Head of School - Light of Christ Montessori

Description

At Light of Christ Catholic Montessori School, we believe in nurturing the whole child through the authentic Montessori method in a Catholic setting grounded in respect and curiosity. We aim to have a prepared environment that fosters independence, faithfulness and concentration for children ages 3-6. The head of school sets the tone for organization and is the face of the school to the parish and the greater diocese for faithful, Catholic, Montessori education.

Ministerial Character

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Austin are canonically obedient to the Bishop and assist him in fulfilling his ministry and canonical obligations. Pastors, presidents, and principals serve as school leaders to make Christ's mission present and enduring in the schools. To fulfill Christ's mission, the school leaders employ suitable, chosen collaborators, sharing Christ's mission with them and entrusting them with various responsibilities.

Positions employed in this School help extend the ministry of the school leaders in particular ways as outlined in the job description. The school leader in this position is closely connected to the performance of their ministry and, therefore, engages in ministry for the Church.

Requirements

The Head of School will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Light of Christ Catholic Montessori School, ensuring that the school develops a reputation for excellence and provides an exceptional education based on Montessori principles and our Catholic faith. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of Montessori methodology, proven leadership experience, and a deep passion for early childhood education. This person will provide visionary leadership, manage school operations, support staff development, and cultivate meaningful relationships with families and the greater community and be a passionate advocate for Catholic Montessori education.

• Supports and adheres to the Code of Conduct and policies and procedures of the school and Diocese
• Maintains confidentiality regarding school matters
• Leadership & Vision: Lead the school in maintaining a high standard of Montessori education, ensuring the philosophy is consistently applied across all aspects of the school environment.
• Staff Management: Supervise, mentor, and support the teaching staff, promoting professional development and maintaining a strong, collaborative team.
• Faculty Recruitment & Development: Oversee the hiring process, ensuring that new staff members align with the school’s mission and are equipped to uphold Catholic Montessori standards. Support ongoing professional growth for all team members including commitment to CGS and AMI professional designations.
• School Culture: Foster a positive and nurturing school culture where students, staff, and parents feel respected and valued. Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school and acts as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Parental Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with families, encouraging their involvement in the school and keeping them informed about their children’s progress and the school’s activities.
• Operations & Budgeting: Oversee the daily operations of the school, manage the budget, and ensure that resources are allocated efficiently to meet educational and operational goals.
• Strategic Planning & Governance: Collaborate with the school’s advisory board and pastor on long-term planning and policy development to ensure the continued success and growth of the school.
• Community Engagement: Serve as a representative of the school within the parish, the diocese and the local community, promoting Catholic Montessori education and strengthening the school’s presence and reputation.
• Compliance: Ensure that the school complies with all relevant local, state, and federal regulations, as well as accreditation standards and Montessori-specific guidelines.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Deep knowledge of Montessori pedagogy and experience with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
• Knowledge of the basic teachings of the Catholic Church
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with staff, parents, and colleagues.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks simultaneously
• Strong organizational abilities
• Skill in job-appropriate technology including Transparent Classroom for record-keeping and FACTS management for communication and data management
• Skill in critical thinking and planning
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet the evolving needs of a dynamic educational environment and the ability to step into a classroom in certain situations and deal effectively with children.
• At least 5 years of experience in a Montessori setting, with at least 3 years in a leadership or administrative role.
• Proven experience leading, managing, and mentoring a team of educators.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• A passion for early childhood education and the ability to inspire others to uphold Catholic Montessori principles.
• Experience with school operations, budgeting, and strategic planning.
  
  

Education

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Education, business administration or a related field is required
• AMI-Primary diploma or proof of enrollment in an AMI training program is required
• CGS Level 1 Training Certificate is required
  
  

Experience

• Proven experience as a Montessori Guide or administrator or former head of school, demonstrating a deep understanding of Montessori philosophy and methodology
  
  

Certifications And Training

• Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period.
• Within the first year of the role, working towards or completion of Catholic School Leadership graduate certificate program as required by the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops.
  
  

Physical Requirements For The Position

• The ability to lift up to 40 pounds
• Ability to sit on the floor
• Ability to get up and down from the floor with ease
  
  

Working Conditions

• All employees of the Parish are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Pastor in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church.
• The Parish is an at-will employer.
• All buildings and vehicles owned by the Parish are tobacco free.
• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
• Working on weekends, evenings, and some holidays may be required.
• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech, including Roman Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations.
• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.