Lower School Principal 

Lower School Principal 

Washington School 

Washington Schools next Lower School Principal will be a committed and passionate leader with enthusiasm for academic excellence. He or she understands and supports the  school’s mission, vision and strategy and demonstrates the ability to translate them into  actionable goals for the Lower School. The Principal is responsible for the safety and well being of students, for assuring excellence in academic and curricular programs, for  curriculum development and supervision, for faculty evaluation and professional  development, for helping plan and administer the Lower School budget, and for cultivating  positive and mutually beneficial relationships with the school community, students, parents,  faculty, and staff under the direction of the Head of School and in accordance with the  policies and mission of the school as set forth by the Board of Directors. 

Essential Functions 

Program Goals, Curriculum Development and Promotion 

Provide responsible leadership of the school and its academic/educational program; act as  the educational liaison and provide information on all educational issues and procedures to  the Head of School. Provide feedback and direction in the selection, development and  utilization of curriculum, instructional materials, educational resources and student  assessments. Meet regularly with teachers to ensure that best practices are being  implemented throughout instruction, reviewing curriculum through the lens of differentiation.  Provide additional resources to support differentiation when needed. Prepare and  implement a professional development plan for the Lower School faculty/staff and  encourage off-site professional development opportunities. Remain informed of major  trends in education through reading, conferences, and connections with other Lower School  principals and educators.  

Staff Management and Leadership  

Recruit, mentor, and evaluate faculty and staff, ensuring that they have the necessary  resources, training, and support to excel in their roles. Serve as an advisor to the faculty in  matters of classroom management, parent relations, teaching methods, and general school  procedures. Make objective recommendations, with adequate supporting data, to the Head  of School regarding cases of assignment, transfer, promotion, demotion, nonrenewal of  contract, or dismissal. 

Operational / Administrative  

In conjunction with the Head of School, lead the school with a clear vision and mission,  ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned and working towards shared goals. Serve as part  of the Head of School leadership team and participate in ongoing related meetings and  activities. Partner with the Director of Admissions to serve as an ambassador for the Lower  School, serving on the admissions committee and participating in admissions  decisions/processes and/or interviews. Work closely with administrative staff on various  school operational activities such as security, business administration, health policy/nursing,  and human resources. In coordination with the Director of Support Services, supervise the  implementation of academic services. Oversee various cyclical activities of the Lower  School, including testing, school trips, chapels, promotions, extracurricular activities, and  other major events. Conduct ongoing review and analysis of program effectiveness and  update programming when needed. Help with the revision of the parent/student handbooks,  employee handbooks, and other such items.  

Communication & Community Partnership 

Partner with faculty, staff, and parents to establish clear student behavior expectations,  promote positive behavior programs, and address behavior concerns as they arise;  maintain student discipline records. Oversee communication of pertinent information  regarding the Lower School to the school community including parents, teachers, and  students. Be aware of the educational, physical, social, and psychological needs of the  lower school students and work with faculty, staff, and parents to develop plans for meeting  those needs. Work with faculty to keep students and parents adequately informed of  student deficiencies, failures, or giftedness. Share the mission and vision of the school with  parents and stakeholders.  

Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field; Master’s degree, preferred. A minimum of  five years of classroom experience demonstrating potential for effective leadership. Working  knowledge of classroom management, best practices, and strategies, as well as the  understanding of diverse student learning styles and needs. Strong team-building skills and  capacity to bring a school together as a community with spirit and commitment to high  academic standards. Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both oral and written;  demonstrated abilities in problem-solving and conflict resolution with emotional maturity in  dealing with challenges. Strong organizational and management skills, with a keen attention  to detail. A deep commitment to education with a culture of servant-leadership.

How to Apply 

Prospective candidates should send the following materials in a single PDF document to  Chris Chaffinch, Head of School at [email protected]: 

Letter of interest explicitly addressing this position and school
Resume or CV (education and work experience)  
Statement of educational philosophy  
Statement of leadership philosophy  
At least one letter of recommendation  
List of five professional references with contact information