Head of School

About The Walden School

Walden is is a magical independent PreK-8th grade school community located in the heart of “Everybody’s Hometown” Media, PA, where children, families, and faculty learn together in a nurturing environment built on the Montessori Philosophy. Inspired by the Founder’s own children and the writings of Henry David Thoreau, Walden quickly became known as a warm, welcoming destination for suburban Philadelphia’s littlest learners. Over the last 5 decades Walden has grown from a handful of preschoolers in a brightly colored classroom to 130 students in a beautifully historic school building with classes up through eighth grade. But even as Walden has grown in size, added classes, invested in technology, and embraced a changing world, its core commitment to Maria Montessori’s learning philosophy hasn’t changed. A group of passionate and highly experienced individuals still work every day to nurture each child's natural desire for knowledge, understanding, and respect.

About the Position

Walden remained open for in-person learning throughout last year while piloting new toddler and summer programs, both with excellent current and new family enrollment. The school also recently completed a technology audit and overhaul which aims to see Promethean Boards installed to expand Elementary and Middle School student perspectives in the classroom. With a balanced budget and promising grant opportunities, Walden is in a strong position heading into the 2022-23 school year. We seek a leader who will bring a spirit of joy, collaboration, and wonder to Walden, a vibrant educator who understands and embraces the needs of children and teachers. The next Head of School will be very present in day-to-day school life, be a leader who is willing to work effectively with the Board, and an open-minded collaborator with faculty and staff to promote Walden’s unique Montessori-based mission.

Leadership and personal qualities desired in the next Head of School:

• An Advanced Degree

• Five years of demonstrated leadership skills

• An understanding or willingness to learn the Montessori philosophy of education

• A collaborative, open-minded, and honest leadership style

• An educator who understands and appreciates PreK to adolescent child development

• A leader who is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice

• A “people person” who enjoys being highly visible in the school and in the community

• A leader who is committed to an effective and transparent relationship with the Board

• An understanding of the value of parents as partners in the education of their children

• An effective communicator who can articulate a future vision for The Walden School

APPLICATION DETAILS

This is a full-time, 12-month position with benefits and flexible vacation.

Walden offers a competitive salary with strong benefits and professional development opportunities.

Please visit our Head of School Search at www.thewaldenschool.org for more information and to share your Cover Letter and Curriculum Vitae.

The Walden School is an equal-opportunity employer which does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its hiring practices.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Work Location: One location