Head of Student Support Services

Harrow New York seeks individuals with a pioneering spirit to help realize our vision of inspiring students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens. As a founding staff member, you'll shape grades 6-10 and build on the legacy of Harrow School in the UK. Join us at Harrow International School New York to be part of a community that values excellence, tradition, and holistic education.

About Harrow International School New York

Harrow New York upholds the high standards and traditions of Harrow School in the UK. We maintain high expectations for both students and staff, emphasizing academic rigor, personalized pastoral care, and a robust super-curricular and co-curricular program. Our commitment extends to providing numerous community service and leadership opportunities.

As we establish and continue to expand our school, we seek dedicated and proactive individuals who reflect our values and commitment to excellence. Ideal applicants will be inspiring, highly qualified and eager to participate fully in the broader life of the school. They should excel in communication, relationship-building and possess a can-do attitude. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate respect, responsibility, and effective time management skills contributing to a collaborative and vibrant community. We value individuals committed to personal and professional growth, consistently upholding high standards.

We are looking for passionate educators who understand that academic qualifications alone are not enough. Our Real-World Ready Curriculum focuses on social, cognitive, and digital competencies to prepare students for success. We value individuals who can foster intellectual curiosity, creativity, and essential life skills, and who are committed to helping students thrive in their future careers.

As an employee at our school, you'll play a vital role in both the academic and boarding life and be affiliated with a House. This position offers the chance to provide evening academic support, foster a family atmosphere, and significantly impact students' personal growth within a nurturing community. Additionally, you'll have numerous opportunities to share your skills and actively engage in our comprehensive co-curricular program activities across sports, music, drama, dance, leadership, and service. We're looking for enthusiastic staff ready to make a significant impact by leading these diverse opportunities and activities, helping students develop character, leadership, and teamwork skills.

If you are dedicated to inspiring students and facilitating an ambitious education, we invite you to join our team.

Job Overview

Please refer to the job description requirements below for the key responsibilities and person specification. This outlines the main tasks and duties associated with the role, as well as the essential skills, experience, and qualifications needed.

JOB DESCRIPTION - Head of Student Support Services

DEPARTMENT: Academics

REPORTS TO: Director of Studies

RESPONSIBLE FOR: Teaching, Learning and Student Wellbeing

WORKING PATTERN: Full time, salaried, in person on Oakdale campus

START DATE: August 1, 2025

SALARY RANGE: $80,000 - $85,000

About Us

Harrow International School New York is situated on a stunning campus covering more than 100 acres in Long Island New York. Harrow New York caters to both boarding and day students from the local region, across the United States, and internationally. The School offers a bespoke and challenging academic curriculum, combined with pastoral care of the highest standard and an outstanding co-curricular program, all rooted in the Harrow core values of Courage, Honor, Humility and Fellowship. Harrow New York equips its students with the character, resilience, and adaptability to flourish and be of good influence in the world that awaits them.

All members of staff work to a single, uniting purpose: to prepare students with diverse backgrounds and abilities for a life of learning, leadership, service, and personal fulfilment.

Our teachers relish being active members of the boarding community, generously dedicating their time. They also understand and embrace the unique challenges of a newly established school and are enthusiastic pioneers.

About The Role

The Head of Student Support will be responsible for overseeing and enhancing all services related to English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Additional Learning Support (ALS) for our diverse student body. This leadership role will require collaboration with faculty, staff, parents, and local school districts to ensure that the academic and social-emotional needs of all students are met with individualized attention and tailored resources.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in student support services, including special education, language acquisition, and the regulatory frameworks that govern private school operations in New York State. They will be committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive and reach their fullest potential.

Specific Leadership Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the school’s EAL and ALS programs, ensuring effective support for students requiring language acquisition services or additional learning accommodations.
• Develop and implement best practices for assessing and identifying students needing EAL and ALS services, ensuring that every student’s academic needs are fully addressed.
• Ensure the school’s compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations related to student support, including those governed by the New York State Department of Education and BOCES (Boards of Cooperative Educational Services).
• Provide professional development for faculty and staff on best practices for supporting EAL and ALS students, including differentiated instruction, formative assessments, and inclusive teaching strategies.
• Collaborate with the Director of Studies, MYP Coordinator, and Heads of Department to ensure collective awareness of all EAL and ALS student needs, requirements, and recommendations.
• Prepare reports for school leadership and board meetings to highlight progress, challenges, and opportunities in student support services.
• Maintain accurate records of all student support plans, progress notes, and communications in compliance with school policies and legal requirements.

Specific Responsibilities

• Utilize all means available to regularly monitor and assess the progress of students receiving EAL and ALS services, adjusting support plans as needed to ensure success.
• Work closely with classroom teachers to develop Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and/or language support plans for students as needed, ensuring that teachers are well supported in meeting the diverse needs of their students.
• Assist the Admissions team in evaluating the needs of prospective students to ensure that the school can appropriately support students requiring EAL or ALS services.
• Conduct assessments and collaborate with the admissions team to determine the appropriate placement and level of support required for each applicant.
• Partner with local school districts, BOCES, and other educational organizations as necessary to ensure that services are aligned with New York State educational policies and resources.
• Advocate for students’ needs within the broader school community, ensuring that policies and resources are inclusive and meet the needs of all learners.
• Integrate digital, social and cognitive competencies into teaching practices, to equip students with practical skills and competencies for their future.
• Utilize technology and creativity to enable more innovative and effective approaches to learning and teaching.
• Support students - guiding, directing, consoling, nurturing, and intervening more significantly in times of need.
• Collaborate with colleagues and other relevant professionals within and beyond the School to support EAL and ALS students.
• Implement and adhere to all School and departmental policies.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for parents of students receiving EAL and ALS services, providing regular updates on student progress and areas of concern.
• Offer workshops and informational sessions to educate parents about the support services available to their children, as well as strategies they can use at home to reinforce learning.
• Collaborate with parents to ensure they are informed and involved in the development and implementation of educational support plans.

General Duties

• Support and contribute to the School’s vision and values.
• Contribute to the character development of students.
• Share in supervisory duties, including examination invigilation, meal and break supervision.
• Contribute to evening and weekend House duties on a regular basis.
• Lead and participate in co-curricular activities, which are integral to School life.
• Communicate effectively with students, parents/guardians, colleagues, wider school community and Board.
• Attend whole School events such as Open Days and Speech Day.
• Provide cover for staff absences, as needed.
• Comply with School policies and procedures related to child protection, health and safety, confidentiality, security, data protection, reporting all concerns to the appropriate person
• Promote the safety and wellbeing of all students.
• Effectively manage student behavior to maintain an orderly and safe learning environment, while fostering high standards of conduct through positive reinforcement and building strong, respectful relationships with students.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to enhance skills and overall performance.
• Participate constructively in the school’s appraisal and performance management processes
• Engage in active supervision and interaction with students, including standing for extended periods, moving around the classroom and wider campus, and participating in physical activities as needed to support student learning.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

All members of staff are expected to be positive role models within the School community and conduct themselves in line with the School’s values: Courage, Honor, Humility and Fellowship. The successful candidate will demonstrate:

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• High-level academic qualifications, in a relevant subject area.
• Formal teaching qualification such as an appropriate education degree, or a bachelor’s degree along with an internationally recognized teaching qualification (e.g., US state-approved teacher education program, UK PGCE, UK QTS).
• Significant experience in leadership, at reputable schools, with students aged 11-18, demonstrating a consistent record of success.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and inspire a team and manage resources.
• Expertise in EAL and/or Learning Support.
• Experience in strategic planning and implementation.
• Advanced classroom teaching skills, effectively enabling and inspiring students to achieve high standards.
• Deep practical and contextual expertise in the subject area, combined with genuine subject passion.
• Strong experience in safeguarding, pastoral care and student leadership.
• Sensitivity to the needs of young people, with a commitment to their support and development.
• Familiarity with School IT applications and management information systems.
• Willingness to engage in a boarding environment.
• Ongoing dedication to personal and professional growth to uphold high standards.
• Excellent proficiency in written and spoken English.

Desirable

• Additional qualifications or studies beyond a bachelor’s degree related to EAL and/or Learning Support.
• Proven ability to work with a diverse student body and faculty.
• Familiarity with the unique requirements of a boarding school environment.
• Possess a range of interests that can enhance the co-curricular life of the School.
• Experience in establishing and working within a new school setting.

Skills and Attributes

• Strong alignment with the School’s ethos and values and displaying ambition for the School’s direction.
• Excellent interpersonal and management skills, with the ability to relate well to people at all levels and encourage and motivate.
• Clarity of thought and the ability to express ideas and arguments in a thoughtful and analytical manner.
• Effective team player and track record of working collaboratively across departments.
• Exceptional organizational and administrative skills, maintaining composure under pressure.
• High stamina and resilience to endure the demands of a busy School environment
• Good judgement, diplomacy and discretion when handling sensitive situations with students, parents and colleagues.
• Upholds integrity and honesty in all professional interactions.
• Ability to build positive relationships and inspire others to achieve their best, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.

It is the post holder’s responsibility to promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young persons for whom they are responsible, or with whom they come into contact, and to adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Child Protection Policy Statement at all times. If, in the course of carrying out the duties of the post the post holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of students in the School they must report any concerns to the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.

How to Apply

If you have the required qualifications and experience for this role, please apply by submitting the following:

• Resume: Include your personal details, contact details, professional details, employment history, and education.
• Cover Letter: Write a Supporting Statement to address the selection criteria and highlight your specific interest in working for our school.
• Professional References: Submit two professional references, including one from the Headteacher/Principal of the school where you are currently or were most recently employed. Where possible references must be from separate sources and not the same organization or employer.

Please note only fully completed applications will be considered.

Please note applicants must have legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Application Deadline

Sunday, February 23, 2025, at 11.59pm Eastern Standard Time. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Harrow New York reserves the right to make an appointment before the stated deadline.

Selection Process

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an online screening interview, scheduled from Monday, March 3, 2025, to Friday, April 4, 2025. Selected applicants will then be invited to attend a second, in-person interview, where possible, where they will be required to prepare and present a lesson plan. Please note visa-related restrictions may apply.

Equality and Diversity

Harrow New York is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, and local laws.

Safeguarding

At Harrow New York, the safety and welfare of our students is a top priority. All staff members are dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We have implemented a stringent recruitment process which includes, a thorough enhanced background screening checks, fingerprint based criminal screening check, detailed interviews, teaching demonstrations, reference verification, safeguarding training and ongoing monitoring and support.

All employees are expected to comply with our School Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $80,000 - $85,000