Head of Lower School   

Bernard Zell is an independent Jewish day school for the 21st century where academic purpose, collaborative learning, and deep commitment to humanity develop engaged, confident learners and compassionate leaders for a stronger, more vibrant community and world. A pluralistic community day school, Bernard Zell welcomes students and families of varied levels of religious observance. The school combines Jewish learning and tradition with the best of innovative educational practice in a challenging and nurturing learning environment. The Lower School experience at Bernard Zell is rooted in high academic expectations, Jewish identity and community building, and a steadfast belief in educating the whole child.  Students are supported and guided in their growth by nurturing educators who are knowledgeable and purposeful in their developmental approach. Risk-taking, questioning, curiosity, and collaborative learning are encouraged, and students are held accountable for effort, individual growth and achievement, and kind behavior. With a rich history and community and family partnerships at the core, Bernard Zell Lower School strives to honor the individual educational journey of each of our students, support their foundational academic and social emotional development, and prepare them to be motivated and successful students in middle school and beyond. With a highly capable faculty, committed parents, and outstanding facilities, the school is in a uniquely attractive position, with a deeply felt and lived history, clear mission and genuine openness to the possibilities that lie ahead. Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School seeks an educational leader for its Lower School (1st – 4th grade) to guide a creative and committed learning community of approximately 150 students and 20 faculty and staff.  The Head of Lower School is charged with overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Lower School and leading their faculty as the school helps students achieve the Portrait of the Graduate. The Head of Lower School partners with the Head of School and other admin team members in articulating a clear and compelling vision for the division’s future that supports Bernard Zell’s mission and strategic plan. Areas of Responsibility: Strategic priorities, Teaching and Learning, Building and Supporting Culture, Administrative Leadership & Fulfill other duties as assigned in support of the larger school community. Minimum Qualifications: Education: B.S. /B.A. in Elementary Education, and M.S/M.A. preferred. Experience: Minimum of five to seven years of teaching and administrative experience at the Lower School level, Two or more years in a school-based leadership role (specific administrative titles not required), Experience with strategic planning, faculty hiring, teacher evaluation, scheduling, curriculum development, student life and activities, budgets, and management of complex processes will be particularly relevant & Substantial experience in a Lower School setting and insightful understanding of the role of the independent school teacher and leader. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in Jewish Day Schools and/or independent schools. Skills: Effective communication skills, emotional intelligence and creative problem-solving skills, An ability to work cooperatively and generously with colleagues and families, Outstanding verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, Proficient in Google applications, A strong understanding of child development and a genuine love of working with young children, Proven success at working collaboratively in educational leadership, A willingness to be a visible presence in all areas of school life, A collaborative and collegial leadership style that encourages faculty to take risks and explore passions, Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, Keen interest in continuous improvement, intellectual curiosity, and an analytical approach to problem solving, Creativity and openness to innovation coupled with the capacity to understand the existing culture and rich history of the School, Appreciation of pluralistic Jewish education and a wide range of Jewish practice & Commitment to inclusiveness and diversity. The Head of Lower School is a 12-month full-time position. Salary: $110,000.00-$150,000.00 annual. Full-time employee benefits include employer-subsidized medical, dental, life, disability insurance, optional Vision insurance and significant tuition remission; 403B retirement plan with employer match after 1 year; public transportation or parking subsidy; Kosher breakfast and lunch. Please send a resume and cover letter to [email protected]. www.bernardzell.org. 

(4/15/24)