Head of Lower Division; Grades PK-4

Full Time
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
$100,000 - $139,999 a year
Posted
Job description

Stevenson School is a PK-12 co-educational, college-preparatory, boarding and day school with enrollment of 770 students on two campuses in beautiful Central Coast California. The Upper Division campus (Grades 9-12) is located in Pebble Beach. The Lower/Middle Campus (Grades PK-8) is in nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea. Stevenson is a mission driven school that aims to help students shape joyful lives while instilling a passion for learning and achievement to prepare them for success in school and beyond. The core values of the community are safety, trust, respect, belonging, and inclusion. Stevenson offers a substantial need-based financial aid program to support students from a range of socio-economic backgrounds.

At present, Stevenson has a somewhat unique administrative structure, with a single administrator overseeing two divisions, spanning the elementary and middle school years. A planned internal move at the administration level has presented the opportunity to examine this structure and determine that dedicated division head-level leadership specific to each distinct division will more fully support optimal delivery of the School’s program and mission. As a result, Stevenson School has two robust leadership opportunities for 2023-24 academic year.

Stevenson School is excited to announce the creation of two new academic leadership positions, head of lower division, grades PK - 4, and head of middle division, grades 5 - 8. Each respective division head will report to the president of the school, ensuring an ideal continuum of program and curriculum for grades PK - 12 and bolstering cohesive community and culture across both campuses.

Stevenson School seeks a Head of Lower Division, Grades PK - 4, to start July 1, 2023. This newly added position reports directly to the president of the School and is a member of the senior administrative team. The successful candidate will have a passion for early childhood and elementary education and the vision and leadership skills to lead the division and its 20-member faculty team towards continued excellence in delivery of an academic experience of the highest caliber. The head of the lower division (HLD) will demonstrate critical achievement as both an instructor and administrator working with this age group such that they will be able to credibly and effectively inspire, mentor, and guide faculty in all areas of practice including curriculum development, pedagogy, assessment, and appropriately engage with the parent community to engender confidence in and understanding of program and practices.

With an average enrollment of 115 students, the lower division is housed on a stunningly picturesque campus in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA. With spacious, light-filled classrooms, library, choral and instrumental music instruction space, visual arts studio, student garden, lunch cafe, an abundance of outdoor spaces, and ocean views, Stevenson’s lower division presents an idyllic setting for learning and enrichment.

Lower division students learn how to learn, engage confidently with teachers and peers, and build a strong foundation in literacy, mathematics, social-emotional skills, and critical thinking. Each grade level consists of a single class section with two full time teachers assigned to each class for a student/teacher ratio of 11/1. In addition, students receive instruction from additional teaching faculty in Spanish, physical education, art, music, and dance. The daily schedule reflects an understanding of how students learn and live best. Five daily class blocks allow for deep, patient academic engagement. Regular breaks allow for nourishing community experiences and restorative play. The After-School Program—included in each student’s tuition—expands what students experience during the regular school day by providing structured, fun opportunities to gain new skills and pursue interests in the arts, STEM, and fitness. Students develop teamwork, cooperation, coordination, and cognitive skills within a workshop setting, while enjoying the company of friends and teachers.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Administrative oversight of all aspects of the lower division including academics, co-curricular program, student life, division schedule, and parent communication
  • Supervision of faculty members across the full scope of their professional practice including ongoing evaluation and enhancement of curriculum and pedagogical approaches to effectively deliver an educational experience that will lead to success in learning objectives
  • Effective articulation of the mission of the school and lower division program to all constituencies; faculty, students, current and prospective parents, school leadership, and trustees
  • Active participation as a member of the school’s senior administrative team
  • Oversight of ongoing development of faculty via meaningful professional learning opportunities, coaching, observation, and evaluation to support effective implementation of a wide range of pedagogical tools and strategies appropriate to each developmental stage
  • Development and leadership of a consistent and productive teacher evaluation model to promote continual growth and achievement of excellence in teaching and learning
  • Partnership with DEI office to meaningfully incorporate an equity and inclusion lens into all aspects of division programming and curriculum to optimize the experience of faculty and students and ensure an inclusive learning environment in which all students feel seen, heard, valued, and represented
  • Development and oversight of a consistent, empathetic, and meaningful disciplinary process that includes clear communication of expectations and outcomes to students, parents, and faculty
  • Partnership with the Dean of Enrollment Management to recruit and retain a diverse, talented and engaged student body and provide meaningful onboarding for students and families new to Stevenson
  • Collaboration with the heads of the middle and upper divisions on the scope and sequence of curriculum and program, PK - 12
  • Continued development and implementation of an effective social-emotional learning (SEL) program and incorporation of SEL into all aspects of lower division programming
  • Active engagement in recruitment, onboarding, and retention of faculty and staff
  • Collaboration with the director of community engagement to design and deliver meaningful and effective onboarding for new faculty, including Stevenson’s annual Summer Faculty Symposium
  • Budgetary oversight including collaboration with the CFO and controller to annually project, build and maintain division budget
  • Preparation and delivery of timely, comprehensive, accurate, well-written, quarterly board reports, and other periodic updates, as directed or required
  • Active engagement and participation in the Stevenson School community, including attendance of academic, athletic and performing arts events
  • Other duties as assigned by the president

Required Qualifications:

  • 5-10+ years of administrative leadership experience within an independent or public school setting(s) at the early childhood/elementary level
  • Advanced degree in education, or related
  • Demonstrated expertise in student-centered teaching, inquiry-based learning, project-based learning, implementation of a wide array of pedagogical approaches to support divergent learning styles, and a variety of assessment methods
  • Comprehensive understanding of the developmental and emotional needs of students
  • Ability to work collaboratively as a member of a school leadership team
  • Commitment to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive school community
  • Personal traits appropriate for nurturing the growth of children - must be energetic, creative, flexible, patient, and have an inexhaustible sense of humor


In keeping with Stevenson’s core values, we seek candidates who demonstrate a commitment to equity and inclusion. Stevenson is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Candidates from underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Stevenson is pleased to offer transportation support and accommodations, as needed, along with an introduction to the local area, for those candidates who travel from outside of the region for on-campus employment interviews.

In addition to competitive salary, Stevenson is pleased to provide a comprehensive benefits package. Housing support is offered for eligible employees. Resources to support advanced degree work, as well as participation in professional conferences, workshops, summer study, and travel, are also available. Meals are provided throughout the day when school is in session.


Interested candidates are invited to use the link provided to submit a resume to:

Susan Fahey Khanna, Director of Human Resources


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