Head of Lower School; PK

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Educational Leadership or related field
• Valid Professional Educators License (PEL)
• Minimum 5 years of elementary teaching experience
• Prior instructional leadership experience
• Experience in experiential or project-based learning environments (preferred)
• REPORTS TO:
  
  Director of Academics

The Head of Lower School (PK–4) serves as the operational and cultural leader of the Lower School division and is responsible for ensuring a safe, joyful, and high‑functioning learning environment aligned to the mission and values of Cambridge Lakes Learning Center.

In partnership with the Director of Academics, the Head of Lower School implements a cohesive academic vision rooted in experiential and DEEP learning, while maintaining strong foundational standards in literacy, numeracy, and child development.

The Head of Lower School champions the Whole Child approach and fosters a culture where curiosity, growth through challenge, and shared responsibility are visible in daily practice.

• Lead daily PK–4 operations, ensuring a safe, structured, and engaging environment.
• Establish and maintain a positive school culture aligned to CLLC values.
• Model and reinforce expectations for student behavior, routines, and community norms.
• Partner with the Director of Student Services to ensure proactive and restorative discipline systems.

• Implement the PK–4 academic vision as defined by the Director of Academics.
• Ensure fidelity to experiential and DEEP learning practices.

• Democracy:
  Student‑directed learning experiences that promote voice and choice
• Experiential:
  Practical learning opportunities that emphasize real‑world application
• Explore:
  Student‑centered curricula encouraging investigation and discovery
• Play:
  Nature, competition, freedom, and fitness integrated into learning experiences

• STEAM
• Communication arts (reading, writing, speaking, listening)
• Numeracy foundations
• Developmentally appropriate practices

Conduct teacher evaluations aligned to the school's instructional framework.

Participate in academic calibration meetings to ensure vertical alignment.

Establish and maintain a safe, structured, and developmentally appropriate learning environment aligned with the school's Whole Child philosophy.

Ensure consistent implementation of behavioral expectations and restorative practices across the division.

Partner with the Director and Assistant Director of Student Services to align discipline systems with MTSS and intervention frameworks.

Monitor behavioral data trends and proactively address patterns impacting instruction.

Lead teachers in building strong classroom management systems that support experiential, collaborative learning environments.

Oversee discipline processes with fairness, clarity, and accountability.

Engage families in behavioral conversations with professionalism and respect.

Ensure that behavioral expectations protect instructional time while preserving student dignity.

Ensure behavioral systems reflect developmental appropriateness and emphasize social‑emotional learning and skill‑building.

Supervise and evaluate PK–4 faculty.

Provide feedback, coaching conversations, and growth planning.

Support new teacher onboarding and mentorship.

Promote a culture of reflective practice and continuous improvement.

Uphold the organization's commitment to recruiting and retaining high‑quality professionals.

Serve as the primary point of contact for PK–4 families.

Build trust through transparent communication.

Lead Lower School events, exhibitions, and community celebrations.

Manage schedules, staffing logistics, and daily supervision.

Ensure compliance with charter expectations and operational standards.

Collaborate with leadership to steward resources responsibly.

Support data‑informed decision making aligned with CLLC decision parameters.

Perform other duties and assume additional responsibilities as assigned by the CEO to support the evolving needs of the organization.