Assistant Head of Lower School

The Lower School Assistant Head is a child-centered educator who demonstrates and models the qualities of integrity, collaboration, energy, initiative, empathy, and flexibility.
A strong background in early childhood education-including but not limited to curriculum development, program management, faculty evaluation and development, and 21st-century pedagogy-will be essential.
The ideal candidate will not only help manage the 'big picture' of an elementary division's operations but will also take the initiative to attend to the details in an organized manner.
While serving and leading in the lower school, the Assistant Head should model ethical and professional behavior and adhere to the essential expectations of all Walker faculty and staff as outlined in the Walker Essential Expectations Agreement.
Qualifying Characteristics The Assistant Head will:

Be confident in interactions with teachers and parents, discreet with sound and keen judgment, and an excellent communicator.
Model standards of professional ethical behavior and confidentiality.
Use effective interpersonal skills, including tact, patience, and courtesy.
Be teachable and coachable.
Meet everyday stress with emotional stability, objectivity, and optimism.
React and adjust quickly to changing conditions and to develop practical ideas for dealing with them.
Primary Responsibilities Serve as a leader in the Lower School division, responsible for aspects of the day-to-day operation congruent with the School's mission and vision.
Provide a climate in the division that is positive, supportive, and reflects high morale.
Be a visible presence in all areas of the school.
Keep the Head and counselor informed of student activities and issues in the Lower School.
Manage the weekly parent and teacher communications in conjunction with the faculty, Head, counselor, and Lower School administrative assistant.
Serve as a member of the Lower School Student Support Team (SST).
Assign teachers and students to classes and other obligations as needed in the database and in the division's shared folders.
Serve as a mentor and consultant to teachers in matters of classroom management, teaching methods, meeting student and parent needs, and general school procedures.
Promote established guidelines for proper school conduct and dress.
Act as test coordinator and handle division-wide test ordering, scheduling, implementation, and scoring.
Support the Extended Day Program (EDP) in the Lower School as needed and provide direct support to the Director of EDP in matters of program, parent communication, and personnel.
Assist in the observation, supervision, and evaluation of faculty.
Assist in the development and implementation of the curriculum.
Assist in the development and implementation of professional development.
Assist in the admission process for the testing, interviewing, and evaluation of students.
Maintain a comprehensive calendar of school events while keeping the entire school community informed of various school programs and activities.
Represent the Lower School and stand in for the Head as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Secondary Responsibilities Coordinate programs and activities as the primary Lower School contact, including parent coffees/socials, assemblies, faculty duties, and WSA events (new family parties, secret shop, staff appreciation, silent auction).
Demonstrate effective writing and speaking skills; utilize technology to communicate the School's mission and the Lower School story with current and prospective families.
Oversee the coordination of field trips.
Assist in the planning and presentation of school assemblies and programs.
Plan and teach a Lower School class based on schedule or need to support the learning needs at a grade level.
Be familiar with and maintain the approved budget per the financial policy.
Experience and Educational Background The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree, experience teaching lower school students, and proven success in a leadership position (team leader, curriculum coordinator, department chair, or other administrative leadership).
An advanced degree is preferred, but not required.
SCHOOL DESCRIPTION The Walker School is a leader among independent schools in the metro Atlanta area and has long been recognized for its first-rate academic program, close relationships between students and faculty, and abundant opportunities for students to engage in meaningful experiences both in and out of the classroom.
Walker enrolls students from Pre-K3 through Grade 12 and is open to all faiths.
Our commitment to diversity provides a welcoming and safe atmosphere for students to discover who they are and to successfully navigate an ever-changing world.
The Walker School is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.
The best candidates will be able to demonstrate a proven commitment to working in diverse, multicultural settings.
SALARY and BENEFITS The Walker School's salary and benefits are competitive and include medical, vision, and dental insurance, tuition remission, and a retirement plan through TIAA-CREF.
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