What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head of Early Learning Campus position at The Awty International School?
Head of Early Learning Campus (Full Time)
At Awty, we believe that students learn best and faculty perform best in a culture of vibrant diversity. Diversity is an essential quality of our school environment; our commitment to learning and the pursuit of excellence can occur only in such a context. It helps us guide our students to become responsible world citizens. Our commitment to learning about and respecting one another’s diversity brings distinct richness to the Awty experience for students, alumni, employees, and parents.
The Awty International School is an independent, not for profit, co-educational, college preparatory day school enrolling 1800 students from Preschool through 12th grade. The School is located in the Spring Branch/Galleria area of Houston, the 4th largest city in the United States.
Description: The Head of the Early Learning Campus (ELC) plays a critical role in leading and managing the academic programming and school culture of the ELC. The role is responsible for the overall vision, direction, and success of the Lower School, ensuring alignment with the school's mission and strategic goals. The Head of the ELC provides leadership in curriculum development, instructional practices, student learning, school culture initiatives, co-curriculars, and staff development, fostering a positive and engaging learning environment for all students. The Head of the Early Learning Campus leads, supervises, supports and coordinates the daily operations of the school while partnering closely with the Head of the Lower School to ensure continuity with Awty’s Primary Program.
REPORTS TO: Head of School
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's Degree or Advanced degree in Education (or related field)
- At least five years full-time school leadership experience in an elementary school environment
- Teaching experience in a primary or lower school environment
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Fluency in more than one language; French or Spanish highly desired
- Advanced degree in Education or Educational Leadership (or related field)
- International and/or independent school experience
- Experience working in a school with a language immersion program
- Certification in educational administration
- Demonstrated digital proficiency in current tools and platforms (electronic gradebooks, Learning Management Systems, online learning platforms, digital portfolios, AI assisted technology, etc.)
APPLICANTS SHOULD:
- Demonstrate a success in connecting with students and creating an environment where they flourish
- Possess strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Exhibit planning and organizational ability
- Inspire, challenge and support students and staff
- Demonstrate team leadership skills that will further unify and support a talented faculty
- Show proven experience in sound decision making
- Be well versed in current research and best practices in teaching and learning
- Demonstrate experience in support, supervision and evaluation of faculty
Duties:
- Ensure alignment with the school’s Mission, Vision, and Values and execute the Strategic Plan in the Early Learning division
- Oversee the organizational, operational, and academic functions of the assigned Division; supports in the development of the school’s strategic plans, programs and budgets; and directs the day-to-day operation of the corresponding Division
- Support the implementation of the IB Primary Years Programme and execute all program requirements in support of authorization and evaluation
- Manage the assigned physical spaces on campus to ensure safe and effective teaching/learning environments for ELCl students, teachers, and staff
- Hire, appraise, and coach faculty and staff in the corresponding Division, as well as makes decisions related to staff retention
- Guide professional growth and development for all faculty and staff
- Oversee student academic progress, learning support needs, and overall function of the corresponding Division, together with the teachers and Learning Support team
- Manage communications and relations with school families
- Manage all staffing issues concerning Division teachers, including hiring, evaluation, dismissal and renewal
- Work with the Chief Academic Officer, Program Directors, Coordinators, and Director of Innovation in the development of the Division’s academic programs, ensuring that the curricular scope and sequence, as well as instructional methodologies, reflect the school’s philosophy, objectives, and standards
- Supervise curriculum implementation
- Oversee development of class schedules for students and teachers, within the guidelines established by the school’s course offerings and contracts
- Appoint Grade Level Coordinators, Deans, Heads of Department, as well as other areas of additional responsibility to teachers
- Conduct meetings with teaching and administrative staff
- Organize teacher professional development and onboarding activities
- Supervise Division teachers, assistants, and administrative staff attendance based on school policy
- Support in the implementation of the school’s external testing programs, the analysis of resulting data, and the planning and implementation of follow up actions to improve student learning based on data
- Oversee Learning Support to ensure students receive the services they need in the areas of learning support, counseling, language support, acceleration and enrichment, curricular modifications for special needs, and other relevant areas
- Manage student discipline through Deputy Head of Early Learning in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct
- Ensure the readiness of the ELC Faculty to execute the Awty Emergency Plan protocols
- Serve on the Crisis Management Team (CMT) and prepare for, as well as de-brief, emergency-related training and events
- In conjunction with other members of the Senior Leadership Team, develop and maintain up to date policies and procedures
- Represent the school in official and unofficial events related to the school community
- Represent the Division in Senior Leadership Team meetings
- Oversee and manage departmental budgets, ensuring expenditures remain within allocated parameters
- Give input to the CFO on the creation of future budgets
- Review subordinate spending in an accurate and timely manner
- Serve as the primary resource for parents, regarding the program in the Early Learning Campus, and in response to concerns that move beyond the teacher level
- Attend and participate in the division-level Room Parent Meetings
- Coordinate with the Director of Facilities on all matter of rooms and resources
- Coordinate with the Director of Admissions to provide support for the Admissions process such as providing readers and interviewers, as well as presence and participation at public events
- Coordinate with Communications to effectively share information about Lower School events
- Support Advancement events that build and promote the Awty brand
- Coordinate with IT to implement new systems, software and resources
- Others as necessary to ensure the fluid and effective operation of the Early Learning Campus
Particulars
The Head of The Early Learning Campus is supported by an executive assistant, a receptionist, a deputy head, a school counselor, a learning support coordinator, and a number of teachers who serve as cycle and grade level coordinators. The Head of ELC is part of the Senior Academic Leadership Team and works closely with curricular instructional leaders for both Spanish and French immersion, as well as the other Division Heads.
Compensation is competitive and commensurate with the responsibilities of the position.
Submit your application through the school's website. All applicants should include a cover letter detailing their experience with curricular leadership, a current resume and three professional references (including your most recent direct supervisor). Direct inquiries (cover letter, CV, references) may be sent to the Search Committee Representative (pmiller@awty.org).
The Awty International School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ethnic or religious beliefs, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and athletic and other school-administered programs or in its employment practices.