Waldorf School of Baltimore Job Description Position: Director of Academics

General Description of Position The mission of the Director of Academics is to support and develop teachers to become the best Waldorf teachers they can. The Director of Academics is the pedagogical voice of the school providing strategic pedagogical leadership to the faculty and working with the parent community to ensure the educational needs of each child are met.

Authority The Director of Academics has the authority to: 1. Speak for the School in pedagogical matters 2. Set, implement and review pedagogical goals to support the Strategic Plan adopted by the Board of Trustees. 3. Supervise and evaluate the work of the teaching faculty. 4. Form and oversee task groups as needed, soliciting leadership and membership for such groups. 5. Inform the Executive Director (or nominated deputy) of problems and issues which may interfere with the ability to carry out the responsibilities below. 6. Arrange in-house staff development opportunities at Faculty meetings, including Lower School and Middle School meeting, and Children’s Garden meetings, on Staff Development Days during the year and during the summer.

Responsibility The Director of Academics is responsible for: 1. Ensuring decisions are made with a full understanding of the financial health and strategic goals of the School and with the intent to preserve the integrity of the School’s mission 2. Supporting/developing the faculty to ensure they can provide a high quality Waldorf to the students 3. Leading and supporting teachers in caring for student relationships within their classrooms 4. Developing and implementing a comprehensive plan with the Executive Director to ensure that issues of retention are identified and responded to proactively; 5. Providing assistance to parents with questions and concerns about academics and . 6. Facilitating the Collegium’s work to effectively develop pedagogical policy for the School and to nurture its cultural and spiritual life 7. Supporting outreach endeavors to enhance the School’s public image as a center of quality .

The Director of Academics will work collaboratively to: 1. Address student academic concerns, difficulties or issues jointly with teachers and the Collegium. 2. Supervise the process of student evaluation and parent communication

WSB 3-9-15 3. Work with Director of Student Life when social and behavior issues interfere with learning and academics in the classroom. 4. Review Language Arts and Math curricula. Clarify expectations and work with teachers to establish how each is to be implemented during the school year. 5. Establish protocols for all teachers to track student’s growth and needs through informal assessments. Work with teachers to establish interventions for use with students. Structure an assessment calendar and protocol for formal assessment reporting to teachers and then parents. 6. Carry out teacher observation and evaluation, documenting Professional Development activities. Work with teachers in the goal-setting process. 7. Work with Lead Children’s Garden and Class Teachers in the development of the as outlined in the AIMS/AWSNA Accreditation Action Plan. 8. Supervise and support the administration of school personnel processes related to teacher recruitment, orientation, ongoing support, and mentoring. 9. Oversee the formation of the school’s Educational Accommodation Plans and implementation of accommodations in classrooms in accordance outside Formal Assessments. Assist parents with their questions and concerns about academics and pedagogy 1. Be available to parents as a senior member of the School administration. 2. Answer pedagogical questions and/or concerns of parents. 3. Create an atmosphere of professionalism, support, clarity of expectations and boundaries with and among parents. General responsibilities and duties 1. Maintain on-going relations with AWSNA, AIMS, WECAN, BEST and other educational groups as needed 2. Participate in workshops and conferences which address the current and future needs of the School or develop personal skills needed for the position 3. Perform other duties as required.

Accountability (supported by and reports to): The Director of Academics reports to and receives support from the Executive Director. S/he receives support from the Collegium as the body concerned with spiritual and programmatic health of the school. Personal qualities, knowledge, and skills i. Required: Teaching Experience in a Waldorf School and at least 5 years’ experience in progressively responsible educational and leadership experience with a demonstrated record of success. ii. Required: Experience of successfully observing, evaluating, and guiding teachers iii. Required: Thorough working knowledge of Waldorf School Education and Pedagogy iv. Required: Ability to develop strategic plans and to implement and administer these plans v. Required: Leadership skills, used to working collaboratively within a community vi. Required: Demonstrated ability to work effectively and objectively with the pedagogical, administrative, and parental realms. Consensus building, conflict resolution, problem solving skills vii. Required: Experience in coordinating and managing complex/multiple areas of work, organizational planning, and meeting facilitation

WSB 3-9-15 viii. Required: Excellent verbal and written skills, including inspirational public speaking/presentation, ix. Highly desirable: Educational degree in School Administration is desirable x. Hold mission and vision of the School in light of its foundation in Anthroposophy xi. Personal commitment to spiritual growth and to the on-going study of Waldorf Education and Anthroposophy.

Belongs to: The Administration

Attends: Elementary and Children’s Garden meetings; Full Faculty; Collegium; Leadership Team, Board meetings as required.

WSB 3-9-15