The Principal of the Lower School oversees the teaching and learning, curriculum and instruction, faculty supervision and development, guidance to parents and students, day-to-day operations and student based activities and fosters culture and community. The Principal is responsible for planning, supervising and evaluating the academic growth, character, development and co-curricular opportunities experienced by students in grades four through six. In addition, the Principal is charged with consistently meeting accreditation standards for the school as required by the Southern Association of Independent Schools and AdvancEd and directly supervises all faculty and personnel of the Lower School.
The successful candidate should have a solid understanding of effective lower school education pedagogy and student development. This person should also have demonstrated experience in, and enthusiasm for, 21st century education and/or experiential education, character development, educational technology, diversity work, and a commitment to developing the potential of students and faculty. The candidate must be willing to be an active, involved member of the community in which the school is located and participate in active recruiting for the school.
The Principal reports directly to the Vice President for Academic & Student Life. The Principal of the Lower School serves on the Academy Academic Leadership Council, composed of the five School Principals, Director of Learning & Innovation, Director of Character Education, and the director of the Transition Program as well as the President’s Woodward Council.
Essential Job Duties/Responsibilities:
Manages the day-to-day operations of the building and programs, including but not limited to, scheduling of courses and preparing the master schedule; developing and implementing school policies and procedures for student programming and guidance; overseeing and implementing attendance and behavior policies.
Leads and manages the curricular program of the school to maintain academic and co-curricular programs that support Woodward Academy’s mission and vision. Ensures continuity and consistency of programs. Personally and professionally models school virtues and beliefs.
Oversees teaching and learning; builds faculty knowledge and expertise in effective instructional design and academic standards, regularly observes in classrooms, and meets with faculty to provide teaching feedback.
Oversees curriculum design and management; conducts ongoing evaluation of curriculum design and provides relevant training on curriculum.
Supervises and evaluates the development of faculty. Guides professional development opportunities. Works with the Vice President for Academic and Student Life in the recruitment and interviewing of prospective faculty.
Engages and collaborates with families and acts as the liaison to parents for student learning, discipline guidelines, and curriculum information.
Participates in the screening process for prospective students and provides feedback for admissions of diverse, well-qualified students to the program.
Desired Qualifications and Characteristics:
A Master’s degree and at least five years of administrative experience are required.
Administrative experience in independent schools is strongly preferred.
Demonstrated experience with curriculum and program design, and faculty supervision and evaluation preferred.
Imagination and drive will be needed to provide leadership in an educational setting.
Excellent leadership abilities, interpersonal skills, and speaking and writing skills are required. Ability to work independently but collaboratively in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision is also required.
The Principal, Lower School position is a salaried, twelve month position. Salary is commensurate with education and experience. EOE
Woodward Academy is Atlanta at its very best. We intentionally bring together students from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, to create a richer learning community and exceptional academic opportunities. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has consistently ranked Woodward as the No. 1 or No. 2 large workplace in metro Atlanta, with special recognition by the AJC for “Best Benefits” for employees.