GTMS Montessori Director & Dean of Faculty in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US

GTMS Montessori Director & Dean of Faculty
Full time, year round
Monday-Friday, 7:45am-5:00pm (one day/week `4:00pm)
Reporting to the Head of School, the Montessori Director/Dean of Faculty 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 families 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 9 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.

Now in its 56th year, Greene Towne recently expanded and consolidated two campuses into a new facility in its Logan Square neighborhood. The three-floor building and expansive roof playdeck has allowed the school to come together as a unified campus with spacious classrooms specifically designed and outfitted for our program. The school is launching its new Lower Elementary program this fall. At this important moment, Greene Towne seeks a Montessori Director to support staff in realizing the wonderful potential made possible with new and expanded space and programs.  Greene Towne’s administrative team, faculty, board and families are a strong, collaborative, and supportive community centered around young children and families.

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

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—Coordinating and programming staff meetings and in-service 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 Co-Directors 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 12 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 (with Senior Administrative Assistant)
Journey Through Primary
K Celebration (w Primary Coordinators)

To apply: Email letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three professional references, to Sarah Sweeney-Denham: ssweeneydenham@gtms.org
June 2023

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