacting education through teacher education. The Director oversees all aspects of the Teacher Preparation Program. The Director plays a pivotal role in shaping the program’s future and ensuring the success of aspiring educators. Reporting to the Head of School, the Director is a key member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT).

If you are a forward-thinking leader who is passionate about transforming teacher education and preparing the next generation of exceptional educators, we invite you to apply for this role. Together we can shape the future of education and make a positive impact on the lives of countless students.

Key Qualifications and Qualities

• Preferred advanced degree
• Experience in program administration, including managing relationships with multiple stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships, mentor, and guide teachers across grade levels, coupled with a passion for teacher education
• Experience in and a commitment to high-quality progressive education
• Strong knowledge of current trends, best practices, and policies in teacher education
• Proven ability to think strategically, develop innovative initiatives, and lead change in a dynamic educational environment
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• Strong program leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate faculty, staff, and students
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Responsibilities including but not limited to:

Strategic Leadership

• Work with Head of School to develop and articulate compelling vision for the TPP that supports the school’s overall mission and goals
• Stay informed about the latest research, policies and trends in teacher preparation and adapt the program accordingly
• Create and implement a plan to guide the growth and advancement of the program, incorporating innovative approaches and best practices consistent with high quality progressive education
• Oversee the design, development and enhancement of the curriculum, ensuring alignment with Friends School’s mission and values, state standards, accreditation requirements, and community needs
• Build and nurture partnerships with local school principals, mentor teachers, advisors, University of Colorado Denver, state licensing body and other stakeholders to create meaningful field experiences and placement opportunities for teacher candidates
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to ensure the delivery of high-quality instruction and experiential learning opportunities
• Partner with Head of School and Director of Development to cultivate strong alumni connections

Instructional Leadership

• Lead two Saturday Seminars per month in a hybrid, in-person/remote learning environment while collaborating with professors and instructors in the field of education.
• Guide Teacher Candidates through the certification and licensure process of CDE.

Recruitment and Admissions

• Develop and implement strategies for attracting and recruiting diverse, talented individuals who are passionate about becoming progressive educators
• Partner with the Director of Marketing and Communications to implement effective marketing and outreach initiatives to raise awareness of the program and attract prospective students
• Lead the admissions process, ensuring teaching candidates possess the potential to become exceptional educators

Program Evaluation and Accreditation

• Oversee process for ongoing program evaluation, including collection and analysis of data to assess student outcomes and program effectiveness
• Ensure compliance with accreditation standards and requirements, leading the preparation of accreditation reports and site visits
• Utilize evaluation findings to inform enhancements, making data-driven decisions to improve learning and program outcomes
• Possess a comprehensive understanding of grant compliance, management, and reporting.

Why work for Friends School:

This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and experienced education professional to lead at a well-respected progressive independent school. The successful candidate will have a passion for education and a commitment to advancing the school’s mission. The Director of Teacher Preparation Program receives a robust compensation package including competitive salary, TIAA retirement benefits, comprehensive health insurance, life insurance, professional development, tuition remission, and time-off benefits.

If Friends School is Right for You:

We encourage you to apply if progressive educational and teacher education are your passions. Additional information about Friends School can be found at www.friendsschoolboulder.org. Local candidates are encouraged to apply. Out-of-area candidates will be considered who can relocate without relocation assistance.

Compensation:

Salary range is $92,000 – $102,000 and pay is commensurate with experience, degree, and position. Friends School offers a competitive compensation package including medical, dental, life insurance benefits, 403(b) plan and generous paid leave.

Friends School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

How to Apply:

If you possess the above skills and qualities, please send a cover letter outlining why you are interested in the position along with your resume to jobs@friendsschoolboulder.org. Please indicate the Director of Teacher Preparation Program in the subject line. Final candidates are subject to background and credit check. We will contact top candidates for an interview. No phone calls please.