Head of Lower School

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Position Title

Head of Lower School

New Way Academy

New Way Academy is an independent, K-12 day school in Phoenix, Arizona. Our mission is to create a dynamic school experience that empowers children with learning differences to maximize their potential and prepare for life beyond our doors. We continually strive to provide exemplary educational instruction, state-of-the-art remediation for areas of challenge, optimal social experiences, and the opportunity to unlock strengths and talents. As a result, New Way develops confident lifelong learners who lead enhanced, productive lives and serve as positive examples of what individuals with learning differences can achieve.

New Way’s core values of respect, community, ownership, quality and engagement are at the heart of all that we do. New Way Academy is dedicated to approaching justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives with an intentional global mindset that places value and recognition on the diverse community members of New Way.

Description

New Way Academy is seeking a qualified, enthusiastic, and strategic leader to serve as the Head of Lower School. This pivotal role bridges our early childhood foundations with the intermediate years, ensuring a cohesive educational journey for students in Grades K–6.

Our leaders champion the school’s mission to educate children with learning differences to fulfill their potential. New Way Academy students are unique not only in their learning styles but in the perseverance, resilience, and skills they develop to overcome challenges. We are looking for a leader who can deliver a rigorous, differentiated, and empowering education within a culture that embraces diversity and inclusiveness.

Reports to: Head of School

Responsibilities

Student Culture, Behavior and Support

PBIS Leadership: Champion the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) philosophy. Model its tenets in conflict management and shape behavior across K–6.
Behavioral Management: Respond to referrals with a solutions-oriented approach that applies best practices while maintaining the dignity of all involved.
School Spirit & Events: Develop the unique culture and identity of the Primary and Lower levels through innovative methods. With the Director of Student Experience, attend and execute level-wide events and field trips to foster community engagement.
Family Voice: Actively gather family feedback to adjust cultural initiatives and ensure the school environment remains engaging and fun.

Operations and Strategic Oversight

Day-to-Day Management: Prioritize and respond to the level’s daily operational needs. This includes independently managing the unplanned demands of the school day while balancing long-term goals. Establish the cadence and structure for level-wide collaboration and communication.
Strategic Alignment: Act as a critical thinker energized by big-picture thinking; ensure that the Primary and Lower School programs align with the broader strategic initiatives of New Way Academy.
Program Cohesion: Create a seamless transition and consistent experience for students moving from the Primary program (K–2) into the Lower School (3–6). Collaborate with the Head of Upper School to support a seamless transition from the Lower School to Junior High.

Community Engagement and Communication

Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with all stakeholders, including staff, families, and other members of a student’s support team (i.e., therapists and related service providers), to positively impact student outcomes.
Family Partnership: Serve as the primary point of contact for families regarding academic and behavioral progress, ensuring clear and empathetic communication.
Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality and professionalism when handling delicate situations involving staff, students, and families.

Characteristics & Qualities

Educational Advocate: A confident and knowledgeable advocate for students with learning differences.
Exemplar Educator: While not in charge of teacher growth and performance, this leader must model best practices when working with students.
Proactive Leader: An intuitive decision-maker who anticipates the needs of the team before they arise.
Adaptive Communicator: An effective communicator with the ability to adjust their tone and style to match the audience and situation.
Operational Expert: A professional with strong executive functioning skills capable of balancing immediate daily demands with essential long-term administrative duties.
Strategic Thinker: A leader who is energized by big-picture planning and the execution of strategic initiatives.
Active Listener & Learner: Demonstrates deep active listening skills to ensure stakeholders feel heard, and exhibits a growth mindset by graciously accepting and acting upon feedback.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

Regularly works in standard office or classroom conditions and climate, occasionally works outdoors in varying weather conditions and climate
Regularly uses close and distance vision
Works at a computer screen for extended periods of time
Works at a desk for extended periods of time, frequently moves around campus
Ability to occasionally move items 30 lbs. across the campus
Effectively deals with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and a varied and diverse array of contacts
Stamina to maintain attention to detail despite interruptions
New Way requires employees to be physically present on campus, with limited exceptions that are at the sole discretion of the School. Under extraordinary circumstances, some or all of the workforce may be required to move to a remote working environment. Additionally, certain individuals may also be approved for limited remote work, based on the nature of the job description, specific circumstances, and only with written prior approval by a direct supervisor.

Education, Certificate, and Requirements

Hold valid fingerprint clearance card
Bachelor’s degree or higher with a preferred emphasis on special education

Compensation

Competitive compensation based on experience in a range of $68,000 to $80,000
Full benefits including medical, vision and dental plans
Competitive 401K package
School lunch provided