Job Description:

• Supports children and families in N-2 by building relationships, being a public face available to answer questions, solve problems, and facilitate connections. 
• Makes connections between students, families, grade levels, divisions, and campuses.
• Coordinates all-building assemblies and gatherings and facilitates an all-building gathering at least once a quarter.
• Participates in the admissions, enrollment, and placement processes for N-2 and placement in 3rd grade, including attending playgroups in coordination with the Office of Admissions & Financial Aid.
• Works across departments in support of ensuring continuity for students with Learning & Counseling, Extended Day, Coordinator for Wellness and Equal Opportunity Programs, and Deputy Title IX Coordinator.
• Participates in the hiring of faculty and staff.
• Aids in the development of an orientation program and continued support for new parents.
• Reads progress reports.
• Works with the Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Dean of Teaching & Learning, N-2 to incorporate diversity, equity and inclusion goals throughout program.
• Establishes a positive, cooperative working relationship with other school administrators.
• Works with administration and counselors to revise and update the student handbook and code of conduct for grades for N-2, including provisions regarding bullying.
• Works with staff and teachers to create and strengthen systems that simplify and improve experiences for families and students. 
• Collaborates across divisions to ensure consistent implementation of process and policy related to student discipline, instructional support, academic programming and co-curricular activities.
• Build deep relationships with students, families, faculty and staff to foster a culture of community. Emanate optimism, solve problems collaboratively, reflect on how actions impact others, create an engaging and inclusive school culture, and share in the united pursuit of Labâ™s mission.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Master's degree.
• Advanced degree in education or comparable experience.

Experience:

• Leadership proficiency in education.
• Minimum three years of leadership experience.
• Early childhood - 2nd grade teaching background.
• Work in a team setting. 
• Supervisory and evaluation skills; preferably in a unionized environment.
• Curriculum development skills.
• Lead, develop and manage change management initiatives.
• Familiarity with Reggio and project based learning.
• An understanding of Deweyâ™s philosophies and experiential learning. 
• Significant expertise in creating, implementing, managing and assessing educational programs.
• Work with a wide range of students with diverse backgrounds such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, learning abilities, class, language and nationality.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Use standard productivity software (Microsoft Office, calendar/schedule software, etc.) and student database software.
• Proficient with PowerSchool.

Preferred Competencies

• Agile and flexible.
• Interact with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and parents.
• Knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion issues and dynamics in the classroom and in developing healthy, supportive relationships with all students.
• Build relationships with a wide range of teachers, administrators, parents, and children. 
• Strong knowledge of course subject matter.
• Knowledge of instructional methodologies and progressive educational principles.
• Strong knowledge of child development.
• Develop curricula, lesson plans and assessment tools.
• Analytical skills.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Decision-making skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Organizational skills.
• Computational skills.
• Creativity.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Manage stressful situations.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Think strategically.
• Understanding of adults, team dynamics, and relationships.
• Passion for lifelong learning, ability to share curiosity with others. 

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover letter (required)
• Professional References Contact Information (required)
• Brief statement of philosophy regarding: Ways in which your qualifications can help Lab achieve its goals of inclusivity, equity, and diversity AND Your approach to teaching

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.

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