Assistant Director of Upper School

About the Role

Are you passionate about empowering adolescent learners to thrive academically, emotionally,  and personally? Are you eager to work in a collaborative environment where creativity, innovation, and student-centered learning are at the heart of the curriculum? Summit School is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Upper School Assistant Director to join our dynamic team.

As part of our administrative faculty, you will play a vital role in fostering a nurturing and challenging learning environment that emphasizes curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration. If you are an experienced educator and leader with a progressive approach to teaching and a commitment to ongoing professional growth, we encourage you to apply.

The position involves responsibility of assisting the Director of the Upper School as well as supporting grade level coordinators, content coordinators and student support staff to ensure continuity of the student experience.  Effective, honest and compassionate communication as well as the ability to collaborate with others on behalf of students are necessary qualities for this leadership role. A deep understanding of the importance of quality and honest family communication is a key quality of this position. 

What Sets Summit School Apart

At Summit School, we are committed to creating a joyful learning journey for our students and a fulfilling professional experience for our faculty. Our progressive philosophy emphasizes:

• Belonging: Cultivating an inclusive community where every student feels valued and supported.
• Confidence and Competence: Building foundational skills alongside the self-assurance to apply them creatively.
• Lifelong Learning: Encouraging curiosity and adaptability in students and educators alike.

We know that the most significant factor in our students' success is the quality of their teachers and the administrators that support them. That’s why we invest in ongoing professional growth, collaborative curriculum development, and fostering a supportive community for all faculty members.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists the Head of Upper School in fielding and responding to parent and/or student concerns and assumes responsibility when the Head of Upper School is not available
• Conducts faculty evaluations, including formal and informal observations, teacher coaching, and annual review meetings
• Works with the Director of the Upper School to support student discipline through the use of responsive classroom and restorative justice applications is also a priority.
• Develops new teacher cohort sessions, new teacher mentoring, and new teacher onboarding in collaboration with other administrators 
• Assists in determining scheduling needs and developing the master academic schedule 
• Assists in supporting teachers and administrators in developing curriculum that supports best practices in education as well as a whole child approach to learning is also part of this position.
• Assists with developing professional development for divisional initiatives 
• Supports students by facilitating avenues for student voice, intellectual independence and collaborative learning
• Being present and visible by attending school events on a regular basis 
• Be willing and able to teach a class if needed
• Performs other duties as needed or necessary as assigned by the Director of Upper School in support of the Upper School and its leadership.

Qualifications

Robust  understanding of school organizations and commitment to giving life to Summit’s mission is important. Quality of mind, passion for supporting others and commitment to the education of middle grades children are essential. In addition, the position requires the ability to work collaboratively within teams and to communicate effectively with students, colleagues and families. Please refer to Summit’s Portrait of a Teacher which speaks broadly to the qualities of a Summit School educator. 

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Leadership, or a related field (required)
  • Advanced degree (M.A., M.Ed., or M.A.T.) preferred
• Experience:
  • A minimum of 3 years of lead teaching experience, preferably with middle-grade students
  • Proven expertise in curriculum design and differentiation
  • Experience in establishing relationships and supporting growth in others
  • Demonstrated strength in educational leadership abilities
• Skills and Mindset:
  • Alignment with progressive educational principles and practices
  • Superior organizational skills and the ability to work with a high level of consistency and integrity
  • Passion for fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a love of learning

Respect for children and confidence in their natural capacity to learn—and to enjoy learning--are key. The program at all grade levels centers on experiential learning within an integrated curriculum. Our approach emphasizes a nurturing environment and challenging curriculum that includes open-ended inquiry and problem solving, collaborative projects, and exposure to a wide range of learning experiences.  All faculty are actively engaged in ongoing professional learning and curriculum development, both as grade level teams and in division-wide initiatives. 

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to access and navigate all areas of the school and other facilities as needed
• Regularly required to walk, including across uneven ground, talk, hear, reach with hands and arms
• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 15 pounds