The Putney School
Interim Head of School
Start Date: January 2027
Progressive boarding and day school
Grades 9-12, 180-220 students
418 Houghton Brook Road, Putney, VT 05346
Educators Collaborative is pleased to assist The Putney School in its search for an Interim Head of School to serve an 18-month term, January 2027 – June 2028. Located in the stunningly beautiful town of Putney, Vermont, this progressive boarding and day school serves 180-200 students in grades 9-12.
About the School
Founded in 1935 with a mission to “create active, critical thinkers and members of a democratic society,” The Putney School is one of the most respected 9-12 progressive schools in the country, encouraging students to develop agency through student-centered, democratically-led classrooms; a robust student work program that includes a working dairy farm; extensive offerings in the arts; deeply held community traditions, including a weekly “Sing”; and opportunities for leadership that far surpass most high school programs. Situated on 600 spectacular acres with sweeping mountain views in southern Vermont, The Putney School is inspirational in both its ethos and its location.
Everything at Putney stems from its progressive core, supporting the belief that “in order to have a democracy citizens should actively participate in the decisions that will impact their lives, whether economic, social, or political.” Students enjoy the freedom of self-directed learning and the inspiration of exceptional teachers who guide that learning. Alumni are passionate about their Putney education and grateful for its lifelong impact.
The Interim Head will bring experience in progressive education and exceptional interpersonal skills in managing and leading others, communicating clearly and transparently, approaching current independent school challenges creatively, working in partnership with a board, engaging collaboratively in decision-making and creating vision, and engaging with students in meaningful ways. Boarding school experience will also be important. Please see our Information for Candidates recruitment document for more detail about the school and this position.
This is an expedited search. If you are a progressive school leader with availability and interest to serve Putney as Interim Head of School from January 2027 (or as soon possible) to June 2028, please reach out asap for a conversation.
How to Apply
Candidates interested in this position are asked to submit the following materials in a single merged document, in the order listed:
- EC Candidate Summary Sheet (Contact Sally Mixsell, below, for this document)
- Letter of Interest, addressed to the The Putney School Search Committee
- Current résumé
- Five references with contact information (including phone numbers and email addresses)
- EC Disclosure Form (Contact Sally Mixsell,
below, for this document)
Salary Range: $250,000 – 300,000, commensurate with experience
Please send applications and address inquiries to:
Sally Mixsell, Partner, Educators Collaborative
Listing Date: October 28, 2026
Putney is a progressive, coeducational boarding school located in Putney, Vermont. The Putney School is committed to cultivating and sustaining an educational community that values difference. Our commitment to social justice work is embedded in our stated Fundamental Beliefs. The ideal candidate will be eager to participate in anti-racist work and use an inclusive, social justice lens in their work with all students and adults on campus. Building a just and inclusive community is a shared responsibility, and Putney supports all its employees in developing this critical skill set.
The Putney School is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy and practice of the School to hire and employ individuals without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, crime victim status, pregnancy, gender identity, HIV status, ancestry, place of birth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, military service, or other categories protected by federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, and all other personnel actions and conditions of employment such as compensation, benefits, layoffs and reinstatement, tuition assistance, and disciplinary measures.
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