What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head of School - Founding Role position at Equal Teaching?
📍 Location: Durham, NC (in-person required)
📅 Start Date: December 2025
💼 Employment Type: Part-time to start → Full-time leadership
💰 Salary Range: $80,000–$100,000 starting (based on experience)
📈 Equity Partnership Potential
About Purpose Schools
Purpose Schools is a mission-driven education startup launching its first Montessori-inspired school in Durham, NC. We believe children thrive when learning is rooted in agency, curiosity, independence, and joy. Our model blends Montessori principles with strong relationships and purpose-driven learning to create extraordinary school experiences.
Role Overview
We’re hiring a visionary Head of School to lead the design, launch, and growth of our flagship campus. This is a rare opportunity to build a school from the ground up, shape its culture, and lead a team of passionate educators.
Key Highlights:
- Part-time during design phase (Sept–Dec 2025)
- Full-time leadership starting January 2026
- Salary range: $80,000–$100,000 (in first year) DOE
- Equity partnership potential for long-term fit
Responsibilities
Pre-Launch (Dec 2025-April 2026):
- Co-design school culture, instructional philosophy, and values
- Support family engagement: enrollment calls, events, community-building
- Participate in hiring and onboarding educators
- Coach teachers as we launch our first classroom
Post-Launch (May 2026 onward):
- Lead daily operations: drop-off, pick-up, classroom rhythm
- Serve as instructional leader and coach
- Step into classroom teaching as needed
- Manage substitutes and coverage
- Foster a thriving Montessori culture
- Lead family communications and relationships
- Collaborate on operations, safety, and protocols
- Shape long-term growth and vision of Purpose Schools
Required:
- 1 year school leadership OR 5 years classroom teaching
- Montessori certification (AMI, AMS, NAMC, or equivalent)
- First Aid/CPR (or ability to obtain before start date)
- Strong coaching and educator management skills
- Excellent communication and comfort with remote collaboration tools
- Self-directed, entrepreneurial mindset
- Background check and references
Preferred:
- Education degree or teaching certification
- Bilingual or multilingual experience
- Experience with school launches, microschools, or innovative education models
Why Join Purpose Schools?
- 🌱 Autonomy and Ownership: Shape the vision, culture, and design of a new school
- 🚀 Entrepreneurial Energy: Build something unique while leading day-to-day operations
- 🤝 Trial → Partnership: 3-month trial with pathway to equity partnership
- ❤️ Mission-Driven: Reimagine joyful, rigorous, purposeful school experiences for children, families, and educators
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary: $80,000–$100,000 based on experience
- Part-time stipend during pre-launch and trial period
- Clear pathway to full-time leadership
- Potential for long-term partnership and equity
How to Apply
Submit your CV/resume and a brief statement addressing:
- Why you’re excited about launching and leading a new school
- How your experience aligns with Montessori leadership and school design
- What autonomy and ownership mean to you in a school context
Salary : $80 - $100