Lower School Director

Lower School Director

Full Time MSAEFAC Fairfield, IA, US

30+ days ago Requisition ID: 1414

Job Overview

The Lower School & Preschool Director is responsible for inspiring leadership of the teachers,parents, and students, and overseeing the proper implementation of Consciousness-Based Education,including all aspects of curriculum and instruction. This position serves on the School LeadershipTeam and may require limited teaching/tutoring.

• Establish an Ideal Learning Environment for Students, Teachers and Parents
• Ensure that the Lower School is aligned with and advancing the Maharishi School mission: “to create an innovative Consciousness-Based educational environment where students think deeply and become creative, compassionate, contributing citizens of the world.”
• Work with teachers to promote ideal student behavior and student learning according to the Principles of Consciousness-Based Teaching
• Understand and adhere to all policies and procedures as outlined by the Iowa Department of Education (DOE) and Independent Association of the Central States (ISACS)
• Develop and maintain positive teacher/staff morale and serve as a role model for expected teacher/staff behavior
• Provide for adequate supervision and acceptable student behavior at all school functions
• Organize Lower School events, including graduation/convocation, Splash Day, and other Lower School celebrations.
• Organize Lower School field trips, including Jefferson County Park and others
• Recognize accomplishments and achievements of students and staff
• One‑on‑one tutoring of students. Amount of tutoring will depend on student load
• Delegate authority and responsibility where appropriate

Communication and Community Relations

• Promote CBE to the Fairfield community and throughout Iowa by attending DOE, ISACS andAEA meetings
• Organize Back to School Night and Parent/Teacher Conferences. Oversee Preschool Office
• Keep the Head of School informed of events and activities of an unusual nature, as well as routine matters related to his areas of accountability
• Interact with the Parent/Teacher Organization to promote positive outcomes, encourage parental feedback, welcome them to visit the School, and encourage parental involvement whenever possible in their child’s education
• Inform the community about school activities through twice/month Friday Parent Updates, emails, and attendance at parent meetings, etc
• Develop, regularly review, revise, and distribute Lower School Parent/Student Handbook and Preschool Parent Handbook
• Plan and conduct regular Parent Education workshops
• Listen and respond appropriately to teacher, student, and community concerns by respecting differences of opinion and fostering open communication
• Maintain a positive image for the school as well as good public relations within the community

Decision Making and Problem Solving

• Serve on Maharishi School Leadership Team and attend weekly team meetings
• Make informed decisions in a timely fashion and maximize effectiveness by follow up actions, return parent phone calls within 24 hours, track any behavior issues
• Seek information from appropriate sources and strive for consensus in the decision-making process
• Consider research and all information when making decision, if available
• Identify problem areas and seek solutions before crisis situations develop
• Authorize all Lower School field trips
• Manage Lower School budget, including authorizing faculty purchases and keeping within the budget. Oversee Preschool Office Manager in managing preschool budget
• Conduct regular faculty meetings, providing opportunities for teachers to share and demonstrate successful practices
• Along with Academic Council, follow Curriculum Review Cycle
• Provide opportunities and encouragement for teachers to increase professional expertise, monitor budget for professional conferences and authorize faculty requests to attend conferences, workshops
• Ensure the alignment of content, instruction and assessment, through a curriculum review process that follows the Iowa Core model
• Plan, schedule and assign duties to all teachers, specialists and support staff
• Ensure teacher training in any new curriculum area
• Edit all student grades and teacher comments quarterly
• Create class schedules for all grade levels
• Follow through with textbook and consumable orders for the school year

Professional Development

• Keep abreast of changes and developments in the field of education by attending conferences/workshops, reading professional journals, and discussing new initiatives with faculty and Academic Council
• Participate in and/or lead professional development activities commensurate with schoolgoals
• Plan summer Faculty Development with Academic Council

Student Assessment

• Maintain accurate records as required by federal, state and local officials
• Facilitate conference meetings
• Work with teachers to systematically identify and respond to at‑risk students, make referrals to appropriate community agencies when needed, such as AEA (Area Education Agency)
• Regularly use the results of student assessment data (ISASP and DIBELS) to identify areas of concern and implement program improvements and/or pacing
• Implements, scores and reports to teachers the outcome of the DIBELS testing three times peryear
• Guide teachers in providing meaningful feedback to parents/guardians regarding student progress
• Work with teachers to develop, review and implement supportive reporting methods
• Monitor attendance summaries and grade cards at the end of each reporting period

Personnel Hiring, Supervision and Evaluation

• Participate in screening, hiring, orientation, assigning, evaluating, and dismissing school faculty as outlined by Board Policy
• Provide orientation for newly assigned teachers and assist in their professional development
• Supervise teachers, assistants, staff and classroom volunteers within the building
• Conduct regular evaluation of all personnel according to School’s Evaluation Plan, have faculty set goals for themselves, and implement change for greater student progress

Building and Safety

• Promote an aesthetically pleasing environment in the school, making sure classrooms/bathrooms are tidy and being cleaned on a regular basis