Head of School

Head of SchoolStepping Stones Montessori in East Lansing (SSM)

Position Overview:

Stepping Stones Montessori in East Lansing (SSM), Michigan, is an established, non-profit, independent Montessori school seeking a passionate and experienced leader to serve as our Head of School starting with the 2025-2026 school year. This individual will enhance the educational experience of students, lead a dedicated team of classroom guides, build a strong and engaged community, and effectively oversee the school’s administrative and financial operations.

About Our School:

SSM serves students from 18 months of age through 6th grade and is committed to a Montessori education. As one of three independent Montessori schools in the area, we benefit from a vibrant community of Montessori educators. We distinguish ourselves through our warm, community-oriented environment and our commitment to social justice and service, both within and beyond our school building.

Founded 42 years ago as a single classroom in a rented space, SSM successfully led a capital campaign and built its own facility in 1999. Today, we serve approximately 100 students across five classrooms: one toddler, two primary, one lower elementary, and one upper elementary.

Position Description:

The Head of School will serve as the educational and operational leader of our Montessori community, ensuring the highest standards of Montessori pedagogy, curriculum, and administration. This leadership role requires a strong commitment to Montessori principles and the ability to foster a thriving learning environment for students, faculty, and families.

Key Responsibilities:

• Uphold and advance Montessori philosophy and curriculum across all programs.
• Execute and administer school policies and strategic plans.
• Support and mentor classroom guides in curriculum implementation, and professional growth.
• Oversee daily operations, ensuring excellence in academics, business, and community relations.
• Oversee all school programs, including enrichment programs, and before- and after-school childcare.
• Foster a strong Montessori community by maintaining open, effective communication among faculty, staff, students, and families.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the school and parents, faculty, staff, the Board of Directors, prospective families, and the broader community.
• Address concerns professionally and constructively to maintain the positive school culture.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors, participating in meetings, providing reports, and contributing to strategic planning.
• Manage school operations, including faculty and staff orientation, evaluation, and professional development.
• Ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations, as well as Montessori affiliation standards.
• Oversee financial operations, including budget preparation and staffing levels.

Ideal Candidate Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Montessori Experience: Montessori classroom experience, teacher certification, and/or administration certification (highly preferred).
• Leadership Experience: Proven experience in a leadership role within a school setting, preferably Montessori.
• Operational Management: Strong ability to manage school operations, including budgeting, staffing, and regulatory compliance.
• Board Collaboration: Experience working with a Board of Directors and leadership teams.
• Advocacy & Communication: Persuasive, articulate advocate for the school within the broader community.
• Visionary Leadership: Dynamic, forward-thinking leader with strong organizational and people skills.
• Community Engagement: Ability to foster a welcoming and inclusive school community.
• Problem-Solving: Experience addressing and resolving concerns professionally and constructively.
• Strategic Planning: Ability to develop and execute long-term goals for the school.
• Passion for Education: Enthusiasm for creating a nurturing and dynamic learning environment.

Compensation:

A competitive salary will be offered, commensurate with experience.

Application Process & Timeline:

Review of applications will begin on March 21, 2025, and the position will remain open until filled. Interested candidates should apply via email by submitting:

• A cover letter detailing leadership philosophy.
• A curriculum vitae/resume.

For questions regarding the position, please contact the Search Committee Chair.

Send all correspondence to chair@steppingstoneseastlansing.org

Website: ssmeastlansing.org

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Do you have Montessori certification or experience?

Work Location: In person