Head of Lower School

Trinity Episcopal School is seeking a full-time Head of Lower School.  The Head of Lower School is the primary academic and administrative leader for the elementary division, championing the mission, values, and policies of Trinity Episcopal School. Reporting directly to the Head of School, this leader drives strategic vision and daily operations across curriculum development, student life, and division-wide communication. The Head of Lower School delivers vital mentorship and support to faculty, students, and parents to cultivate a vibrant, collaborative, and inclusive learning community. The Head of Lower School supports the work of the School by promoting the mission, values, and policies of Trinity Episcopal School.  This is a full-time, 12-month, exempt position open until filled.

Primary Responsibilities:  

Students

• Academics
  • Scheduling – Collaborates with the Academic Dean to ensure the daily and weekly schedule of the Lower School is developmentally appropriate, aligns with the K-8 schedule, and creates a balanced academic day for students and teachers alike

• Development and Progress – Review student academic progress and develop appropriate plans for improvement and achievement in conjunction with the faculty and resource staff. 

• Discipline – Monitor student behavior and resolve all disciplinary matters beyond the scope of the classroom teacher.

Faculty

• Hiring – Collaborate with the Chief of Staff to coordinate the hiring process by maintaining applicant files, establishing a pool of candidates, scheduling interviews, soliciting faculty input, and working with the other division heads to determine the needs of the school.  

• Evaluation and Retention of Faculty – Manage the faculty evaluation process, which includes contractual compensation and contract renewal.

• Faculty Development and Improvement of Teaching – Promote faculty development and improvement of teaching by goal setting with faculty and organizing professional development programs.

• Faculty Morale – Create an atmosphere of professionalism and respect by promoting positive interaction with the faculty/staff and between faculty/staff. 

Curriculum

• Development – Collaborate with the academic team to review curriculum design by discipline, grade level, and course, and publish all curriculum summaries and guides.

• Coordination – Work with the other divisions to ensure appropriate K-8 curricular coordination. 

Community Life

• Spirituality – Collaborate with the Chaplains to develop the spiritual life of the students and the school community through chapel services, faith studies, and service learning.

• Social/Emotional Well Being – Collaborate with the School Counselors to implement curriculum and programs to promote the social and emotional well-being of the students.

• Diversity - Instill in our students an enduring appreciation for and commitment to the richness of diversity.
  • Develop cultural dexterity by assisting in creating a diverse school community, opening students’ eyes to the broader world, and maintaining service learning partnerships for each grade level.

• Honor Code - Develop a community of honor, integrity, responsibility, respect, and compassion by promoting the honor code.

Communication

• Communication with Parents – Provide parents with timely, effective written or oral communication about the school program, student progress, the calendar and schedule, and parent education opportunities. 
  • Support faculty in communication practices with parents that support student growth and home-school partnership.

• Interdivisional Communication – Oversee and promote communication between divisions with regard to curriculum and program, scheduling issues, hiring needs, and students in transition from LS to MS.

• Admissions/Public Relations – Work with the admissions office and director of communications to provide information, make presentations, and meet with families to promote the School.
  • Collaborate with the Admissions team to develop admissions criteria 

Management/Administration

• Special Events – Oversee the planning, scheduling, and implementation of all division-wide events.

• Crisis Management – Address all emergency situations in the division, coordinate the division’s response to the crisis, and monitor progress in the aftermath of the crisis.

Budget – Manage the divisional budget by authorizing expenditures and/or ensuring account limits are followed.

The successful candidate will have the following qualities:

• Familiarity with and a commitment to the mission of independent schools and Trinity Episcopal School, and a commitment to our three primary values of scholarship, diversity, and spirituality, is a must
• A love for students and a willingness to go above and beyond in the best interests of students
• Integrity, sound judgment, self-confidence, maturity, and a sense of perspective

• A high level of energy and ability to work on multiple tasks/projects

• Ability to model, promote, and provide opportunities for students to live into the Trinity Honor Code

• Demonstrated sensitivity to students, faculty, and staff of varying racial, ethnic, religious, gender, cultural, disability, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic backgrounds

Education and Work Experience

• Ten years of experience in education, with at least seven years in the classroom
• Master's Degree in an academic area or education
• Demonstrated administrative and leadership experience

Skills and Qualifications

• The ability to provide a vision for the division and communicate that vision
• Organizational and planning skills to carry out the vision and other initiatives of the school
• Critical thinking and analytic skills, problem-solving, and effective decision-making skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• The ability to function as an effective member of an administrative team
• The ability to work with and/or motivate a wide range of people, including students, faculty, administration, and parents
• Become involved in the mission and life of the school beyond the primary responsibilities outlined.