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International School of Brooklyn is seeking a dynamic and inspirational leader to become the next Director of Lower School for our innovative Pre-K 3 through 8th Grade school. We are looking for a committed and experienced leader who will embody, manifest, and advocate for the mission and core values of ISB. The ideal candidate will be able to leverage the strengths of our faculty, students, and parents to continue to build on our culture of progressive education and excellence. The Director of Lower School is responsible for all activities in the Lower School (1st Grade - 5th Grade) and supervises the Lower School faculty and administrative staff. The Director of Lower School reports to the Head of School and is a member of the Senior Leadership Team. This position has a start date of August 1, 2022.

Skills and Values

•  Commitment to the education of all students, including those with different learning styles and abilities
• Commitment to progressive education: social-emotional education, service learning, languages
• Strong organizational ability
• Capacity to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and responsibilities
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Commitment to global citizenship and international mindedness
• Demonstrated commitment to issues of social justice within the classroom, curriculum, and community
• Willingness to learn and understand NYC school system at large
• Flexibility and finesse
• Ability to advocate for teacher and student interests
• Relentless commitment to student success, academically and socially
• A commitment to language learning and inquiry-based education
• Demonstrate continued personal growth through participation in professional activities
• Commitment to actively and thoughtfully engaging in work, training, and reflection around identity, anti-racism, and anti-bias

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years experience in education, of which 5 have been in a significant leadership role (at least middle management level)
• An advanced degree or international equivalent (education or related field preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to promote diversity, equity and inclusivity in curriculum, schools, and community
• Experience in a progressive education setting
• Bilingual language fluency (English/French)
• Experience developing and implementing behavioral support and intervention programs/structure
• Experience working at the Lower School level and a passion for educating Lower School students
• The ability to work legally in the United States
• A sense of humor and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with the International Baccalaureate
• Experience working in multicultural settings
• Experience working in independent schools, with a strong understanding of both the business and education aspects of these organizations

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain congruence between the school’s Board-approved mission statement and all activities of that division.
• Act as the educational leader of the school division, responsible for its day-to- day operation; direct the activities of the instructional and non-instructional staff in the performance of their duties.
• Function as the chief articulator of that division’s programs, expectations, behavioral guidelines, and other information necessary to ensure that all constituencies are fully informed, consistent with their individual roles.
• Maintain the educational standards required by the agencies that examine and accredit the school.
• Assist in the planning and the presentation of school assemblies and programs; assist in maintaining a comprehensive calendar of school events; keep the entire school community informed of various school programs and activities through collaboration with the Advancement Office.
• Provide for the academic guidance of students; maintain complete academic records on all students; oversee the grading and the reporting of standards and methods used by teachers in measuring student achievement.
• Establish guidelines for proper student conduct and dress; maintain student discipline consistent with school policies; monitor students’ adherence to established school rules; maintain accurate records of student attendance.
• Maintain a visible presence in all areas of the school; work toward a resolution of all problems - both routine and unique - as they arise; keep the Head of School informed of the general programs, activities, and problems of the Lower School.
• Prepare a master school class schedule and assign teachers and students to classes and other obligations
• Communicate regularly with parents and foster a collaborative relationship that supports the students and the ISB mission
• Maintain an accessible, open-door climate for staff members and students
• Meet with parents as needed regarding academic and social progress of students

• Staffing Responsibilities

• Conduct the search and interview process for open positions; make hiring recommendations to the Head of School, as well as for the retention and assignment of faculty.
• Observe, supervise, and help evaluate the faculty in the development and implementation of curriculum; supervise the teaching process; review and evaluate the academic programs.
• Establish programs for the orientation of new teachers, for in-service training of all teachers, and for the evaluation of classroom teachers, to ensure that teachers are familiar with and adhere to school policies in all areas of the school operation.
• Conduct regular meetings with faculty that will deal both with routine school matters and with the stimulating exchange of ideas on issues of educational/philosophical interest and concern.
• Facilitate divisional meetings for the Lower School faculty to promote open communication and professional development.
• Serve as a consultant to teachers in matters of classroom management, teaching methods, and general school procedures.
• Oversee the PYP Coordinator, Language Coordinators, Math Coordinator, Library staff and Technology Integrationist.

Admissions Responsibilities

• Assist in the admission process by interviewing and evaluating applicants for enrollment.
• Serve on the admissions committee.
• Assist in the admissions procedures of other divisions in their bilingual language.

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in the work of the Senior Leadership Team as required by the Head of School.
• Work in close collaboration with the Director of Preschool and Director of Middle School
• Attend Board of Trustees meetings, as required, to provide periodic program updates.
• Evaluate all aspects of the program annually, and redesign as needed.
• Support the school, its mission, and its leadership.
• Other duties as assigned by the Head of School.

Applying to This Position

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications by email to lscandidates@isbrooklyn.org.

Please include a single attachment containing the following three documents:

• A cover letter detailing your experience and educational philosophy
• An updated resume (CV)
• A list of three professional references, including names, phone numbers, and email addresses
• The application deadline is October 22, 2021.

Substitute teachers report to Division Director and Program Associate. Candidates should have a college degree and experience working with children. Candidates should be comfortable working with children and demonstrate some proficiency using digital or online platforms in cases of remote instruction when necessary (e.g. Google classroom, Zoom, etc.). The most desirable candidates will have proven effectiveness in the classroom as a teacher or teacher's aide in a brick-and-mortar setting. Proficiency in French or Spanish is a plus. Please note: This position is on a part-time, on-call basis. Hourly rates may differ according to substitution needs, and there may not be substitution opportunities every day.

Applying to this position: All interested candidates should submit a resume, brief cover letter and two professional references via email on kgoodwin@isbrooklyn.org.