What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lower School Math Specialist position at Whitby School?
We're a community of educators dedicated to helping students develop a passion for learning while empowering them to become open-minded, principled citizens in a global community. Whitby’s staff and faculty are passionate about teaching because we ourselves are passionate about learning.
Summary
We are seeking a visionary Lower School Math Specialist to serve as a pedagogical leader, instructional coach, and expert practitioner. This role integrates pedagogical research into dynamic classroom practice, working directly with students and collaborating with faculty, to foster a culture of 'math confidence' and deep mastery for the entire school community.
Key Responsibilities
Curriculum Leadership & Research: Serve as the primary filter for mathematics research, translating theory into actionable classroom strategies. Lead the implementation of innovative, research-based programs that prioritize conceptual progression over rote learning.
Instructional Coaching: Build faculty capacity by co-teaching, modeling lessons, and "unpacking" units with grade-level teams. Help generalist teachers develop the confidence and expertise to view themselves as mathematicians.
Advanced Student Instruction: Direct instruction for high-ability math cohorts (covering up through 7th-grade standards). Utilize curriculum compacting to ensure advanced learners encounter complex challenges.
Administrative & Community Partnership: Partner closely with the Head of Lower School to champion the school’s mathematical philosophy. Act as a Parent Ambassador through Math Nights and regular communication regarding the math program.
Qualifications & Requirements
Summary
We are seeking a visionary Lower School Math Specialist to serve as a pedagogical leader, instructional coach, and expert practitioner. This role integrates pedagogical research into dynamic classroom practice, working directly with students and collaborating with faculty, to foster a culture of 'math confidence' and deep mastery for the entire school community.
Key Responsibilities
Curriculum Leadership & Research: Serve as the primary filter for mathematics research, translating theory into actionable classroom strategies. Lead the implementation of innovative, research-based programs that prioritize conceptual progression over rote learning.
Instructional Coaching: Build faculty capacity by co-teaching, modeling lessons, and "unpacking" units with grade-level teams. Help generalist teachers develop the confidence and expertise to view themselves as mathematicians.
Advanced Student Instruction: Direct instruction for high-ability math cohorts (covering up through 7th-grade standards). Utilize curriculum compacting to ensure advanced learners encounter complex challenges.
Administrative & Community Partnership: Partner closely with the Head of Lower School to champion the school’s mathematical philosophy. Act as a Parent Ambassador through Math Nights and regular communication regarding the math program.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Master’s Degree in Mathematics Education or a related field (preferred). Deep mastery of the K-8 mathematical continuum and the ability to teach Algebra 1 to younger learners.
- Proven experience in modeling lessons and facilitating professional development for adult learners.
- Ability to analyze student data to "compact" curriculum and design rigorous, inquiry-based pathways for advanced students.
- Exceptional ability to translate complex educational research for both teachers and parents.
- A desire to work as a "co-investigator" alongside faculty to build sustainable teaching capacity.
- Experience with International Baccalaureate framework a positive