Kingsley Montessori School (MA)

Boston, MA
Coed Day School
250 Students, Toddler through Grade 6
Director of Elementary for July 2012

Located near Copley Square in downtown Boston, Kingsley Montessori School serves 251 students, toddler through Grade 6. In 2005, the school expanded to a two-campus school by leasing a three-story building one block away from the early childhood building. This new space was renovated under the school’s direction, to preserve its 19th century charm and to create a state-of-the-art environment for elementary-age students and their learning. Facilities include six classrooms on the third and fourth floors, art and music studios, world language room, science lab, library, presentation space, and open community meeting and performance spaces. All of the classroom spaces boast new hardwood floors, exposed brick walls and beautiful stained glass in large, sun-filled windows original to the building (when it was built as the First Spiritual Temple in 1883). The next Director of Elementary will help to manage Kingsley’s ongoing growth and development within the Exeter Street campus and works closely with Director of Early Childhood to assure smooth transitions for family and student.

The original Kingsley School was founded in 1938 by two pioneering educators, Edith Kingsley and Helen Loud, as a small private school in the Back Bay area of Boston. Since then the school has grown and moved locations, before settling on its current location in two historic buildings in the heart of Boston.

Kingsley is a nurturing academic community with a singular goal – to prepare children for future academic and social success. The Montessori method is the basic teaching foundation. The school actively manages the academic transition for students from early childhood to lower elementary, and again to the upper elementary. Typically, all teachers in early childhood and lower elementary are Montessori-certified instructors. At the upper elementary level, students experience an expanded use of conventional teaching methods and practices as they prepare for transitions to competitive public and private secondary schools. Kingsley is often described as “Montessori plus” thanks to the richness of its program and the school’s pursuit of educational best practices in teaching and learning. Its city location provides Kingsley a wealth of opportunities for enrichment and collaboration.

Reporting to the Head of School, the Director of Elementary oversees the Lower and Upper Elementary programs (Grades l-6), and is in frequent contact with the Director of Early Childhood who oversees the preschool program, toddler through Kindergarten, in the school’s Fairfield Street campus.

The school recently completed a strategic planning process that emphasizes, among other things, Kingsley’s drive to promote a curriculum that is rooted in Montessori principles and embraces the best of 21st century teaching and learning. Kingsley maintains a vibrant program of guest speakers on topics of importance to today’s educators and parents.

Position Description

The Director of Elementary oversees all areas of education at the lower and upper elementary levels and serves, with the Director of Early Childhood, as a direct and responsible link between early childhood and elementary. The successful candidate will be aware of educational issues and trends in both Montessori and traditional independent education and will be highly proactive in communicating with parents and faculty in the areas of curriculum, child development and grade level expectations. Furthermore, he/she will provide effective instructional leadership and inspiration to elementary level teachers and specialist teachers.

In addition to 125 elementary students K-6 (with plans to grow to 155+), the Director of Elementary, with the support of an administrative assistant, supervises all classroom teachers with co-teachers and four after-school teachers. The seven specialist teachers and the Coordinator of Extra-Curricular Activities serve in both the preschool and elementary programs, under the two Directors’ supervision. The Director of Elementary also sits on the Head’s Administrative Leadership Team, advising the Head on all matters involving instruction and learning at Kingsley.

Qualifications and Experience

BACKGROUND

A minimum of a Masters degree, ideally in Education or Child Development
At least 5 years of teaching and supervision experience, preferably at the elementary school level
An understanding of and respect for Montessori education and childhood development, including elements of special education
A thorough grasp of Elementary curriculum models and best practices

SKILLS

A commitment to and active support of excellence in teaching
Excellent communication skills; able to articulate and represent the school effectively to all constituents
A demonstrated commitment to professional development
Tech-savvy
A record of inspiring others

WORKING STYLE

A love of children and a desire to meet all students’ needs
An effective delegator, both trusting and trustworthy
Able to skillfully balance an array of responsibilities in a busy school environment
Sound judgment; a focused, pragmatic and organized working style
Well-developed interpersonal skills; a healthy sense of humor
Impeccable professional and personal integrity
Outgoing and energetic; a strong, proactive work ethic.

Compensation

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefits include medical, dental, retirement, professional development, and vacation. The position is a full-time, twelve month position beginning July 1, 2012.

To Apply

To learn more about this opportunity or to apply, please contact:
Jeffrey C. Bradley, jbradley@educatorscollaborative.com

Applicants are asked to send to Mr. Bradley via email attachment (WORD or PDF) a cover letter of application, resume, statement of educational philosophy, a list of at least five references, and up to three letters of reference. Kingsley Montessori School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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