Description
Associate Head of School
Roles & Responsibilities
The Associate Head of School serves as a key instructional and operational leader responsible for supporting the Head of School in the overall management, culture, academic success, and daily operations of the school. This role provides leadership across academics, student support, staff development, school culture, and strategic initiatives to ensure a high-quality educational experience for all students.
The Associate Head of School acts as a collaborative leader who helps drive the school’s mission, vision, and organizational goals while fostering a positive, inclusive, and achievement-oriented school environment.
Core Responsibilities
School Leadership & Administration
- Support the Head of School in the implementation of the school’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
- Assist in overseeing the daily operations and management of the school.
- Serve as a member of the school leadership team and contribute to organizational planning and decision-making.
- Act on behalf of the Head of School when necessary.
- Ensure school policies, procedures, and expectations are consistently implemented.
- Support continuous school improvement initiatives and organizational effectiveness.
Instructional Leadership
- Support the development and implementation of high-quality instructional practices across all grade levels and content areas.
- Monitor curriculum implementation and academic programming.
- Conduct classroom observations and provide actionable feedback to teachers and instructional staff.
- Support instructional coaching, professional learning communities, and teacher development.
- Analyze academic performance data to identify trends and support student achievement goals.
- Collaborate with teachers and school leaders to improve instructional outcomes.
Student Culture & Climate
- Promote a positive, inclusive, and student-centered school culture.
- Support the implementation of restorative practices, behavior systems, and student support structures.
- Assist in addressing student discipline, conflict resolution, and behavioral interventions.
- Build strong relationships with students to encourage engagement, accountability, and leadership development.
- Support attendance initiatives and student retention efforts.
Staff Supervision & Development
- Support the recruitment, onboarding, mentoring, and evaluation of school staff.
- Provide leadership and support to teachers, advisors, support staff, and department leaders.
- Facilitate professional development sessions aligned to school priorities.
- Foster collaboration, accountability, and a positive professional culture among staff.
- Support staff performance management and growth planning.
Family & Community Engagement
- Build and maintain positive relationships with families and community stakeholders.
- Support communication between the school and families regarding student progress, school initiatives, and events.
- Participate in family meetings, conferences, and community engagement activities.
- Represent the school at community partnerships, meetings, and events when appropriate.
Operations & Compliance
- Assist with school scheduling, supervision plans, and operational systems.
- Support compliance with district, state, and organizational policies and regulations.
- Help oversee safety procedures, emergency preparedness, and student supervision protocols.
- Support the coordination of school-wide events, programs, and activities.
- Collaborate with operations and administrative teams to ensure efficient school functioning.
Equity & Inclusion
- Promote equitable educational practices and culturally responsive leadership.
- Support initiatives that foster belonging, diversity, and inclusion across the school community.
- Ensure all students have access to high-quality learning opportunities and support systems.
Data & Strategic Planning
- Monitor key school performance indicators related to academics, attendance, behavior, and culture.
- Use data to inform leadership decisions and school improvement efforts.
- Assist in developing and implementing strategic plans and organizational goals.
- Support accountability systems and reporting processes.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or related field.
- Valid teaching certification and/or administrative licensure as required by state guidelines.
- Minimum of 3–5 years of successful teaching and/or school leadership experience.
- Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
- Demonstrated experience supporting student achievement and school culture initiatives.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Educational Leadership or related field.
- Experience in instructional coaching, teacher development, or school administration.
- Experience working in diverse or underserved school communities.
- Knowledge of restorative practices, MTSS, SEL, and data-driven instruction.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Strong instructional leadership and coaching skills.
- Ability to build relationships and lead collaborative teams.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Commitment to equity, inclusion, and student-centered leadership.
Performance Expectations
Success in this role will be measured by:
- Improved student achievement and engagement.
- Positive school culture and climate.
- Teacher growth and retention.
- Effective implementation of school systems and initiatives.
- Strong family and community partnerships.
- Operational efficiency and organizational effectiveness.
Reporting Structure
Supervises:
- Teachers
- Instructional Staff
- Deans or Coordinators (if applicable)
- Support Staff (as assigned)
Work Environment
This position requires regular interaction with students, staff, families, and community stakeholders in both office and classroom settings. Occasional evening and weekend responsibilities may be required for school events and meetings.
