Head of Lower School

Are you looking for a career where you can make an IMPACT?

If so, Worcester Preparatory School, a Pre-K through grade 12 independent school is looking for you! We are located in Berlin Maryland, minutes from the beach, in the heart of the Eastern Shore. An additional benefit to a career with WPS is discounted tuition for your child's education at Worcester Prep!

Job Title: Head of Lower School (1 position available)
FLSA Status: Professional Exempt
Reports to: Head of School
Department: Faculty
Prepared Date: February 2025

SUMMARY

The Lower School Division Head oversees the academic, operational, and student-focused aspects of the Lower School division, ensuring alignment with the school’s mission and strategic objectives. This leadership role reports directly to the Head of School and is an integral member of the school’s leadership team.

Leadership & Administration:

· Oversee the Lower School curriculum, in partnership with the Curriculum and Assessment Coordinator, department chairs, content specialists, and teachers, leading necessary curricular adjustments, enhancements, and their successful implementation.

· Supervise, support, and evaluate all Lower School faculty and staff, promoting professional development and fostering growth within the division.

· Partner with the Middle School Head to facilitate seamless student transitions and appropriate promotion between divisions.

· In partnership with the Director of Human Resources, develop and manage orientation and training programs for new Lower School teachers and faculty to ensure smooth transitions and alignment with the school’s goals.

· Collaborate with the Head of School and Human Resources to recruit, hire, and onboard new Lower School faculty and staff.

· Foster a divisional culture that emphasizes community, collaboration, and growth.

· Communicate transparently and effectively with Lower School faculty, staff, students, and parents, ensuring ongoing engagement and collaboration across all levels.

· Ensure compliance with Maryland State Department of Education and Office of Child Care regulations (COMAR), as well as the standards of the Association of Independent Maryland Schools (AIMS) for early childhood and elementary education.

Student Relations:

· Create and sustain an educational environment that is both challenging and supportive, meeting the developmental needs of all students.

· Oversee class placements and monitor student retention to ensure appropriate academic progression and development, while supporting the design and implementation of innovative strategies and proactive students plans by faculty.

· When necessary, collaborate with teachers and administration regarding situations relative to discipline and student needs or well-being.

· Supervise the Lower School’s student support services, including counseling, enrichment programs, and academic support.

· Collaborate with the Admissions Department to ensure the admission of students whose profiles align with the school’s mission and programmatic offerings.

Family Communication & Community Engagement:

· Cultivate a positive and supportive learning environment that promotes community, belonging, collaboration, and growth for students and faculty alike.

· Build and maintain strong relationships with Lower School parents and The Parent Association to foster a sense of community and engagement through social events, open forums, and regular communication.

· Plan and attend all Lower School events.

· Oversee Pre-k classrooms to ensure developmentally appropriate programming, and maintain strong partnerships with parents, particularly at the early childhood grade levels.

Professional Requirements

• Master’s degree or higher preferably in administration/supervision/curriculum.
• Minimum of 5 years teaching experience, preferably in independent school education.
• A strong incumbent for this position possesses the following:
• Knowledge of educational technology.
• Ability to maintain an effective working relationship with students, staff, parents, and the community.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to prioritize, multi-task projects with equal priority, work as part of a team and anticipate work.
• Ability to meet deadlines and respond to sensitive matters and/or situations with discretion, tact, and confidentiality.

Work Environment

The work characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

· Business casual environment

· High volume environment where personal accountability is encouraged and reinforced.

Other

Employee must be legally qualified to work in the United States. Employee must pass a background check conducted by a neutral third party. References will be contacted, and all information provided will be verified.

Nothing in this job description restricts Worcester Preparatory School’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule: Monday through Friday with occasional evenings and weekends

Well-qualified applicants may apply by submitting electronic copies of a cover letter and resume to Worcester Preparatory School Human Resources at employment@worcesterprep.org.

For more details, and to download the job description and employment application, please visit our website at https://www.worcesterprep.org/about/employment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $75,000 - $90,000