Lower School Division Head and Learning Center Director

Lower School Division Head & Learning Center Director

Position Description

School Overview:

Providence Academy is a Christian independent school in Leesburg, VA, and was founded in 2013 with a mission to provide “Uncompromising excellence in educating and equipping students with Truth.” The school serves over 230 students in Junior Kindergarten – 8th grade.

In the classroom, teachers encourage, motivate, and inspire students through an exceptional educational program infused with a Christian worldview. Students are challenged in all areas of their lives – academically, spiritually, physically, emotionally, and socially – as they develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The school strives to develop and nurture a strong partnership with parents to ensure their children thrive in all aspects of their lives. Faculty and staff are committed followers of Christ, called to demonstrate their commitment to Christ in words and actions, and to hold each other accountable to scripture with love, compassion, and understanding.

The Opportunity:

The Lower School Division Head & Learning Center Director (LSDH & LCD) has direct responsibility for all aspects of Providence Academy’s holistic student experience for children in Lower School (grades JK – 4) and will provide leadership over the school’s Learning Center. The LSDH & LCD leads, supports, and is an advocate for teachers in the Lower School and for students in the entire school. The LSDH & LCD reports to the Head of School and is an active member of the school’s leadership team. They will work collaboratively and in strong partnership with the Head of School, Assistant Head of School for Academics & Middle School Division Head, and the school’s leadership team in promoting a culture and commitment to academic excellence at Providence Academy.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the educational and administrative leader of the Lower School, responsible for day-to-day operations, including directing the activities of faculty in the performance of their duties, managing the Lower School budget, overseeing Lower School student records, coordinating events, and serving as a professional development resource around best practices in support of the school’s vision.
• Develop and nurture positive and productive parent relationships with a focus on Lower School parents and those with students utilizing Learning Center resources.
• Focus on best practices and research while balancing faculty growth and development (pedagogy, curriculum, culture) with an eye on the student experience (connection, communication, culture).
• Provide clear and frequent communication with parents/guardians, colleagues, and students in Lower School while ensuring alignment with processes and timing with the Assistant Head of School for Academics & Middle School Division Head.
• Observe, evaluate, and supervise all Lower School faculty while working in collaboration with the Assistant Head of School for Academics & Middle School Division Head in his/her similar responsibilities.
• Serve as the Lower School administrator for student issues and parental concerns while elevating issues to the Head of School, as necessary.
• Facilitate regular meetings with Lower School faculty.
• Actively celebrate the school community by helping to coordinate and attend concerts, games, plays, etc.
• Work with various school personnel to plan and conduct new faculty, new family, and new student orientations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School.
• Collaborate with the Head of School and Assistant Head of School for Academics & Middle School Division Head in:

· the hiring, retention, and assignment of faculty.

· meeting the spiritual and social-emotional needs of all students.

· the development and implementation of curriculum, instruction, and assessment in JK – 8th grade.

· creating a coherent and unified student experience across all divisions.

· modifications to a Lower School schedule.

· overseeing an effective and transparent student discipline program.

· Ensuring Biblical integration in the Lower School classrooms and curriculum.

· Work collaboratively with the Head of School and Assistant Head of School for Academics & Middle School Division Head by providing direct leadership and oversight over the school’s Learning Center:

· Develop programming and accommodations for students with learning differences.

· Revise, develop, and implement Learning Center policies and procedures.

· Provide a safe, prayerful, educational environment for students to learn and to demonstrate the five attributes of the school’s Portrait of a Graduate.

· Educate, train, and coach faculty in research-based instructional methods including differentiation for all students, applying curriculum, the creative use of various environments and resources, assessment strategies, instructional technology, and utilization of data to best meet student needs.

· Collaborate with classroom teachers in identifying students who may need additional support or resources and develop appropriate plans for those students to thrive.

· Organize/manage/partner with part-time employees or external contractors who provide necessary services to students one-on-one or in groups during the school day.

· Ensure aligned teaching and learning programs for students in the classroom and when working with learning specialists.

· Develop and implement assessment tools, plans, and reports to evaluate Learning Center students and identify areas for improvement.

· Effectively communicate and partner with parents whose children may or do require Learning Center support.

· Seek the Lord’s wisdom in all interactions and decisions, being prayerful and using scripture to ensure discernment and direction.

Requirements:

• Interested candidates must have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, seeking to live a life with Christ at the center and demonstrating the Fruit of the Spirit.
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues, develop student-centered curriculum, and foster a growth mindset for faculty and students.
• Ability to review current program and work collaboratively with key stakeholders to enhance the student experience.
• Excellent oral, written, and people skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with parents, students, teachers, and staff.
• Ability to function as a collaborative and collegial member of a team with administrators, teachers, students, and parents.
• In-depth knowledge and experience reading and interpreting psycho-educational reports and evaluations.
• Knowledge and perhaps certification in programs that support students with learning differences, for example: Orton Gillingham, Universal Design, Wilson, Linda Mood Bell, and others.

· Direct experience with Lower School curriculum, most importantly reading, writing, and spelling.

• Experience working with students with learning differences.

· Understand how to develop and promote executive functioning skills, confidence, and a growth mindset in Lower School and Middle School students.

• A positive and strong work ethic with a growth mindset.
• Ability to meet deadlines in a timely manner.
• Bachelor’s degree, with preference to those with a master’s degree.
• Education experience – both as an educator and administrator.

For consideration, please submit a resume and a cover letter to caraeers@mypava.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Leesburg, VA 20175 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Leesburg, VA 20175: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $70,000