This person will report to the Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs and serve on the senior administrative team. The successful candidate will lead our Early Childhood and Lower School programs and support our teachers as they seek to innovate on their already excellent work. They will be an expert in the education of students from Pre-School-4th grade and have a passion for their growth. The person also will assume responsibility for the daily management of the division, including organizational and disciplinary issues, with an eye towards growing and supporting a diverse and welcoming community for students and families. In doing so, they will be aware of the educational, physical, social, and psychological needs of the members of the school community, and develop plans for meeting these needs. They will focus on maintaining congruency between the school’s mission and all activities in the Lower School. In addition they should be a presence at various events to support students and families and to ensure that an inclusive climate extends to the life of the Early Childhood Program and Lower School outside of the classroom.

In their role as the Early Childhood and Lower School Director they will also:

• Collaborate with other members of the school community to further the school’s mission.

• Participate in the planning of a faculty meeting schedule to emphasize learning and teaching and the support of our professional staff as they seek to innovate and create student experiences.

• Support and participate in the Student Support Team that works to ensure each student’s experience.

• Support and participate in the work of the school’s Social Emotional Learning Team, who seeks to ensure that each student grows in and out of the classroom.

• Work with the Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs to to foster, enhance and support a culture of innovative teaching at all of our grade levels

• Supervise and complete evaluations of Early Childhood and Lower School faculty and support the growth of each teacher. 

• Contribute to the short- and long-term-planning for the school. 

• Promote a joyful and positive spirit for the entire school community.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School.

As is the case with all members of our staff, they will be expected to aspire to the EA Characteristics of Professional Excellence, in which Elgin Academy teachers promise to:

• Create an environment where students are encouraged to take risks, grow from mistakes, defend their ideas, and advocate for themselves.

• Provide diverse learning experiences that allow and encourage a variety of ways to demonstrate knowledge.

• Model the characteristics found in the Portrait of a Hilltopper.

• Build trusting relationships with students and families through consistency, equity, and communication.

• Communicate and collaborate with the school community to foster supportive and professional relationships.

• Continue to innovate teaching strategies, including use of technology.

• Support school community activities.

• Continue to be lifelong learners through ongoing professional development and collaboration with peers.

Elgin Academy is an equal opportunity employer and educational institution that fully and actively supports equal access for all.

Interested candidates should contact Doug Sept, Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs at dsept@elginacademy.org.