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Job Description for Director of Lower of School 2022-2023Start Date: June 1, 2022Salary: We offer a competitive compensation package and comprehensive health benefits.Reports to: Director of Lower of SchoolAbout Memphis Merit AcademyMemphis Merit Academy Charter School is an academically challenging, highly structured, and joyful elementary school in Memphis, TN. Through rigorous academics, high quality instruction, and character development, Memphis Merit Academy ensures all kindergarten through eighth grade students achieve the academic skills, knowledge, and moral foundation to be firmly on the path to college after matriculating through our school.Be a part of the Leadership Team at Memphis Merit AcademyMemphis Merit Academy Charter School is a structured organization and culture that embraces urgency and efficiency and celebrates achievement. To achieve our mission,Memphis Merit Academy will operate in a fiscally sound, organized, and efficient manner to ensure accountability and to protect every instructional minute. Memphis Merit Director ofLower School will report directly to the Head of School and work collaboratively with theDirector of Operations, Director of Lower of School, and any other designated coaching roles and assists with various projects and tasks to ensure a focused and effective learning environment. We are actively searching for a dynamic person to fill our founding leadership team positions. Memphis Merit Director of Lower School is strategic, engaging, knowledgeable, and adamant about academic results.In August 2019, Memphis Merit Academy Charter School opened its doors to 120 kindergarten and first grade students, and we will grow by 60 students until we reach full capacity of 540 students during the 2027-2028 school year. We are actively building a founding team that shares our belief that with rigorous academics, high quality instruction, and charter development all students are capable of excelling in high school, college, and life. MemphisMerit Director of Lower of School must be passionate, detail oriented, and unrelenting in their belief of all children deserving a high-quality education regardless of their demographics.The Director of Lower of School cultivates rigorous academics and high quality instruction through strong teacher coaching and development.AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE Memphis Merit Academy Charter School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MMA provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.GENERAL SUMMARY: The foundation of academic excellence lies in a school that is strong in rigorous academics, high quality instruction, and character development. Memphis MeritDirector of Lower of School is directly responsible for planning a program of study that prepares teachers to meet the individual needs, interests, and abilities of the students and creating a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and is developmentally appropriate for the maturity and interest of the students.The Director of Lower of School, in conjunction with the Director of Operations and Head ofSchool, is responsible for all aspects of running a school. The Director of Lower of School is responsible for overseeing instruction, curriculum, assessment, and professional development.Fiscal ResponsibilitiesAssists in the creation of Title I budget expenditures based on data and SIP. Works with HOS to advise on curriculum and teacher development needs to determine implications for organization budget Creates supply list for grade levels as needed by the curriculum*The aforementioned duties are not exhaustive.Required Education Bachelor’s degree required Tennessee teaching certification required TN administrative license required A minimum of 3 years teaching experience required Experience working with under-resourced communities, families, and/or students Demonstrated success in building relationships and trust with leaders, teachers, parents, and community Proven written and verbal communication skills with all levels of management, both internal and external to the district Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPointDesired Experience Demonstrated success in building relationships and trust with leaders, teachers, parents, students, and community Demonstrated effective teacher effectiveness with underserved and special populations of studentsAMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE Memphis Merit Academy Charter School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MMA provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.Demonstrated knowledge of Common Core State Standards and instructional shifts Experience with building test coordination under Shelby County SchoolsESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: INSTRUCTIONAL & SCHOOL LEADERSHIPProvide exemplary leadership to all members of the school community to achieve outstanding performance in the school’s mission of preparing each student for collegeWork to dramatically improve student achievement by leading the educational program Manage effectively faculty and staff Develop and communicate the school’s systems, culture, and vision, and create a plan to achieve that vision Oversee curriculum development and assessment Implement effective internal and external assessment systems and use data to inform decisions Ensure strong consistency within the school program and curricular alignment with state and other rigorous standards Select and share effective curricular and instructional practices from and with other schools Serve as point person for all students and families Evaluates curriculum and instructional resources to leverage in our school to help us meet our instructional goals Vets engaging lesson plans that fulfill the requirements of the State Department of Education and Exceptional Children’s Department. Coaches and evaluates teacher lessons that reflect accommodations and differentiation for student learning styles. Provides continual feedback to teachers to ensure data-driven decisions Ensures teachers present subject matter according to guidelines established by TennesseeDepartment of Education, board policies, and administrative regulations. Collaborate with other members of staff for planning and implementing instructional goals, objectives, and best practices according to district requirements. Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity. Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials. Analyzes academic data for the school to determine ongoing instructional prioritiesAMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE Memphis Merit Academy Charter School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MMA provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.Acts as the school administrators in the absence of the Head of School and Director ofOperationsEVALUATION & FEEDBACK Oversee faculty and staff of the school, including recruitment, selection, evaluation, supervision, retention, and dismissal Manage teaching staff, including professional development, staff observations, curriculum development, staff communication, and scheduling and program decisionsLead faculty to ensure that all staff are providing well-managed and rigorous daily lessons, reasonable and effective daily homework, and regular and productive after school tutoringFoster commitment among faculty and staff to the development and fulfillment of the school’s mission and objectivesHold teachers accountable for meeting high standards for student academic and behavioral performanceWork with staff on all curricular, instructional, assessment, and professional development issues and activities to ensure data drives classroom instructionWork with staff to foster consistency among staff in enforcing the Student andFamily Handbook and other school-wide discipline policiesFacilitate positive faculty dynamics Work with Dean of Student Support to ensure 504 accommodations, IEP modifications, and counseling needs are met Coach teachers to plan and use appropriate instructional strategies, assessment, activities, materials, and technology that reflect accommodations for individual needs of students assigned.Work cooperatively with the Head of School to modify curriculum as needed for all students according to guidelines established in ESSA.Assist students in analyzing and improving student methods and habits. Consistently monitor student achievement through formal and informal assessment and use results to plan for instructional delivery, not limited to the selection and creation of assessments.AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE Memphis Merit Academy Charter School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MMA provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.Assist DOO with operational decisions impacting instruction, as needed. Coordinate with any additional instructional coaching staff employed with MMA. Network with vendors and others for the forward movement of the school.FAMILY SUPPORT Maintain communication and relations with the families of the school, ensuring they are kept involved with and held accountable for their children’s academic and behavioral performanceCommunicate regularly with families regarding student performance and academic achievementWork with staff to correspond regularly with families regarding school policies, trips, events, and milestonesWork with staff to plan, coordinate, and support family meetings and special events Respond to family concerns promptly and effectivelySTUDENT SUPPORT/SCHOOL CULTURE Collaborate with school staff to maximize the ability of the school to support students’ academic and socio-emotional development Provide leadership to all staff and students in establishing a positive, structured, achievement-oriented, and fun school culture Oversee students’ academic and behavioral program, including disciplinary decisions, enforcement of the Student and Family Handbook, scheduling and class decisions, educational program, and assessment and accountabilityEnsure that traditions and rituals that support the school’s college mission are being created and maintained, grade by grade, year to yearFoster consistency in academic and behavioral expectations in and out of class Ensure effective exam preparation to ensure student success Work with appropriate staff to ensure the smooth administration and effectiveness of the after school enrichment programs Support teachers to manage student behavior and administer discipline according to Board policies, administrative regulations, and follow laws of the Individuals with Disabilities EducationAct (IDEA) with the assistance of the HOS.AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE Memphis Merit Academy Charter School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MMA provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.Oversee a Management Plan and Student Code of Conduct handbook and ProcedureSafeguards.Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilitiesCOMMUNICATION Maintains integrity and the highest level of professionalism with colleagues and community. Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members. Use acceptable communication skills to present information accurately and clearly. Present a positive role model for students, staff, parents, and community members by demonstrating behavior that is professional, ethical, responsible, and aligned with Memphis Merit Academy Charter School’s Code of Ethics andESSA.Articulate and provide support for the campus and district mission and goals to parents, colleagues, and community members.Demonstrate awareness of district/community needs and initiate activities to meet identified needs.Demonstrate the use of appropriate and effective techniques for engaging parents and community.Coordinate with the special education department to support providing parents, staff, and admin team with IEPs at Glance and updated goal revisions based off of students’ individual IEP goals.FISCAL RESPONSIBILITIESAssists in the creation of Title I budget expenditures based on data and SIP. Works with HOS to advise on curriculum and teacher development needs to determine implications for organization budgetORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP Demonstrate a relentless drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of school Help oversee school-wide strategic planning and problem solvingAMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE Memphis Merit Academy Charter School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MMA provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.Work with the Director of Operations and Head of School to lead the school’s administrative program.Participation in leadership development programming determined by HOS. Engage in and implement new learning from professional development activities correlated with teacher development needs and with school and state goals. Keep informed of and complies with state, district, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required. Create, monitor, oversee a comprehensive Response to Intervention program Coordinate with special education department about caseload and ESSA Ability to support small groups of students for instructional resources based on dataPlanning and discussion of school initiatives Leads development of School Improvement Plan and works with HOS to ensure compliance and alignment of plan to instructional prioritiesQUALIFICATIONS: 1. Required knowledge, skills & abilities: Strong organizational skills; extremely careful attention to detail and follow-through. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Strong communication and negotiating skills. Ability to work well in a team. Exceptional ability to bridge and enhance cooperative working relationships. Ability to create, monitor, and maintain systems that enhance organizational efficiency. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment; flexible, able to work autonomously as well as take direction as needed.2. Minimum educational level: Bachelor’s Degree Masters degree preferred TN School Administrative License requireAMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE Memphis Merit Academy Charter School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MMA provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.3. Experience required: A minimum of 3 years teaching and working in classrooms and coaching teachers, preferably in urban schools and/or communities Experience as a Dean or school principal or equivalent leadership role highly preferred Experience at a high-performing charter school highly preferred but not requiredCOMPENSATION: We offer a competitive compensation package and comprehensive health benefits.AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE Memphis Merit Academy Charter School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MMA provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.Job Type: Full-timePay: $70,000.00 – $80,000.00 per yearSchedule:12 hour shiftMonday to FridayWeekend availabilityEducation:Bachelor’s (Preferred)Experience:Teaching and School Administration: 3 years (Required)Work Location: One location |
