Associate Head of Lower School

Reports to: Head of School and Head of Lower School 

Compensation commensurate upon experience: $95,000-$120,000

Dwight School is the first school in the Americas to offer all four International Baccalaureate programs from preschool to grade 12. Guided by our philosophy of igniting the spark of genius in every child, Dwight is an inclusive school that aims to meet the unique needs, abilities, and interests of each student. At the same time, Dwight challenges every student to develop intellectual independence, respect for diversity and belonging, and to become innovators and thought leaders.

Known for its low student-teacher ratio, Dwight enrolls 1,100 students with 400 faculty and staff. Our School rests on three pillars: personalized learning, community, and global vision. As part of a leading global network of schools, Dwight offers employees exciting cross-campus opportunities. Additionally, with the support of The Dwight School Foundation’s generous grants, Dwight provides faculty professional development, enabling teachers to deepen their content knowledge and pursue their own sparks of genius to be shared with the community.

At Dwight, we strive to ensure that our environment is welcoming — a place in which everyone can thrive — and an organization we are proud of. We recognize that this takes trusting relationships and ensuring that all individuals feel valued regardless of their backgrounds. At Dwight, we encourage diversity in all respects, including diversity of thought, and embrace innovation and foster collaboration and growth.

We consistently strive to advance the equity, diversity and belonging of our community in all domains, including the curriculum, admissions, environment, and hiring. Our goal is to achieve and maintain equal employment opportunities, with policies in place to maintain a work environment free from discrimination. 

Position Overview 

The Associate Head of the Lower School works closely with the Head of the Lower School to oversee all aspects of the lower school division. Duties include supervision of faculty both in pedagogical and curricular mentorship. 

Responsibilities 

• Assist the Head of Lower School in overall administration of instructional program and campus level operations 
• Supervise Lower School operations in Head of Lower School’s absence 
• Assist in all the logistics related to the move to the new 94th Street Lower School campus 

Instructional Management and Supervision 

• Assist with recruiting, hiring, evaluation and supervision of faculty and staff for grades K through 5 
• Provide faculty with instructional, pedagogical and curricular mentorship and supervision 
• Assist the Head of Lower School in developing, and maintaining information systems and records. Track the progress of school performance objectives and academic excellence indicators (such as the NWEA and ERB Assessment) 
• Determine important Timothy House dates for the school calendar 
• Observe and record observations of K-5 teachers. 
• Assist with orientation of new faculty 
• Promote the effective use of technology in teaching/learning process 
• Work with the Head of Lower School and PYP coordinator, to ensure that a professional development plan is in place to support the Lower School 

Personnel Management 

• Share supervisory responsibility for professional staff with Head of Lower School 
• Observe employee performance, record observations, and conduct evaluations 
• Serve as second appraiser for designated teacher appraisal system 
• Assist Head of Lower School in interviewing, selecting, and orienting new staff 
• Help support the Lower School Divisional Mentor with the Mentor Program 

Program of Study and Scheduling 

• Help plan daily school activities by participating in the development of class schedules, teacher assignments, calendar needs and extracurricular activity schedules 
• Assist with the requisition of supplies, textbooks, and equipment; check inventory; maintain records; and verify receipts for materials 
• Assist with safety inspections and safety-drill practice activities 
• Work with appropriate staff, assist with Lower School transportation, maintenance, lunch, and other support services for the division 

Student Curriculum Design and Counseling 

• Participate in the ongoing development and evaluation of educational programs with the Head of Lower School and the PYP Coordinator 
• Oversee the implementation of curriculum, instruction, assessment and special needs throughout the Lower School with the assistance of the Head of Lower School 
• Oversee and support the development of innovative instructional programs (STEAM, literacy, etc.) helping teachers pilot such efforts when appropriate 
• Ensure that students are adequately supervised during all instructional and non-instructional periods
• Assist in ensuring that school rules are uniformly observed and that student discipline is appropriate and equitable 
• Conduct workshops on student and school life with parents, students, and teachers to benefit the division and as necessary
• Work with the admissions department and read and evaluate prospective applicants for students K-5
• Assist with the planning of division meetings

School/Community Relations 

• Articulate the school’s mission to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission 
• Demonstrate awareness of school-community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs 
• Use appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement 
• Assist in liaising with the PA representatives to ensure a strong partnership with the parent community

We’re ready to welcome your ideas, views, and your innovative and ambitious spirit!

We are committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and as accessible as possible for everyone. This includes making adjustments or changes for disabled people or people with long-term health conditions. If you would like us to do anything differently during the recruitment process, or provide any information in an alternative format, please let us know.

Dwight School’s goal is to achieve and maintain equal employment opportunities.  It is also the policy of Dwight School to maintain a work environment free from discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran/military status, marital status or other status protected by federal or state law, with regards to any term or condition of employment.