Esperanza Academy Lawrence, Massachusetts Head of School July 2016 esperanzaacademy.org The Position As its name implies, Esperanza Academy is a place filled with hope. In just under 10 years, the school has achieved so much—it provides a tuition-free, rigorous education in the Episcopal tradition, blending strong academics with engaging extracurriculars, to 60 low- income girls in grades five through eight in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Just this year, it became accredited by AISNE, the Association of Independent Schools of New England. In the past decade, Esperanza has Mission dared to hope—and its hopes have been and continue to be realized.
Esperanza Academy is a tuition-free, independent What is truly unique about Esperanza is the sense middle school in the Episcopal tradition welcoming of vibrancy and optimism that pervades the campus, girls of diverse faiths, races, and cultures from which is unlike any the CS&A consultants had ever Lawrence, Massachusetts. Esperanza’s mission visited. All constituents at this school know that they is to inspire its students to become active learners are making a difference—in the greater Lawrence and responsible global citizens. We empower and community as well as in the lives of the bright, prepare our girls to meet challenges with courage, curious, and engaged students who proudly call integrity, and respect. themselves girls of Esperanza. These poised students are living examples of the success of the school: they look adults in the eye, shake their hands, and Vision introduce themselves with assured confidence. They are the embodiment of the school’s labor of love and Esperanza is committed to instilling in our students goodwill, and they are the very reason Esperanza the core values of wisdom, integrity, leadership, exists and thrives. and service. We are committed to helping our students, their families, and the city of Lawrence As it enters its 10th year of providing an exceptional, end the cycle of poverty, high drop-out rates for transformative education with proven results, students, and high pregnancy rates for teenage Esperanza is seeking a dynamic, visionary Head of girls. School to advance its mission, operations, and profile to the next level of excellence and success. To achieve Fast Facts this, the Head of School must understand, embrace, and harness Esperanza’s rich identities: independent school, Episcopal school, all-girls school, urban • Students: 60 school, and NativityMiguel model school. The • Faculty: 27 successful candidate will cultivate, steward, and • Student/teacher ratio: 8:1 motivate an ever widening and deepening group of • Teaching faculty with advanced degrees: 53% financial supporters and will lead the implementation • Students of color: 100% of the school’s new strategic plan by working • Faculty and staff of color: 30% collaboratively with the Board of Trustees, Principal, Leadership Team, and faculty. This is an unequaled opportunity for an impassioned educator and leader who yearns to make a true difference in the lives of students.
The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 1 [email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com School History Esperanza began with a need: to address the incredible inequality that existed between Lawrence, Massachusetts, and neighboring Andover. In 2002, the socioeconomic disparity between these two towns was greater than that of any two contiguous communities in the United States. In the spirit of decreasing this inequality, vestries of Christ Church of Andover and Grace Church of Lawrence convened to brainstorm on a high-impact project to serve Lawrence. A joint exploratory committee determined that the Lawrence school system needed the most help, and they recommended founding an independent middle school for low-income girls in Lawrence. The state’s Episcopal Bishop agreed, and Reverend Jeffery Gill of Christ Church began identifying funding opportunities and potential donors and contributors to what would become Esperanza—a physical embodiment of hope through education for girls in need.
In 2004, the school’s Board met for the first time. They unanimously voted to hire Laurie Bottiger as the school’s founding Head, and Laurie arrived a full year before the school’s launch. In November of 2005, Esperanza’s fundraising efforts were boosted by the addition of Rosalyn Wood, the school’s biggest benefactress, to the Board.
In 2006, Esperanza hosted its first admissions lottery, and 42 girls were selected to enroll at Esperanza under the condition that a parent or family member would commit to volunteering at the school for two hours per week in return for free tuition. Esperanza’s admissions process continues to be lottery-based; all students in need have the opportunity to benefit from the school’s program and faculty.
Esperanza opened in 2006 to its first fifth and sixth grade classes. In the following two years, one grade was added per year. Over the next decade, the school has expanded its offerings to include a competitive athletic program, an in-house arts program, a choir, a newly enhanced curriculum, and a nutritious school meals program. This past year, under the leadership of current Head Chris Wilson, Esperanza became accredited by AISNE, the Association of Independent Schools of New England.
The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 2 [email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com After Esperanza The School Below is a representative list of high schools that Esperanza Throughout its program, Esperanza emphasizes four core values: graduates have attended: wisdom, integrity, leadership, and service. Students know that they • Academy of Notre Dame are well-served by teachers who care about them, and they actively • Austin Preparatory School want to come to school to learn. The school was founded as part of the • Brooks School Nativity School Consortium, a group of 64 middle schools in 27 states • Central Catholic High School whose mission is breaking the cycle of poverty through education. • Dracut High School These schools emphasize holistic, extended day and extended year • Essex Agricultural and education within a safe and engaging academic environment, a Technical High School supportive partnership with families, and commitment to students • Fryeburg Academy beyond graduation. • Greater Lawrence Regional Technical High School Esperanza is intentionally single-gender, addressing the complex • Groton School differences in how boys and girls learn. Research shows that girls in • Lawrence High School single-gender schools are more likely to take healthy risks than girls • Lexington Christian Academy in coed schools. This setting provides a supportive environment that • Nobles and Greenough School facilitates the transformative experience cultivated by the Esperanza • Notre Dame High School faculty. Teachers understand that middle school is a pivotal time in • Kimball Union Academy a student’s life—it is a time to discover and develop talents, tastes, • Phillips Academy (Andover) interests, and strengths. • Phillips Exeter Academy • Pingree School Academics • Presentation of Mary Academy • Sparhawk School Esperanza’s rigorous academic curriculum is designed to stimulate • Springfield High School of intellectual curiosity, bolster academic strengths, and diminish Science and Technology deficiencies among students. Teachers work with each student to • Whittier Regional Vocational create individualized learning plans and monitor student progress Technical High School through testing and periodic evaluations. Girls benefit from a low student/teacher ratio, and they form strong relationships with teachers who oversee their academic journeys and encourage them to advance their intellectual competence.
Faculty believe that students learn best through hands-on, interactive experiences both in and outside the classroom. Students pursue coursework in English, math, science, Spanish, health, art, Latin, and religious studies. They emerge from Esperanza truly prepared for the opportunities and challenges of high school, college, and beyond.
An integral part of Esperanza’s program is introducing students
The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 3 [email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com to the idea that college is not just a goal, but rather a natural trajectory in their education. This commitment extends past middle school and continues into high school and college through the Graduate Support Program, which forges strategic partnerships with area high schools in order to place students in competitive programs that fit their needs. Through the GSP, Esperanza graduates stay connected to their alma mater once in high school, receiving the guidance and mentorship necessary to stay afloat, succeed, and make good choices. To date, 100% of Esperanza alumnae have graduated from high school.
Student Life
At its heart, Esperanza is a school in the Episcopal tradition. As such, its program is characterized by academic rigor, inclusivity, social service, and the celebration of God as the center of life. The school welcomes people of all faiths, cultures, and economic background—indeed, 90% of students do not identify as Episcopalian. But the Episcopal experience is thoughtfully planned with the understanding that spiritual growth is a vital part of any individual’s development, regardless of his or her personal beliefs. The school encourages students and staff to reflect on and develop their own beliefs and religions, so they may live more fully and faithfully.
The school’s Episcopal tradition is embodied through Morning Gathering, during which students and faculty engage in a daily moment of silence and reflection. There are student-led chapels and Eucharist services, which encourage leadership and spiritual growth. In class, students pursue religious studies and learn about world religions with the goal of fostering environments of tolerance, curiosity, and respect. Additionally, the school embraces social justice and service as an integral part of its program. Students engage in monthly service projects and learn in hands-on ways about the complex and dynamic needs in their community. Through these activities, students look beyond their individual wants and needs and learn how they can make a difference in the lives of others.
Students are involved in life at Esperanza in myriad ways. The recently established athletic program, which was developed to help students learn about goal-setting, good sportsmanship, and hard work and to promote positive body image and self-esteem, allows students to participate in competitive soccer, basketball, and lacrosse as well as intramural soccer, softball, basketball, and kickball. Students may also be involved in other
The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 4 [email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com stimulating extracurriculars, including adventure club, garden club, chorus, violin, world dance, and more.
Each summer, students are required to spend four weeks at an enrichment program, which integrates academic, athletic, outdoor, and team-building activities. During this period, all students gain enrichment in reading, math, and writing skills.
Whether in the classroom or out, Esperanza students are curious, passionate, jubilant, respectful, and delighted to be a part of this special learning community.
Lawrence, Massachusetts An old mill town near Massachusetts’ north shore, Lawrence sits on the Merrimack River. The city boomed in the 19th century, processing and producing textiles until the decline of that industry left Lawrence struggling in the latter half of the 20th century. Long a city with a vibrant immigrant community, the city welcomed a large influx of Hispanic immigrants in the 1960s and today is a mini-melting pot of cultures, ethnicities, and religions. In recent years, the city has made efforts to revitalize its economy and culture. In 2015, Lawrence received the RWJF Culture of Health Prize, which recognized its innovative efforts to help residents lead healthier lives.
Lawrence is just 30 miles from Boston, one of the world’s premier cities and home to world-class cultural and educational resources. Harvard, Tufts, MIT, BC, BU, Berklee College of Music, Northeastern, New England Conservatory, Wellesley College, and other wonderful colleges and universities contribute to the area’s youthfulness, vitality, and pride. Rich in history and central to the birth of our nation, Boston also gave the country its first college, secondary school, public park, subway, and periodic newspaper.
Boston is a world leader in medicine and pharmaceutical research, technology innovation, and education. Other leading cultural institutions that call Boston home include the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston Ballet, the Athenaeum, Boston Symphony and Pops, and Museum of Science. Boston is a legendary sports town, abounding in professional, collegiate, and youth teams of all varieties (and generating plenty of opinions). A river city with a busy harbor and the adjacent Massachusetts Bay, Boston is also ideally positioned for recreation with mountains, lakes, and seacoast all within an easy drive. Served by a good public transit system, Boston is an eminently walkable (and bikeable) city.
The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 5 [email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com Opportunities and Challenges Alongside a strong board, an outstanding administrative team, and superb and deeply committed teachers, the Head of Esperanza Academy will be charged to shepherd the school toward a secure and vibrant future, in which Esperanza stands as a national example of excellent urban education for girls. This is an extraordinary opportunity.
Esperanza’s mission has always driven its leaders’ approaches to their work. The new Head will maintain that commitment, and s/he will promote and embody all aspects of Esperanza’s mission as an urban, all-girls, independent school, based on Episcopal tradition, and part of the NativityMiguel Coalition.
As a tuition-free school, Esperanza relies exclusively upon annual gifts from private donors, grants, and foundations. The Head will take a very active role in Esperanza’s fund-raising efforts. As well, the next Head will be charged with enhancing the reliability and predictability of this fundraising and with developing additional sources of revenue. To do this essential work successfully, the Head of Esperanza must be a visible leader in the school community, both in Lawrence and in the greater Boston area.
Esperanza is committed to a lottery-based admission system and therefore serves students with a fairly wide range of learning styles. The next Head will lead efforts to ensure that the school properly meets the needs of all its students. This may require the addition of one or more learning skills specialists and additional faculty professional development.
The Head will be charged to lead all aspects of Esperanza’s public relations and communications. This will include management of all aspects of the school’s messaging about its programs as well as serving as the inspirational ambassador to all stakeholder groups, including graduates who remain a genuine part of the school’s community and a school commitment throughout their high school and college careers.
Esperanza’s Board of Trustees is in the midst of developing a new strategic plan to guide the school’s next three to five years. The new Head will participate in the final steps of this planning process and then will be charged with leading the implementation of the plan.
The Next Head will also be charged with the important work that faces the Head of any small independent school. S/he will:
• Oversee the development and implementation of the school’s program. • Implement and oversee faculty and professional development. • Work with the Board of Trustees to maintain a highly functional governing structure and ensure all Trustees are fully utilized and engaged.
The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 6 [email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com • Lead and maintain a highly functioning and motivated leadership team by fostering a culture of open communication and collaboration. • Oversee compliance requirements with respect to federal, state, and local regulations. • Oversee financial structure, including preparation and implementation of budget approved by Board of Trustees with appropriate monitoring and checks/balances. • Direct the safety and well-being of the student body. • Ensure that all systems and the physical plant reflect the needs of the community. • Determine standards to measure and maintain reasonable performance of all faculty and staff with ultimate responsibility for the hiring and termination of all employees.
Qualifications and Qualities of the Next Head of School Strong candidates will demonstrate a passion for Esperanza’s mission and a deep commitment to middle school education. They will also demonstrate unusual energy and enthusiasm—this is demanding and important work and the school operates an extended school day as well as an extended school year. They will be inspired by the intangible rewards that accompany making a genuine difference in the life of each girl enrolled at the school. Strong candidates will exhibit many of the following qualifications and experiences:
• A minimum of a master’s degree and five years of exemplary leadership and management experience, likely at the middle or high school level; • An appreciation for the role that spirituality and character development plays in education; • Experience supervising faculty members in varying stages of their profession; • Experience working in an urban school setting with a diverse student population and school community; • Appreciation of and deep sensitivity to different cultures; • Experience with (or understanding of) issues relating to an all-girl student population; • Experience with the independent school model; • Possess a proven track record of collaboration and teamwork; • Commitment and capacity to connect with students and engage their families; • Eagerness to engage in fund-raising activities. • Excellent oral and written communications skills; • Exemplary interpersonal skills; and • Demonstrated ability to analyze and utilize data to implement best practices and effect school improvement.
The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 7 [email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com To Apply Interested candidates should submit the following materials confidentially as separate PDF attachments in one email:
• Cover letter expressing interest in the Esperanza Academy position and aligning your skills and experiences with the needs of the school, as you understand them; • Current resume with all dates included; • Statement of educational philosophy and leadership practice; • List of five references with name, phone number, and email address of each (references will be contacted only with the candidate’s permission and not before a mutual interest is clearly established).
Peter Philip and Barbara Chase [email protected] | [email protected] 617-955-0642 | 617-933-3430 Senior Search Consultants Carney, Sandoe & Associates 44 Bromfield Street, Boston, MA 02138 www.carneysandoe.com
The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 8 [email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com