Associate Director

For well over 50 years Farr Academy, a small therapeutic day school in Cambridge, has been educating bright middle and high school students who are challenged by academic and social/emotional issues. Students may present with ADHD, specific learning disabilities, difficulties with executive functioning, a deficit in reading or math skills; others may be academically advanced and thrive on academic challenges. They may present with a range of mental health concerns that impact their ability to successfully function in the learning environment. A rigorous academic program is taught by Teachers who care and understand how to reach students who have not experienced school success, through sound teaching strategies and an ability to create a safe learning space. Often students who enroll at Farr Academy are unable to appropriately manage their feelings and may express themselves through negative actions, outbursts, or become withdrawn or socially provocative. At Farr Academy, staff focus on building relationships with students that foster trust and the effective teaching of skills and strategies that encourage students to believe in themselves, their ability to learn and to successfully negotiate the many challenges they face. This is indeed a unique environment. Staff work as a team to use the philosophy and systems developed at Farr Academy to foster academic, personal and interpersonal growth in each student. The work is difficult and all encompassing; the rewards for staff are amazing and long lasting. There is nothing quite as incredible as actually helping a struggling young person, find value and belief in themselves, and to see their shift from failure to success as a learner and as a human being. The Farr Academy philosophy and systems employed, lead to an environment that supports students in all aspects of their endeavors. The Associate Director works with the Director to develop and implement the goals and objectives of the program, assists the Director in providing leadership, direction, guidance and training to the staff and oversees their performance toward meeting those goals and objectives. The Associate Director works collaboratively with the Director to ensure that the practices employed by Farr Academy in its commitment to student learning and social/emotional growth are consistent with the philosophy, principles and procedures that underscore the unique approach and culture of Farr Academy. This includes oversight and guidance to staff and students in accord with the program philosophy and design, oversight of the day-to-day operation of the school, support of the Homeroom Teacher/Counselor and Integrated Counseling/Academic Model and oversight and training in the Non-Punitive/ Non-Judgmental Problem Solving Process. The Associate Director serves in the stead of the Director when designated, actively participates in Staff Meetings presenting topics for staff training and development, provides case management oversight as well as written reports and documentation, ensures adherence to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education regulations, including maintenance of compliance-tracking measures, and is involved in the life of the school community. A minimum of a Masters Degree and licensure in Special Education, Social Work, Psychology, Counseling or related discipline plus at least 3 years of supervisory or management experience. Master’s Degree required 12 month, full time position