Quad Preparatory School
Lower School Associate Director for Student Life and Talent Development (2020-2021 School Year)
Updated: January 25, 2020
Classification: Exempt
Reports to: Lower School Academic Director
The Quad Preparatory School is an alternative, non-profit, K-12 college preparatory school dedicated to the education of twice-exceptional students, bright and creative children who learn differently. Quad Prep is a young, fast-growing school founded in 2013 that is a vibrant professional and collegial learning community for employees.
The Quad Preparatory School transforms the lives of twice-exceptional people – those who are gifted and learn differently – by redefining the experience of school. Our personalized model fully integrates social and emotional learning with challenging academics, empowering our students to rise to the level of their extraordinary talents. Through our innovative programs we are leading a larger movement in service of both twice-exceptional people and society at large.
Our teachers, clinicians, and staff joined together to craft our statement of values, which we are proud to share:
Quad Prep is a kind and joyful learning community where everyone is celebrated for who they are.
We ignite students’ strengths and passions and allow for safe academic pursuit at the highest levels by learning from mistakes.
We are trustworthy and steadfast, and our high academic expectations challenge students to grow uniquely as people and in the way they learn.
We widen our students’ perspectives, giving them the tools to know themselves and find success in the future of their choosing.
We never give up on each other and are driven by the ethos of “not if, but how.”
The Quad Preparatory School is looking for a Lower School Associate Director for Student Life and Talent Development. This is an ideal entry-level administrative position for a teacher leader looking to transition into administration. The Associate Director serves as a member of a five-person Lower School leadership team that includes the Academic Director, the Clinical Director, the Chief Learning Specialist, and the Chief Psychologist.
The Lower School Associate Director for Student Life and Talent Development will have the opportunity to receive mentorship, coaching, and support from the senior academic administrators and the clinicians. A benefit of this position is the amount of professional development one will obtain in working with twice-exceptional youth and in being mentored by veteran academic administrators and clinicians.
Expectations:
Oversee all academic special events including, but not limited to, Carnivale, publishing parties, science symposium, Grandparent’s and Special Friend’s Day, and the winter and spring concerts.
Assist faculty as needed to develop and refine high-quality curriculum in all subject areas.
Provide ongoing evaluation and supervision to Lower School associate teachers and permanent subs, including observing associate teachers working with students, gathering feedback from head teachers regarding associate teachers, completing annual reviews, and conducting faculty goal-setting.
Oversee student arrival, dismissal, lunch, and outdoor time, including assigning staff to ensure for adequate supervision and coverage.
Assign permanent substitutes each day, including determining where subs are most needed when the number of vacancies exceeds the number of subs and how subs can be utilized when there are no vacancies on a given day.
Identify, plan, and arrange opportunities within New York City for curricular enrichment, including guest speakers, field trips, and supplemental resources.
Assess and approve all Lower School field trips, including the assessing and assigning all necessary staff for field trips and off-campus activities.
Assist the Academic Director in reviewing and editing progress reports and report cards.
Assist the Academic Director in assigning associate teachers to their respective classrooms.
Attend regular administrative and faculty meetings that deal with both routine and non-routine matters and allow for a respectful exchange of ideas.
Identify Lower School associate teacher hiring needs and work with the People and Culture Manager, the Chief Operating and Advancement Officer, and the head teachers to recruit and hire mission-appropriate associate teachers.
Maintain positive and direct contact with the parent body, establishing open lines of communication and developing strong and supportive relationships
Follow the professional code and policies of the school and conduct oneself in a way that promotes the mission of the school.
Model a work ethic that is exemplary, ambitious, flexible, collaborative, creative, and responsive.
Utilize Google Suite, in particular Google Drive, Docs, and Sheets.
Attend all faculty and staff meetings and required special events (e.g., open houses, Curriculum Night).
Perform other duties as assigned.
Competencies:
Love for working with children and teachers
Desire and ability to work with students with special needs
Coaching, mentoring, and evaluating educators
Ability to connect with school constituents, including students, parents, faculty, staff, and administration
Effective oral and written communication
A solid understanding of elementary-aged children’s academic, social, and emotional development
Attention to detail
Maintaining confidentiality and privacy
Ethical conduct
Time management and the ability to multitask
Teamwork, collaboration, and leadership
Patience and flexibility
Work Environment:
This job operates in a school setting. The school is located on the fourth floor of a building with two elevators. This role requires working in various locations around the school and occasional travel to the Upper School campus approximately two blocks away.
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and listen. This position is active and involves standing and walking. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items under 20 pounds. During fire drills, the employee, unless physically unable, will need to use the stairs to go to ground level from the fourth floor. Typing is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:
This is a full-time position in an educational facility which is open eight hours a day. The Associate Director works ten months out of the year according to the academic calendar (late August to late June) and will also work up to ten additional days during the teachers’ summer vacation. Occasional evening or weekend hours are required. In general, though, hours are Monday-Friday 8 A.M.-4 P.M.
Required Education and Experience:
Master’s degree in elementary education, special education, educational administration, or a related field.
At least five years of elementary teaching experience.
Preferred Education and Experience:
Experience teaching special-education students, including twice-exceptional youth.
Three or more years of independent school administrative educational experience.
Special education training, including training in the areas of gifted education and twice-exceptional youth.
Training in educational leadership.
AAP/EEO Statement: The Quad Preparatory School is based on an inclusive philosophy that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital status, creed, sexual orientation, familial status, citizenship, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by law in its hiring procedures and policies.