Details
Posted: 16-Dec-21
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Type: Full Time
Required Education: 4 Year Degree
POSITION SUMMARY
The McGillis School, a progressive K-8 independent school in Salt Lake City, seeks an innovative, dynamic, and compassionate academic leader for its Lower School division of approximately 235 students and 25 faculty and staff members, beginning July 1, 2022. The Lower School Director will enthusiastically embrace and advance the school’s mission, lead and support a dedicated faculty, and joyfully interact with students. The School seeks a leader who is passionate and knowledgeable about progressive education, embraces our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, ensures continued innovation, and promotes our values. We seek a collaborative learner and leader, who loves elementary-age students, is excited by and supportive of our mission, vision, purpose, and values, and who is adept at leading a group of dedicated teachers with the ultimate goal of creating students who are committed and able to repair the world.
FUTURE VISION
This position arrives at an exciting moment in The McGillis School’s history, as it celebrates 30 years this 21/22 school year. McGillis strives to instill progressive educational practices that allow learners to be leaders in their learning, understand and articulate their strengths and areas for growth, incorporate innovating educational approaches, and weave in the School’s values and commitment to outdoor and environmental ventures, capitalizing on the amazing geographic location of the School’s urban setting while minutes away from mountains and hours away from national parks. The Lower School Director will have the opportunity to lead and shape an aspiring educational direction, including a renewed Portrait of a Learner and Tenets of Teaching and Learning at McGillis. The opportunity to design an educational vision with faculty will be an exciting one for a leader who loves learning, innovative pedagogy, and celebrates the joys of childhood.
LEADERSHIP QUALITIES
The ideal candidate will have a successful track record as an independent school educator. This candidate will be:
an instructional leader who is:
- well-versed in current educational pedagogy and innovative program design;
- skilled and experienced in furthering teacher professional growth and development;
- a promoter of innovative curriculum and future skills for success; and
- knowledgeable of diverse learning styles and learning profiles.
a human-centered team leader who:
- exemplifies a strong sense of empathy and compassion;
- has a good-nature and natural instinct with our youngest learners;
- is supportive and respectful of faculty experience and views; and
- demonstrates strong team-building ability.
a strong communicator and manager who:
- listens and communicates effectively and consistently with all constituents (students, parents, teachers, etc);
- makes well-informed, student-centered decisions and follows through to get the job done;
- displays excellent organizational skills;
- collaborates with admission and marketing departments on special Lower School events and open houses; and
- works effectively with the School’s leadership team in regards to attracting and retaining quality teachers, staff, and students.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
- Act as the educational leader of the Lower School and be responsible for its day-to-day operations.
- Seek innovative opportunities to enrich the academic, ethical, social, and emotional development of students.
- Challenge students to explore all aspects of their learning to become confident self-advocates.
- Support and supervise the Lower School faculty and conduct professional evaluations.
- Identify leadership skills in faculty and staff and discover opportunities to hone and grow these skills.
- Oversee the delivery of educational programs to students, which includes responsibility for the creation and execution of divisional and faculty / student schedules.
- Participate in admissions events and decision-making processes regarding student enrollment and retention.
- Actively engage in school events and be involved in all aspects of school life.
- Communicate effectively, efficiently, timely, and meaningfully with faculty, staff, students, and parents/guardians within the community.
- Maintain a safe working, learning, and teaching environment, while promoting a culture that values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
ENROLLMENT INFORMATION
McGillis enrolls 385 students in grades K-8. The 21/22 enrollment includes 235 students in the Lower School, 127 in the Middle School, and 23 students in The Learning Center (a division for students with language-based learning differences). The Lower School serves grades K-5, with two sections of each grade level, staffed by two Teachers and one shared Teacher Assistant in each grade level. Class sizes range from 15-20 students.
COMMITMENT TO DEIB
The McGillis School is built on the premise that diversity, equity, and inclusion matter. As a school founded on Jewish values, culture, and history, we understand how vital it is to hear, understand, and learn from those who have been marginalized. We believe a diverse, inclusive community is essential to a rich educational experience, and we support each person in our community to reach their full potential. Commitment to this work is crucial for the long-term viability and success of our School.
Compelled by our purpose to create individuals committed and able to repair the world, our community endeavors to:
- honor each student’s individual story and experience
- foster diversity of thought and an open exchange of ideas
- empower students to meaningfully encounter difference
- nurture moral and intellectual growth
- effect change in a dynamic, increasingly interconnected world
We strive to recruit, retain, and support a diverse student body, faculty, staff, and board.
TO APPLY
We invite candidates to consider becoming part of The McGillis School community by submitting a:
- letter of introduction;
- résumé;
- statement of educational philosophy.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree in Education.
- Candidates are preferred to have a Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a relevant field.
- Minimum of five years of elementary school experience.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
