• Job Description

  Req#: 493020
  A bridge between the Lower and Upper Schools, the Middle School challenges students within a nurturing environment and provides opportunities to explore a variety of academic offerings, technology, physical education, music, art, community service and leadership roles. We believe in the education of the whole child—inside and outside of the classroom—and encourage students to develop intellectually as well as into citizens of good character. Throughout their experiences in the Middle School, our students are supported in navigating the world around them, making new and long-lasting friendships, obtaining new skills and growing as unique young people of character.

  We are looking for a strong academic leader with a love for students in their pre-teen and early-teen years to join our Middle School team as an assistant head of Middle School for academics, starting in July 2024.

  This individual has oversight of the holistic experience (academics and academic planning, co-curricular, student life, and faculty relationship building) of students. The work requires a collaborative partnership with other Middle School administrators, the department chairs, and other all-school leaders, especially the office of admission. Additionally, this individual must have solid relationships with the Lower and Upper School teams.

  Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Serve as the academic co-leader of the Middle School, responsible for its day-to-day operation, by:

    • Providing a rich and engaging environment , within a supportive school climate, in which learning can take place and that reflects the School's core values of dignity, inclusion and safety, collaboration, and student independence and growth

    • Providing for the academic guidance of students; maintaining complete academic records on all students; overseeing the grading and the reporting of standards and methods used by teachers in measuring student achievement

    • Counseling students when necessary, working closely with the school counselor

    • Coordinating new student orientation and new student advisory responsibilities

    • Scheduling family/advisor conferences and maintaining records and correspondence relating to family conferences

    • Co-leading the curriculum inventory processes in the articulation of the school mission, school goals, department goals, course objectives, materials, methods and means of assessment

    • Managing and performing scheduling duties for grades 5-8: class enrollment, exploratory, drop/add, and academic counseling in collaboration with the registrar and head of Middle School

    • Co-leading, with the dean of students, special programs and gatherings, such as community meetings, Torrey Leadership Council, and other student-led clubs

    • Preparing and maintaining the division's master calendar

    • Serving as a chaperone on outdoor education, multi-day, trips

  • Co-function as the chief articulator of the Middle School's programs, expectations, behavioral guidelines, and other information necessary to ensure that all constituencies are fully informed consistent with their individual roles by:

    • Assisting with establishing guidelines for proper student conduct and dress; maintaining student discipline consonant with school policies; monitoring students' adherence to established school rules; maintaining accurate records of student attendance and citizenship

    • Assisting with the directing of activities of the department chairs, the sponsors of various student organizations and activities, and faculty committees

    • Supporting the dean of students with student behavior management and follow-through with correspondence and record keeping relating to student behavior

    • Being aware of the educational, physical, social, and psychological needs of the members of our school community, and to develop plans for meeting these needs

    • Assisting in the admission process for the testing, interviewing, and evaluating of applicants for enrollment

  • Support the head of Middle School in faculty growth and performance by:

    • Observing, supervising, and helping evaluate the faculty in the development and implementation of curriculum; supervising the teaching process, and reviewing and evaluate the academic programs

    • Making recommendations to the head of Middle School regarding the hiring and retention, and the assignment of faculty

    • Co-establishing programs for the orientation of new teachers, for professional development of all teachers, and for the evaluation of classroom teachers, to ensure that teachers are familiar with and adhere to school policies in all areas of the school operation

    • Co-leading regular meetings with faculty which will deal both with routine school matters and with the stimulating exchange of ideas on issues of educational/philosophical interest and concern

    • Serving as a consultant to teachers in matters of classroom management, teaching methods, and general school procedures

  Position Requirements

  • A bachelor's degree is required; an advanced degree is ideal

  • Decisive, creative leadership complemented appropriately with the ability to administer and manage in an educational environment

  • Experience as a dean or department chair, is preferred

  • Teaching experience, particularly at the middle school level

  • Working knowledge of academic planning systems (scheduling, class changes, and the like)

  • Experience creating and facilitating of a student advisory or character education program, and moderating student organizations, particularly student leadership groups and/or an ethics council

  • Current knowledge in related fields and topics, and the desire to continue learning

  • Knowledge of curriculum and the curricular issues challenging students in our rapidly changing global community

  • A willingness to be an active member of the La Jolla Country Day School community - visible at school events, around the campus, and in classrooms

  To perform this job successfully, an individual should have working knowledge of Google Workspace and Microsoft Office, and be able to learn to use other applications and hardware (Blackbaud, Apple TV, On Record, Seesaw, Zoom, etc.).

  The ideal candidate is committed to leading and learning with dignity, and working in an environment where anti-racist education and culturally responsive instructional practices are modeled. They will possess or demonstrate the following: a growth mindset, emotional intelligence, self-motivation, positive energy, strong interpersonal skills, a service-oriented and team approach to work, approachability, adaptability, vulnerability, openness to new and divergent ideas, excellent oral and written communication skills, and comfort in an educational setting where children and adults are present.

  All school personnel must successfully complete a fingerprint background check through Live Scan and provide current tuberculosis clearance.

  Salary range: $95,000-$125,000 annualized. The salary offer to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and years of experience, training, practical knowledge, and education.

  To be considered for this role, please submit your current CV/resume, a cover letter detailing your interest in this position in our community, and a statement showcasing your educational philosophy.

  
  

  
  

• About the company

  La Jolla Country Day School (LJCDS), is a premier independent college-preparatory school serving students from age 3 through Grade 12. We welcome you to explore our unique school where the values of a classic education are enhanced with an enlightened mindset. It is a place where proven and progressive meet. At LJCDS, we are committed to “Inspiring Greatness for a Better World.”

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