Dean of Faculty in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Greene Towne is seeking a Montessori Director/Dean of Faculty to begin in July 2021. Reporting to the Head of School, the Director is a key leader in the school who supports and strengthens the Montessori culture of the school and the entire academic program on a daily basis. S/he is responsible for the comprehensive development (assist in hiring, evaluating, coaching, etc.) of the faculty.

 

The Montessori Director ensures the retention of top-notch, Montessori-trained faculty and supports their growth and development so that they are empowered to deliver the mission with excellence.  S/he provides ongoing information for parents about Montessori and all aspects of school life.  The Director must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as facility with organizational challenges. This is a full-time, year-round position (7:45am-5pm) with some evening/weekend responsibilities.

 

Greene Towne Montessori School, located in Center City, Philadelphia, is dedicated to providing a stimulating learning environment for children ages 18 months through 6 years, consistent with the values and principles developed by Dr. Maria Montessori. Fully accredited by the American Montessori Society, Greene Towne Montessori School instills in young children an understanding of learning as a personal process, a sense of agency in building self and community, and the joy of possibility.

 

Greene Towne Montessori School values diversity as part of its mission, provides equal employment opportunity, and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, national origin, disability, ancestry, citizenship, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.

 

Qualifications:

• Montessori teaching credential for at least one level; preference will be given to candidates with more than one level and/or intent to obtain additional training after hire.

• At least five years full-time as a lead teacher in a Montessori school

• College degree (minimum BA/BS)

• All required clearances

 

Benefits: Competitive compensation. Health, dental & vision insurance. Retirement plan and term life.

To apply: Email to Head of School Sarah Sweeney-Denham,  ssweeneydenham@gtms.org:  a letter of interest, resume, and either:  a writing sample related to Montessori education, or a presentation you have given about Montessori education, such as you might share with professional colleagues or families.

Deadline: 4/1/21. Position start date: 7/1/21. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Additional responsibilities include:

 

Program:

• Developing programs and setting priorities/goals for each academic year with Level Coordinators and Lead Teachers

• Summer Camp oversight with Camp Director

• Participate in student evaluation meetings with faculty, parents, specialists/consultants and mediate action plans for students with faculty and parents

• Coordinate School Psychologist and corresponding schedule

• Coordinate teachers’ support for children at home in case of school closure through virtual learning program

 

Faculty:

• Faculty/Staff coordination—working with level coordinators, approving requests for time off, coordinating staffing for all breaks, responding to individual issues and concerns of staff members, overseeing/training substitutes

• Faculty communication/Professional Development—staff meetings, planning in-services days, reading recommendations/reports, faculty/staff training, etc.

• Faculty hiring—Review resumes, conduct initial interviews, coordinate and conduct committee interviews, tour candidates, complete reference checks.

• In collaboration with the HOS, coordinate faculty training regarding requirements and guidelines in response to COVID-19 from CDC and DHS.

• Summer mailing to faculty/staff of all necessary communication regarding the beginning of school with support of Administrative Assistants.

• With Level Coordinators, coordinate mentoring program for new Faculty/Staff members

• Faculty/Staff supervision—observation, feedback, professional goal setting, evaluation

• Observe classrooms and meeting with teaching teams at least twice each year

 

Parent:

• Parent communication—responding to concerns, attending parent meetings and functions, etc.

• Follow up with parents through “new parent” orientation

• Meet with parents as needed

 

Administrative:

• Work with Enrollment Management Director on admissions

• Participate in PAIS/AMS accreditation and DHS licensing

• Participate in related Committees, e.g.: Parent Association

• Assist in drafting and finalizing the calendar for the year

• Complete 6 hours minimum professional training annually—workshops, webinars, conferences, etc.-not always during scheduled work hours

• Assist with other related functions and activities as may be requested by the Head of School

 

Events:

• Professional Development planning w HoS (Childcare for Primary students-Eileen)

• Grandparents/Special Friends Day

• Classroom visits

• LT & Specialists evaluations—system needs to be refined

• Parent Association with Directors of Communications & Enrollment Management

• Faculty meetings

• Internal marketing (shared by all directors, faculty)

• K to K coffee (MED, EMD)

• After School Enrichment (w Eileen)

• K Overview Night

• K Celebration (w Primary Coordinators)