Position Summary

Woodlynde School seeks a Head of Middle School charged with the comprehensive responsibility of all curricular and non-curricular development and activities involving students and colleagues in the middle school division to create a dynamic learning environment. The middle school division head also oversees the hiring and supervision of instructional and support personnel, and the direction of student life and facilities.

Woodlynde School is at an exciting moment in its history as the Board of Trustees, Head of School, and senior administrators bring the first phase of a three-phase, multi-year master plan to a successful conclusion and actively engage together on a comprehensive Strategic Plan. With a transformed campus open for in-person learning and enrollment and philanthropic giving on the rise, Woodlynde seeks a dynamic, collaborative, and strategic thinker who will serve on the senior leadership team and report to the Head of School.

The ideal candidate will be someone eager to immerse themselves in the life of the Woodlynde School community, working in tandem with the other two division heads and middle school colleagues.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

 The middle school division head will:

• Maintain congruency between the school’s mission statement and all activities of the division.
• Act as the educational leader of the school division, responsible for its day-to-day operation.
• Direct the activities of the school’s instructional and, in conjunction with the business officer, the non-instructional staff in the performance of their duties.
• Maintain the budget for the division.
• Function as the chief articulator of the middle school’s programs, expectations, behavioral guidelines, and other information necessary to ensure that all constituencies are fully informed consonant with their individual roles.
• Be a visible presence in all areas of the school.
• Be knowledgeable and able to articulate advances and trends in pedagogy and education.

• Review and evaluate the academic programs, including for horizontal and vertical curricular flow.
• Lead the academic policies/curriculum committee in the articulation of the school mission, school goals, department goals, course objectives, materials, methods, and means of assessment.
• Observe, supervise, and help evaluate the faculty, including through classroom observation.
• Serve as a consultant to teachers in matters of classroom management, teaching methods, and general school procedures.
• Oversee and direct the activities of the department chairs, the sponsors of various student organizations and activities, and faculty committees.
• Provide an orderly, controlled environment in which learning can take place in a school climate that is supportive and reflects high morale.
• Be aware of the educational, physical, social, and psychological needs of the school community, and develop plans for meeting those needs.
• Ensure compliance with legal requirements of government regulations and agencies, and maintain the educational standards established by the state and by those agencies that examine and accredit the school.

• Make recommendations to the head of school regarding the hiring, retention, and assignment of faculty.
• Establish programs for the in-service training of all teachers, and for the evaluation of classroom teachers.
• Ensure that teachers are familiar with and adhere to school policies in all areas of the school’s operation.
• Strive for unity, harmony, and cooperation through tact, helpfulness, respect, and the recognition of individual differences and the special abilities and strengths of each teacher.
• Conduct regular meetings with faculty that will deal both with routine school matters and with the stimulating exchange of ideas on issues of educational/philosophical interest and concern.

• In conjunction with the middle school learning specialist team, maintain complete academic records on all students.
• Oversee the grading and the reporting of standards and methods used by teachers in measuring student achievement.
• Establish guidelines for proper student conduct and dress.
• Maintain accurate records of student attendance and citizenship.
• Work toward a resolution of all problems - both routine and unique - as they arise.
• Keep the Head of School informed of the general programs, activities, and problems of the school.
• Assist in the admission process for the testing, interviewing, and evaluating of applicants for enrollment.

• Maintain a comprehensive calendar of school events and keep the entire school community informed of various school programs and activities.
• Oversee the coordination of the co-curricular and extra-curricular activity programs, including the planning and the presentation of school assemblies and programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the head of school.