SUMMARY

Westmark School is a creative and supportive college preparatory school dedicated to educating, empowering, and celebrating students with distinct learning styles, providing the tools necessary to achieve successful and fulfilling futures.

Over the past forty years, the School has earned acclaim for transforming the lives of Grades 2–12 students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and other diagnosed language-based learning differences (LBLD). Situated in Encino, California, about ten miles north of UCLA, it currently serves approximately 225 students.

Westmark School is seeking a Director of Lower School (Grades 1–5) to join a forward-thinking team that specializes in serving LBLD students and seeks to deepen the School’s commitment to early intervention and a research-based approach to instruction. With the recent opening of a new, state-of-the-art Lower School Campus and an admission expansion to include first grade, this is a very unique and exciting time in the School’s history. The Director of Lower School works creatively and collaboratively with the Associate Head of School, the Directors of the Middle School and Upper School, and the Head of School to sustain and enhance all mission-aligned programming in the Lower School. This position reports to the Associate Head of School and starts July 1, 2024.

12M Recruiting is running the search on behalf of Westmark School.  Applications are due March 31. For application instructions and the full job opportunity statement, please visit:

www.12MRecruiting.com/jobs/Westmark/DLS

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Location: Encino, CA

Application Deadline: March 31, 2024

Semifinal Round: Mid-April

On-site Final Round: Late April

Decision Announced: Early May

Start Date: July 1, 2024

Reports To: Associate Head of School

Salary: $130,000 to $145,000

DUTIES

Academic and Divisional Leadership

• As the educational leader of the Lower School, create a dynamic learning environment, by directing the activities of the members of the School’s instructional team in a way that inspires collaboration and growth.
• Thoroughly understand the profile of students with language-based learning differences; develop plans for meeting their needs and engaging all members of the community in student success throughout the school year as well as during the summer academic program.
• Continually evaluate and improve upon course objectives, materials, methods, and means of assessment that incorporate best practices and standards.
• Serve as an active member of the curriculum team that participates in the advancement of the School’s mission.
• Assist in the admission process for testing, interviewing, and evaluating applicants for enrollment which may include coordinating IEP paperwork from outside agencies and attend IEP meetings as requested.
• In collaboration with the Head of School, Associate Head of School, and administrative team, play an active role in all areas of the School; work toward a resolution of problems and conflicts effectively, strategically, and tactfully as they arise; inform and collaborate with the Associate Head of School on issues and opportunities within the Lower School program and activities.
• Foster partnerships with external organizations to bring diverse voices, experiences, and resources to the school community for the purpose of community education and informing best practices.
• Stay current on research, best practices, and emerging trends in the field of DEIB, and share relevant information with the school community.

Student and Family Relations

• Ensure that Lower School faculty provide appropriate academic instruction and guidance for students, while fully integrating parents and guardians in the process.
• Create opportunities for family involvement and engagement through strategic activities and parent education sessions.
• Continually assess and improve Lower School curricula, processes, programs, practices, pedagogies, and schedules, with a focus on opportunities for student improvement.
• Maintain complete academic records of all students; oversee the grading and the reporting of standards and methods used by teachers in measuring student achievement.
• In collaboration with the Director of Student Enrichment and Innovation, support and work toward continually enhancing field trip activities of Lower School students.
• Support social-emotional needs of Lower School students in conjunction with the School Counselor.

Faculty Relations

• Observe, mentor and evaluate faculty while providing a model for positive leadership and continual reflection and evolution.
• Oversee day-to-day activities and assignments and ensure a culture of teaming and collaboration.
• In close coordination with the Associate Head of School, recruit and retain educators with the expertise, positive energy, and focus required to serve Westmark families and support students.
• Work collaboratively with technology committees and specialists to support educational technology initiatives and dynamic needs in the Lower School.
• Work closely with the senior leadership team in planning and implementing a comprehensive professional development program for faculty.
• Report to the Associate Head of School, manage the Lower School budget, and perform other duties as assigned.
• Provide coaching and support to teachers in integrating diverse perspectives and culturally responsive teaching practices into the curriculum, and to staff members for incorporating culturally responsive practices into their roles at the school.
• Assist in the recruitment and retention of a diverse faculty and staff, ensuring that hiring practices promote equity and inclusion.

QUALIFICATIONS AND QUALITIES

Qualifications

• Master’s degree; minimum of 7 years progressive experience in administration or equivalent managerial expertise in grades 1–5
• Experience working in an educational environment serving students with language-based learning differences preferred
• Curricular experience, with particular knowledge of trends, research, and best practices around child development and special education
• Demonstrated success in working collaboratively and flexibly with colleagues, staff, parents, volunteers, and the broader community
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with an ability to effectively communicate with all stakeholders of the School

Professional and Leadership Qualities

• A mission-driven leader who models a growth mindset, adaptability, and commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment that cultivates an awareness of and sensitivity to all differences
• A leader who values and respects children in the developmental ages and stages present in the division and seeks to bring their voices forward
• Ability to innovate and enhance a robust and sustainable program
• Ability to manage complex communication within the Lower School division, School, and parent community
• An ability to create a caring and dynamic culture for students and faculty
• A good listener and strategist; comfortable receiving input from many sources and able to analyze and formulate disparate information into a sound, well-organized plan

TO APPLY

For more information please visit the following link, which contains the job opportunity statement and complete application instructions.

www.12MRecruiting.com/jobs/Westmark/DLS

Westmark School is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit and job performance. School policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions (including genetic characteristics or information), sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, and local laws.