Catholic Classical Lower School (PK3-6th) Headmaster / Academic Dean/Asst. Principal

Description

St. Mary's Catholic School in Taylor, TX is searching for a Lower School Headmaster (for grades PK3-6th grades) for its Catholic Classical program!

A joyful place to work and play, St. Mary's is rooted in a faithful Catholic community and seeks to form disciples by cultivating a love of all that is TRUE, BEAUTIFUL, AND GOOD. We foster virtuous habits of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding through the inspiration of wonder and awe, guided by an integrated curriculum steeped in a tradition of the best that has been thought or imagined.

Our Lower School Headmaster works closely with the Upper School Headmaster (grades 7-12th) and the Head of School by

focusing on upholding the principles of classical curriculum and pedagogy, while overseeing student learning, teacher development, and maintaining a classical school culture, often with a specific emphasis on areas like rhetoric, grammar, and logic within the classroom environment.

Key Responsibilities May Include

• Curriculum Implementation:
• Ensuring teachers effectively integrate classical curriculum elements like the trivium (grammar, logic, rhetoric) across all subject areas.
• Monitoring classroom instruction to assess alignment with classical teaching methods.
• Collaborating with the principal to develop and refine the classical curriculum.
• Teacher Development:
• Providing professional development opportunities focused on classical pedagogy, including classroom management strategies specific to classical education.
• Coaching teachers on incorporating classical texts and literary analysis into their lessons.
• Observing classrooms to evaluate teacher effectiveness in delivering a classical curriculum.
• Student Support:
• Fostering a culture of academic rigor and intellectual curiosity aligned with classical values.
• Monitoring student progress to identify areas where additional support may be needed in classical subjects.
• Collaborating with teachers to implement interventions for students struggling with classical concepts.
• School Culture:
• Promoting a school environment that values critical thinking, discourse, and respectful debate, consistent with classical education principles.
• Integrating classical texts and historical figures into school events and activities.
• Communicating the school's classical educational philosophy to parents and the community.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in education administration or related field
• Proven experience as a classroom teacher with a strong understanding of classical education principles
• Familiarity with classical texts, authors, and pedagogical approaches
• Excellent leadership and communication skills to effectively guide teachers and students
• Commitment to fostering a positive and supportive classical learning environment
  
  

Job Summary

The Assistant Principal fulfills the mission of the Catholic school by working with the principal in the management of the school, faculty, staff, and students with major emphasis on curriculum and instruction, as well as student discipline. This position reports to and is evaluated by the principal.

Ministerial Character

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Austin are canonically obedient to the Bishop and assist him in fulfilling his ministry and canonical obligations. Pastors, presidents, and principals serve as leaders of the schools to make Christ's mission present and enduring in the schools. In order to fulfill Christ's mission, the school leaders employ suitable, chosen collaborators, sharing with them Christ's mission and entrusting to them various responsibilities.

Positions employed in this School help extend the ministry of the School leaders in particular ways as outlined in the job description. The employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the School leaders in the performance of their ministry and, therefore, engages in ministry for the Church.

Requirements

Essential Duties

• Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school
• Acts as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church
• Supports and adheres to the Code of Conduct and policies and procedures of the school and Diocese
• Maintains confidentiality regarding school matters
• Supports and assists with the responsibilities of the principal
• Serves as the principal in the principal’s absence
• Assists in the general administration of the school
• Supports the communication, training, and supervision of the faculty and staff
• Assists in planning for staff development, curriculum, educational textbooks and materials, and student testing
• Maintains documentation of instructional planning
• Carries out the disciplinary policies of the school
• Interprets and enforces school policies
• Designs the master schedule
• Assists with faculty and other meetings
• Provides direct supervision of school sponsored activities
• Communicates effectively with students, parents, and other professionals
• Demonstrates professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits
• Maintains a work schedule that maximizes availability to the school, students and staff
• Collaborates with peers to enhance the work environment and support instructional planning
• Monitors students regarding tardiness, absences, and those on academic probation
• Oversees faculty and staff committees, as assigned
• Observes and evaluates instruction and provides constructive feedback on performance
• Supports the preparation of handbooks
• Supports the referral process for student evaluation within the public school system
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of the basic teachings of the Catholic Church
• Knowledge of curriculum, instructional methods/strategies, and curriculum differentiation
• Knowledge of child development, learning and behavior
• Able to manage student behavior
• Able to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form
• Able to work well with others in a school community
• Skill in handling multiple tasks simultaneously
• Skill in job appropriate technology
• Skill in critical thinking and planning
  
  

Minimum QualificationsEducation

• Master’s degree or pursuing a master’s degree
• Pursuing 18 hours in educational administration and supervision
  
  

Experience

• Has successful classical teaching experience
  
  

Certifications And Training

• Certification/Licenses: Meets TCCED requirements for assistant principal
• Must submit an Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) Application for Ministry within the first week of employment, participate in an EIM Basic abuse prevention training workshop within 30 days of submitting a complete Application for Ministry, and maintain EIM compliance during the entire term of employment.
• Without a Theology degree, must complete Religion Certification Part 1 within two years of the date of hire, completing a minimum of 25 hours each year.
• In a commitment to ongoing formation in catechetical and spiritual leadership development, the principal will continue Religion Certification Part 2 at a minimum of one class per year.
  
  

Working Conditions

• Required to work some nights and weekends
• Required to manage high to moderate levels of stress
• Required to work a minimum a full school day
• Required to work in standard office and school conditions
  
  

Employee CertificationAll employees must adhere to the Catholic Schools Standards of Conduct, the Diocese of Austin EIM policies, and the social, ethical, and moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church as interpreted by the Bishop of Austin.Texas is an “at-will” employment state. Letters of employment are not contracts, nor do they bind the employer or the employee to a predetermined time or guarantee of employment.