Head of Middle School
The Dunham School is an independent, intra-denominational Christian school of 800 students in grades Pk 2-12. The school comprises three divisions on one site on a 23 acre campus in the residential heart of southeast Baton Rouge. The school is known for its adherence to christian mission, a warm and welcoming culture, a challenging college preparatory academic program, vibrant art and athletic programs and a focus on a partnership with families. With small class sizes and strong leadership development programs, we inspire students to investigate their faith, discover their God-given gifts and talents and to maximize their academic opportunities.
Head of Middle School
The Dunham School is seeking the next leader of our Middle School division. We are seeking a passionate and enthusiastic leader who exemplifies christian values and can work positively and collaboratively to lead the middle school division. Candidates should have significant experience in middle school education leadership and be adept at relating to children and parents alike. We are seeking a leader who understands the complexities of the academic, developmental and social aspects of the middle school child and can lead and influence a culture of Christlike care and concern for faculty, students and parents. A teachable spirit and a willingness to learn and grow as a christian and professional educator.
The middle school principal (division heads) reports to the head of school and serves as a member of both the Head’s Counsel and the Academic Counsel and leader of the Middle School admin team. The Middle School principal/division head is charged with the comprehensive responsibility for all activities involving students and faculty in the middle school, encompassing grades 5-8. The middle school head is both the spiritual and academic leader of the middle school, serves as an example of mature christian faith and leads the middle school faculty in execution of the school’s mission. Specific responsibilities include the following:
To maintain congruence between the school’s board-approved mission statement and all activities of that division.
To serve as the educational and spiritual leader of the school division, responsible for its day-to-day operation; to direct the activities of the members of the school instructional and, in conjunction with the CFO and Head of School, the non-instructional staff in the performance of their duties.
To function as the chief articulator of the division’s programs, expectations, behavioral guidelines, and other information necessary to ensure that all constituencies are fully informed consistent with their individual roles.
To hire, observe, supervise, and evaluate the middle school faculty in the development and implementation of curriculum; to supervise the teaching process, and to review and evaluate the academic programs.
To serve on the Academic Council in support of the school mission, school goals, department goals, course objectives, materials, methods and means of assessment
To provide an orderly, controlled environment in which learning can take place, a school climate which is supportive and which reflects high morale.
To be aware of the educational, physical, social, and spiritual needs of the members of our school community and to develop plans for meeting these needs
To ensure compliance with legal requirements of government regulations and agencies; to maintain the educational standards established by those agencies that examine and accredit the school.
To make recommendations to the Head of School regarding the hiring and retention, and the assignment of faculty;
To establish programs for the orientation of new teachers, for in-service training 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.
To strive for unity, harmony, and cooperation through tact, helpfulness, respect, and a recognition of individual differences and the special abilities and strengths of each teacher.
To conduct 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.
To oversee the coordination of the co-curricular and extra-curricular activity programs of the school; to assist in the planning and the presentation of school assemblies and programs; to assist in maintaining a comprehensive calendar of school events; to keep the entire school community informed of various school programs and activities.
To provide for the academic guidance of students; to maintain complete academic records on all students; to oversee the grading and the reporting of standards and methods used by teachers in measuring student achievement.
To be responsible for establishing guidelines for proper student conduct and dress; to maintain student discipline consonant with school policies; to monitor students’ adherence to established school rules; to maintain accurate records of student attendance, discipline and service
To be a visible presence in all areas of the school; to work toward a resolution of all problems - both routine and unique - as they arise; to keep the Head of School informed of the general programs, activities, and problems of the school.
To prepare a master school class schedule and to assign teachers and students to classes and other obligations.
To serve as a consultant to teachers in matters of classroom management, teaching methods, and general school procedures.
To assist in the admission process for the testing, interviewing, and evaluating of applicants for enrollment.
To perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School.