Assistant Head of Lower School
Fort Worth Country Day School ---a coed, K-12 college preparatory day school --- seeks a passionate, committed and innovative educator to serve as Assistant Head of Lower School to begin in July 2025. Reporting to the Head of Lower School, the Assistant Head, in conjunction with the Head of Lower School, will manage areas of curriculum development, instructional pedagogies, professional development, and student management. The Assistant Head in many ways is an extension of the faculty. One of the most important responsibilities for the Assistant Head will be representing and advocating the faculty’s best interest in conversations with the Head of Lower School.
Position qualifications:
Desired qualifications include an advanced degree; elementary teaching experience; familiarity with admissions work; experience in elementary curriculum development, instructional pedagogies, teacher leadership or coaching, student discipline, and parent communications.
Candidates should believe deeply in the School’s mission, philosophy and core values and possess knowledge of best practices in instruction and a commitment to ongoing acquisition of knowledge across the disciplines.
Candidates should possess the following personal characteristics:
- A joy in working with the elementary-aged child, teachers, and parents
- Strong oral and written communication
- A strong work ethic
- A sense of humor and perspective
- Character that reflects the School’s core values
- An attitude of understanding and compassion in the management of student behavior
- An appreciation of parents as partners and a comfort in working with them
- Collaborative interpersonal skills
- A dedication to professional growth and renewal
Areas of Responsibility:
Curriculum and Instruction
The Assistant Head of Lower School will work with the Head of Lower School to provide instructional leadership:
- Lead curriculum research and development
- Assist in ensuring instructional alignment and consistency through opportunities for vertical and horizontal planning
- Chair the Lower School Curriculum Committee and work collaboratively with the K-12 Department Heads as needed
- Stay abreast of research and effective practices in various disciplines as well as brain-based research
Teacher Professional Development
- Provide coaching and modeling of lessons and management as appropriate
- Conference with teachers (individually and within teams) regarding instructional and curricular planning
- Partner with the Head of Lower School in designing and facilitating yearly faculty goal setting, observations, and feedback
- Provide another layer of support for teachers new to the profession
- Identify professional development resources to support teacher development including books, articles, conferences and learning opportunities
- Note: Assistant Head provides feedback in terms of teacher evaluation but is not an official evaluator of division faculty. Only Head of Lower School conducts evaluative conversations.
Administration
- Work collaboratively with Head of Lower School in the execution of the Head’s vision
- Assume leadership of division during Head of Lower School’s absence
- Assist in student behavior management using the School’s core values as a foundation
- Assist in the planning and execution of student, teacher and parent orientations and presentations
- Meet weekly with Head of Lower School and Lower School administration (Student Support Team and Lower School Curriculum Coordinators)
- Complete other duties as assigned by the Head of the Lower School and/or the Head of School.
All employees of FWCD must:
- Embody, model and communicate the School’s mission and core values (respect, responsibility, kindness, courage, integrity and scholarship)
- Exhibit generous community spirit, professional flexibility, a sense of humor and a positive attitude
- Collaborate and work well with colleagues, parents and students
- Execute duties in a positive and punctual manner
- Be an enthusiastic lifelong learner driven toward professional self-improvement and personal growth
Equal Opportunity Employer / Statement of Inclusivity:
Fort Worth Country Day is an Equal Opportunity Employer that maintains a policy of nondiscrimination with respect to all employees and applicants for employment. The ideal candidate should possess a thoughtful approach and knowledge of intercultural communication and inclusion of underrepresented groups. Employment decisions at FWCD are based on merit, qualifications, abilities and performance, and are subject to the academic and business requirements of the School.
The FWCD Inclusivity Statement confirms: We believe that understanding and respecting differences not only inspires compassion and empathy, but also fosters intellectual curiosity and creativity. We embrace the diverse cultures, experiences and perspectives that comprise and enhance our learning environment. We commit to sustaining and growing an intentionally inclusive community.
About Fort Worth Country Day and the City of Fort Worth:
Fort Worth Country Day earned the distinction of being ranked one of the Best Companies to Work for in Fort Worth in 2018.
Fort Worth Country Day is a co-ed, junior kindergarten through grade 12 college-preparatory day school with approximately 1,100 students and 250 faculty and staff. The School seeks to promote inclusivity and retain a diverse faculty. The 104-acre campus offers excellent facilities for academics, arts and athletics. Faculty and administration nurture a collegial professional environment in which innovation is encouraged. Opportunities for ongoing professional development are exceptional. Fort Worth Country Day is proud of its school community where students, parents, faculty, staff and administration join together to develop an effective and enjoyable place to teach and learn.
Fort Worth ranks as one of the top 12 largest cities in the United States and is known for its vibrant arts, music and cultural life. The Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan region is home to over 6.5 million people. More information about the School is available at www.fwcd.org.
