Head of Lower School

Position Description

Overview

The Head of Lower School must carry out his or her responsibilities to the glory of God. The Head of Lower School reports directly to the Academic Dean. The Head of Lower School is expected: (1) to exhibit consistent fruit of the Spirit and spiritual maturity; (2) to pursue wisdom, beauty, truth, and goodness; (3) to promote the school’s classical Christian philosophy of education and overall vision; (4) to foster healthy culture and curriculum toward the ideal graduate; and (5) to facilitate the school’s true partnership with parents.

Responsibilities

The Head of Lower School is responsible for leadership in matters related to culture, discipleship, and discipline in the Lower School. The Head of Lower School ensures that curriculum and co-curricular programs align with Pinnacle’s mission to offer a robust classical, Christian education. He or she nurtures a loving and orderly culture centered around the gospel. The Head of Lower School reports directly to the Academic Dean. Those reporting directly to the Head of Lower School include the Lower School faculty and staff.

Culture

• Embody and articulate the mission and vision of Pinnacle
• Provide vision, direction, and inspiration to faculty, students, and parents
• Promote scholarship, spiritual growth, and Christian community
• Supervise curriculum, instruction, and assessment in cooperation with the Academic Dean
• Serve as a member of the school’s senior leadership team
• Promote an orderly and joyful atmosphere among teachers and students
• Foster a love of classical Christian education
• Hire, develop, and evaluate faculty and staff

Discipleship

• Provide instructional leadership and pedagogical growth for faculty
• Maintain a regular schedule of teacher supervision, observations, and evaluation
• Build trust with parents through missional clarity, relational warmth, and situational wisdom
• Encourage and assist students in developing leadership and cultivating friendships
• Work with the Academic Dean to keep academic documents current, evaluate and select curriculum, and review academic practices
• Approve field trips and special activities

Discipline

• Oversee and enforce student discipline as a manifestation of love, shepherding, and reconciliation
• Guide and train faculty and staff in discipline to preserve a Christlike community
• Assist the Head of School in reviewing behavioral guidelines and standards
• Ensure that student policies, such as the uniform policy, are being followed daily
• Communicate with parents about any attendance or disciplinary issuesEnsure staff and faculty are adhering to school policies and procedures

In addition to the responsibilities of the Head of Lower School, he or she is expected to maintain the spiritual and professional qualities and responsibilities outlined in the Employee Handbook.

Qualifications, Experience, and Attributes

Required

• Mature and growing Christian faith, with a clear personal testimony and full agreement with Pinnacle’s Statement of Faith, mission, and vision
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Ability to lead and manage staff, oversee complex processes, and work collaboratively with senior leadership, faculty, and parents
• Gracious and loving demeanor with ability to discipline students with the gospel
• Strong organizational and pedagogical skills, with the ability to train teachers effectively
• Comfort and effectiveness in public speaking, event planning/execution, and one-on-one family counseling conversations
• Multiple years of classroom teaching experience

Preferred

• Master’s degree (preferably in an educational field)
• Familiarity with classical Christian education as a teacher or parent
• Leadership experience in a school or similarly structured organization

Character

• Wisdom, discernment, and discretion to handle complex behavioral and corrective situations
• Kindness and approachability that are inviting to both staff and parents
• Love for virtue and a desire to cultivate it in staff, parents, and students
• Enthusiastic about classical Christian education and Pinnacle’s community
• Speaks the truth in love for the edification of our staff and students, even in difficult circumstances