EEO Statement

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Virginia Chance School encourages and actively seeks applications from a diverse faculty, staff, and school administrators. The school is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment based on race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability. As a learning environment that fosters socially responsible citizens who are lifelong learners and problem-solvers, Virginia Chance School is an inclusive community with a welcoming spirit. We seek to embrace and celebrate each person’s individuality and recognize the full spectrum of our community’s cultural traditions and life experiences. We invite each other to understand and value multiple perspectives, identify and reject stereotypes and biases, and work for equity and peace within the school and beyond.

The diversity we affirm includes but is not limited to race, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, socioeconomic status, or ability. We uphold this commitment by being welcoming to all our families, by enriching our student body, staff, and board with members from varied backgrounds; and by learning with our children how to become compassionate citizens of our world. Through these efforts to engage across differences, we connect in our shared humanity and prepare our children for a lifetime of meaningful, peaceful relationships at home and in the world.

About the Organization

Virginia Chance School is an independent school for children from age 2 through fifth grade focused on progressive education in Louisville, KY. As a private school in Louisville, Virginia Chance School is considered the best and the only fully dedicated early childhood education program (encompassing all of childhood up to age 11yrs) in Louisville. Chance School takes influences from Montessori, Forest School, Reggio philosophy, Project-Based Learning, Multi-Age Classroom, and Gifted and Talented Education to develop our Progressive School curriculum that stands out as best in class and recognized nationally for its innovative program.

 

Virginia Chance School offers a hands-on, collaborative environment focused on building self-motivation, growth mindset, and critical thinking with integrated outdoor learning for all students. Chance School provides two lead teachers in every classroom that guide children through a dynamic and challenging progressive education program for Elementary and Preschool age children. Inside our bright, busy classrooms and outside in our magical wooded campus, students learn through hands-on discovery and master group project work. It’s an ideal place for children to develop a lifelong love of learning and connections.

 

Virginia Chance School looks for employees who possess high intellect, and content-area knowledge are creative and passionate about teaching, learning, and leading. Chance seeks out those who have strong communication skills, are productive and energetic with strong work ethics, and value their relationships with students, colleagues, and families. We explicitly look for those that understand and have studied the core tenets of Progressive Education or have taught in a Progressive Program. If you need a Progressive Ed refresher, please see this article so that we may have an informed discussion about classroom expectations in the interview process: Progressive Education.

Job Description

The purpose of the Elementary Program Director is to implement the Virginia Chance School philosophy and mission through supervision of the faculty and staff regarding curriculum, methodology, assessment, and professional development. This position’s role is to outline with the faculty and staff specific components of each curricular area and provide appropriate and relevant resources/materials to stay current with what research and standards tell us about appropriate practice in the elementary classroom. The position works with and supports both Elementary Classroom Teachers and Specialist Teachers.

Primary Job Duties

• Oversee and supervise the faculty and staff working with children in the Elementary program
• Establish, implement, and oversee effective and appropriate school curriculum, methodology, and assessment.
• Provide ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Provide current research and materials to all faculty and staff to ensure appropriate practice in the classroom.
• Work with the Head of School to follow all guidelines and timelines of accreditation agencies, ISACS, and NAEYC.
• Work with the Administrative Team to provide parent education opportunities through parent meetings/discussions, E-News articles, and blogs to keep the parent body and community current on school practice and current research on various topics related to child development, developmental learning, and appropriate practice.
• Works with classroom teachers, resource teachers, and other faculty and staff to establish individual Student Support Plans and Differentiation Plans for students as needed, as well as aiding in the process of providing outside professional support for a classroom and/or a family as outlined in our Support Policy.
• Partner with families to build strong relationships to help students be successful in school.
• Schedule and conduct ongoing meetings with faculty and staff, coordinating with the Head of School and Director of Preschool.
  Observe classrooms and lesson plan books regularly for appropriate methodology, guidance, and rapport.
• Assist Elementary teachers and Specialists with resources and support as needed.
• Meet with the Head of school regularly regarding faculty and staff, appropriate practice, individual concerns, strategic plan, as well as long and short-term goals for the school.
• Serve as a member of the Program Advisory Committee to help establish and implement annual goals.
• Create schedules for specialists to work with the classroom teachers.
• Prepare all back-to-school materials for staff.
• Utilize school tech platforms (FACTS, Navigate 360, Google Suite, Kaymbu, ERB, etc.).
• Attend and offer professional development opportunities to Elementary Teachers and Specialists; Manage professional development hours.
• Support and oversee the work of the Student Support Director/Resource Specialist to provide observations, assessments, and intervention when requested by the Director, classroom teachers and/or parent(s).
• Work with the Director of Admissions to review applications and evaluate academic records and other reports of individuals who wish to be admitted to the School; serve as part of the Admissions Committee.
• Work with the business office on preparing and managing the divisional budget.
• Work with Human Resources to recruit, interview, and hire new teachers and employees.
• Provide new teacher orientation each year with the Director of the
• Preschool Program Monitor and mentor new Elementary teachers and set up a Teacher Mentor Program for new teachers Review all Elementary classroom and Specialist newsletters, progress reports, and any other correspondence between home and school.
• Update the Program curriculum guide and other educational materials to be current and to meet all criteria regarding age level, established developmental milestones, common core standards and accreditation agencies, ISACS, and NAEYC.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School.
• Support the school and its leadership.

Position Requirements

Knowledge and use of the NAIS Principles of Good Practices for Early Childhood, Elementary Education, and Supervising Teachers; Knowledge and use of current research and experience regarding appropriate practice and methodology, curriculum, assessment and the ability to work effectively with faculty and staff in a supervisory manner.

1. A master’s degree in education or educational leadership and administration.

2. An interest in and knowledge of early childhood and elementary education and the ability to understand, interpret, and implement the School’s mission and philosophy throughout all avenues of the school program.

3. The ability to work effectively and respectfully with administration, faculty and staff, parents and children.

4. Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Knowledge

Administration and Management – Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership techniques, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

English Language – Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Education and Training – Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Personnel and Human Resources – Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

5. A strong understanding of and experience with various observations and assessment tools (both informal and formal) and the ability to effectively utilize the results.

6. A strong understanding of and commitment to the progressive education model.

This position posting will close on November 17, 2023.

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