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Brickton Montessori School seeks candidates for the position of Head of School to begin in August 2020. We seek a dynamic educational leader who is committed to the Montessori philosophy and eager to continue the school’s growth and development. We seek an individual who shares our vision and focus on students as well as our commitment to the mission and to maintaining the culture that makes our school so unique and special. The strength of our faculty and administrative staff is unparalleled. Our enrollment has been steady. Our students are thriving at every level and excel in moving on to some of the best public and independent high schools in the Chicagoland area and colleges in the country. Our families are involved and supportive with their time and talent.

Application Deadline: March 22, 2020

Mission

Brickton Montessori School: A community of confident, compassionate, competent learners. Brickton Bold.

Vision

Brickton Montessori School follows the time-tested, evidence-based Montessori approach to education, honoring the child as a whole, fostering a global mindset through peace education, with a commitment to educational leadership and institutional longevity.

Overview

Brickton Montessori School is an independent non-profit school located at the far northwest side of Chicago, at 8622 W Catalpa, Chicago, IL. We are a five-minute drive from O’Hare International Airport and a ten-minute walk to the CTA Blue Line train.

Brickton Montessori School is accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS) and the Independent Schools of the Central States (ISACS) and is a full member of the Association of Illinois Montessori Schools (AIMS) and the Lake Michigan Association of Independent Schools (LMAIS). We are registered and recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) as a non-public school and area member of the Illinois Coalition for Non-Public Schools. We have achieved the Gold Circle of Quality from ExceleRate Illinois for Early Learning Providers. We hold licenses from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the City of Chicago.

Brickton is a tax-exempt organization under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is a non-sectarian, non-profit, corporation managed by a board of directors, at least 51% of whom must be parents of enrolled children.

In the summer of 1986, a group of dedicated Montessori parents and Montessori teachers met together to explore the possibility of establishing a new school. BMS was first born in the basement of St. Anslem’s church in Park Ridge. Later that summer, the school moved into a vacant space within Pennoyer Elementary School, located in the nearby town of Norridge serving children from age two to 12, with one toddler class, one 3-6 class and one 6-12 class. To facilitate growth, in August 1989, Brickton moved to its current location on West Catalpa. At our new site, we began with one toddler class, two 3-6 classes and one 6-12 class. Eventually we added a Middle School program in August 2002 and most recently a Nido program in the spring of 2019.

With input from the community, the Board developed the 2016-2021 Strategic Plan which revolves around five key areas that will help us reach our vision:

1. Outstanding Education. Provide a Montessori educational experience that inspires and engages students to become lifelong learners while providing a comprehensive academic curriculum that meets each child’s educational needs.

2. Effective learning environments. Ensure Brickton’s learning spaces provide a supportive Montessori educational environment and opportunity for the community to come together.

3. Nurturing community. Build and strengthen the connections between all school stakeholders to support a vibrant school community.

4. Building awareness of Brickton. Develop a strategic approach to marketing that leads to stable, full enrollment with a waitlist every year.

5. Financial discipline. Ensure Brickton’s long-term financial security.

Our current Head of School has served in this role since 2011. The Faculty is comprised of 10 Directresses and Directors who are supported by 7 classroom assistants. In addition to the Faculty, the administrative team reporting to the Head of School includes a Finance Director, a Development Director, an Elementary and Middle School Coordinator, a Children’s House Coordinator, a Volunteer/Scheduling Coordinator and an Administrative Assistant. In total, each year approximately 140 students from 110 families make up one Nido classroom, one Toddler classroom, four Children’s House classrooms, one Lower Elementary class, one Upper Elementary class, and one Middle School classroom.

Brickton Montessori School is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of 6 to 11 members, each with a minimum three-year term. The Board actively supports the school and currently consists of ten directors: eight current parents, one alumni parent and one alumnus. The Board has fiduciary responsibility for the school and is focused primarily on the school’s long-term success and ability to deliver its mission. The Board provides strategic direction and works with the Head of School on the five areas outlined in the school’s strategic plans. Currently, the Board and its Site Committee is working actively with the Head of School to secure a permanent site with the goal of moving in the summer of 2022.

Brickton has an annual budget of about $1.67 million dollars that is covered at roughly 95% by tuition income with annual fundraising through the Annual Fund and a Spring Fundraiser making up the difference. Faculty and staff salaries comprise 54% of expenses.

Professional Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Education, Education Administration, or Business Administration preferred.
• Minimum of five years of classroom experience at either the pre-school, elementary, or middle school level.
• American Montessori Society (AMS) Administrator Credential or AMS Teaching Credential with a degree in Education Administration required.

Leadership Qualities:

• A leader who advocates for and inspires teachers and who is committed to ongoing professional development.
• A progressive educator who is knowledgeable about current educational best practices.
• A leader with excellent administrative skills, including the ability to multitask and delegate appropriately.
• Strong business acumen including wise stewardship of financial, physical, and human resources.
• A track record of success in planning, budgeting, and financial management.
• The ability and willingness to participate fully in the external aspects of school leadership, including playing a leadership role in marketing and fundraising.

• Excellent communication and community building skills with the ability to understand a variety of perspectives.

• Open-minded, collaborative, and transparent, yet also willing and able to make decisions and set appropriate boundaries and expectations.

• Outgoing and approachable to students, parents, faculty, staff, and alumni.
• Appreciative of and eager to lead our school community.
• A visionary leader with the ability to achieve long-term, strategic initiatives.
• Strong, personal integrity with a commitment to honesty and ethical leadership.

Head of School Duties and Responsibilities:

The Head of School provides instructional, brand, operational and financial leadership. The Head of School must also effectively manage the school to achieve growth, while maintaining a nurturing, inclusive educational environment.

• • Instructional Leadership
  • • Provides support, guidance and mentoring to classroom teachers to execute Montessori philosophy, curriculum and appropriate progress monitoring and assessment.
    • Ensures appropriate professional development goals are pursued by lead teaching faculty.
    • Participates in appropriate professional development to improve instructional leadership.
    • Adheres to the American Montessori Society Code of Ethics (see attached).
  • Brand Leadership
  • • Supports the mission and goals and objectives of the school
    • Ensures excellence of academic and extracurricular programs.
    • Supports marketing, advertising and branding activities to further public position of the school.
  • Operational Leadership
  • • Motivates faculty and staff in a professional, respectful and compassionate manner.
    • Participates in development of and execution of school strategic plan working collaboratively with board of directors, staff, parents and other stakeholders.
    • Ensures completion of all requirements to maintain AMS accreditation, DCFS licensure, ISACS accreditation, ISBE recognition and be in compliance with all city and state regulations.
    • Maintains open communication with the community with high visibility at the school on a day-to-day basis.  Ensures completion of annual performance evaluations for all faculty and staff.
• Financial Leadership
• • Develops annual budget in conjunction with the Finance Director and Board Treasurer.
  • Manages resource allocation decisions to maintain adherence to school budget.
  • Oversees and participates in school fundraising efforts.
  • Manages and oversees Capital Campaign for a proposed new location.

Opportunities and Challenges for the Head of School:

• Attracting, Retaining, and Motivating Faculty and Staff. Brickton enjoys a highly engaged and talented faculty and staff. Continuing to attract top talent and motivating each employee to deliver curriculum and programming grounded in Montessori philosophy and educational best practices are important responsibilities of Head of School. The next Head must promote ongoing professional development opportunities for faculty and staff and should create an atmosphere of teamwork and collaboration between all faculty and staff members.
• Optimizing Administrative Operations. Brickton is accustomed to operating with a lean administrative structure. Although the school has expanded the administrative team in recent years, the next Head of School will need to continue to evaluate the administrative structure and make recommendations for enhancements, while continuing to manage finances carefully.
• Managing Re-accreditation and Licensing Requirements. Beginning with a self- study year , re-accreditation began in the 2019-2020 school year with an evaluation visit planned in spring 2021. While this is a substantial undertaking, Brickton has strong institutional knowledge from participating in prior accreditation process cycles and is well positioned for re-accreditation. Brickton has dual accreditation from the American Montessori Society (AMS) and the Independent Schools of the Central States (ISACS), and each has new and emerging standards to consider for this next cycle. The next Head of School will be expected to lead this effort as well as manage ongoing licensing requirements for the Nido and Toddler programs
• Stewarding Financial Resources. Brickton needs to continue to plan for long- term financial sustainability. The current Head of School has made initial progress on negotiating financing for the new site. The Head of School is responsible for effective budgeting and sound financial management of school operations. Budgets should continue to be developed based on actual costs from the prior year and thoughtful forecasting. The Head also should continue to cultivate Brickton’s current and past donors, along with the board, as it moves toward a Capital Campaign to fund the new site.
• Managing and overseeing all aspects of a future permanent site. Working with architects, attorneys, contractors, city officials, financing agencies, and the board appointed Site Committee, the Head of School will be the day to day coordinator of these efforts, until such time that the project requires a construction manager.

Application Process

If you are interested in the position of Head of School at Brickton Montessori School, please submit your application electronically in one PDF file to Katrina Pipasts, Board President at bmsboardpresident@brickton.org by Sunday, March 22nd, 2020.

Applications should include:

• A cover letter explaining your interest in the position.
• A resume.
• A statement of educational philosophy.
• Three letters of recommendation.
• A list of five references. We will obtain permission from candidates before contacting references.
• Current salary and salary expectations. 

Anticipated Search Calendar

Applications Due: March 15th, 2020

Selection of Semi-finalists:March 31st, 2020  

Semi-finalist Interviews: April 2020  

Finalist Visits: May 2020

Appointment: June 2020

Transition Period: August 10-21, 2020

Official Start Date: August 22, 2020

All applications will be reviewed confidentially and interviews will be conducted by the Board President and the Search Committee.

After a careful review of applicants, the Search Committee will select semi-finalists who will be interviewed by skype or in person. Finalists will be invited to Brickton Montessori School for a more comprehensive series of interviews. Full travel expenses for finalists will be paid for in-person interviews in Chicago, Illinois. Ideally, a final selection will be made no later than June 2020.

The Search Committee will keep all applicants informed of their status throughout the process.

Brickton Montessori School does not discriminate in their educational programs, hiring, or activities on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, sexual identity, age, religion, ability or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Locations: Deerfield, Riverwoods, and Glenview/Northfield, IL

Infant-Toddler Lead Teacher position available immediately, Camp 2020 (June), and School Year 2020-21 (August), full time or part time, full year or school year

Our schools have upscale, fully equipped, multi-age classrooms and unique facilities in wooded settings, located in the northern suburbs of Chicago. These AMS Accredited School offer full day and half day programs for infants through elementary, as well as summer camp.

Established in 1966, the North Shore Montessori Schools have been pioneers in the Montessori movement in the Chicago area as well as in Uganda, Africa through their outreach program. Staff and board members have been active participants in Montessori on the local, state, national and international levels. A staff of fifty plus Montessori teachers, assistants, interns and administrative staff will be expanding. Bright, loving, energetic, dedicated professionals are the heart of our authentic Montessori school experience.

Opportunities for upward mobility.

Check our website: www.montessori-schools.com

Directress requirement: Bachelor's degree and Infant and Toddler Montessori credential from AMS/AMI, MACTE approved training program.

Contact Lisa Kambich at: lisa@montessori-schools.com

Location: Riverwoods, IL

Elementary Lead Teacher position available for School Year 2020-21

Our school has upscale, fully equipped, multi-age classrooms and unique facilities in wooded setting, located in the northern suburbs of Chicago. This AMS Accredited School offers full day and half day programs for infants through elementary, as well as summer camp.

Established in 1966, the North Shore Montessori Schools have been pioneers in the Montessori movement in the Chicago area as well as in Uganda, Africa through their outreach program. Staff and board members have been active participants in Montessori on the local, state, national and international levels. A staff of fifty plus Montessori teachers, assistants, interns and administrative staff will be expanding. Bright, loving, energetic, dedicated professionals are the heart of our authentic Montessori school experience.

Opportunities for upward mobility.

Check our website: www.montessori-schools.com

Directress requirement: Bachelor's degree and Elementary I-II Montessori credential from AMS/AMI, MACTE approved training program.

Contact Lisa Kambich at: lisa@montessori-schools.com

Locations: Deerfield, Riverwoods, and Glenview/Northfield, IL

Early Childhood (3-6) Lead Teacher position available for Camp 2020 and School Year 2020-21 (starting in June 2020) (full time or part time)

Our schools have upscale, fully equipped, multi-age classrooms and unique facilities in wooded settings, located in the northern suburbs of Chicago. These AMS Accredited School offer full day and half day programs for infants through elementary, as well as summer camp.

Established in 1966, the North Shore Montessori Schools have been pioneers in the Montessori movement in the Chicago area as well as in Uganda, Africa through their outreach program. Staff and board members have been active participants in Montessori on the local, state, national and international levels. A staff of fifty plus Montessori teachers, assistants, interns and administrative staff will be expanding. Bright, loving, energetic, dedicated professionals are the heart of our authentic Montessori school experience.

Opportunities for upward mobility.

Check our website: www.montessori-schools.com

Directress requirement: Bachelor's degree and Early Childhood (3-6) Montessori credential from AMS/AMI, MACTE approved training program.

Contact Lisa Kambich at: lisa@montessori-schools.com

Lupine Montessori is a young and dynamic school community creating innovative change in education. Our reputation for an amazing teaching team combined with the passion of our community members have made Lupine an exciting place to be. And our story continues to unfold!

As we approach our fourth school year, we are actively seeking an elementary guide to join our current elementary team to continue our mission of bringing authentic Montessori education through integrity, dignity and compassion. The ideal candidate is credentialed, hard working, and dedicated to Montessori. Professionals looking for an opportunity to be a part of this revolutionary team should possess a bachelor’s degree or higher, an AMI or AMS elementary credential, and have Montessori classroom experience. We are, however, willing to train educators who fit into our close knit team of extraordinary guides. Understanding the educational needs of children, as well as communicating effectively with students, parents and staff are paramount.

If you are looking for an opportunity that will invigorate you in a healthy and encouraging setting, this is it! Passionate, confident professionals should apply to office@lupinemontessori.org. Please submit a CV, letter of intent and list of references. We look forward to hearing from you!

Lupine Montessori is a young and dynamic school community creating innovative change in education. What began as a dream three years ago, is flourishing! Located in the south suburbs of Chicago, our reputation for having an amazing teaching team combined with the passion of our community members have made Lupine an exciting place to be. Our mission; to nurture confident, independent, lifelong learning through holistic Montessori education; is built on a strong foundation of community with a deep desire to make the world a better place. And our story continues to unfold!

As we approach our fourth school year with increased enrollment and interest in Montessori education, we are actively seeking an adolescent guide to take over this one year old program as our Head of School transitions out of the classroom. Join us to bring authentic Montessori education through integrity, dignity and compassion. The ideal candidate is credentialed through a MACTE program, hard working, and dedicated to Montessori. Professionals looking for an opportunity to be a part of this revolutionary team should possess a bachelor’s degree or higher, an AMI or AMS elementary credential, and have Montessori classroom experience. Educators who fit into our close knit team of extraordinary guides have a strong love for nature and stewardship for the earth as well as joy for the developing young adult. Lesson planning, program development, communicating effectively with students, parents and staff are all paramount.

We're not your ordinary school! If you are looking for an opportunity that will invigorate you in a healthy and encouraging setting, this is it! Passionate, confident professionals should apply to office@lupinemontessori.org. Please submit a CV, letter of intent and list of references. We look forward to hearing from you!

November 2019

Overview

Seton Montessori School offers a unique suburban Montessori experience. Our campus in Clarendon Hills, Illinois (15 miles West of Chicago) serves 210 children from infants to 12 years of age. We have an exceptional and experienced teaching staff, financial health, a diverse and supportive parent body, and a rich history of preparing children, families and Montessori educators and leaders for success. Seton is an American Montessori Society and National Accreditation for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accredited school. A Lab School for the Seton Montessori Institute, we hold ourselves to the highest expectations of the integrity of Montessori implementation, to our deep interest in dialogue and research, and to changing the world through Montessori education.

The Head of School will assume leadership of a well-established school community with numerous opportunities for growth and development. Areas of potential impact include: nurturing the growth of our newer Elementary program in order to someday grow into offering adolescent Montessori programming; Embracing Seton’s goal of supporting Maria Montessori’s vision for Education for Peace through explicit actions towards advocating for equity and social justice; Nurturing the growth of high integrity Montessori programs in communities that have not had access in the past, locally and around the world; Increasing their own voice in the broader Montessori community through participation in Seton Montessori Institute’s various courses and seminars, attending conferences, and additional opportunities for impacting adults in their own development as Montessori educators and leaders.

The Head of School has full responsibility for the implementation of our mission as a high-quality Montessori educational institution, strategic initiatives, and all day-to-day operations. The right candidate will have experience as a solid decision-maker with excellent judgment, an interest in growing and evolving as a leader, and someone who embodies leadership via Montessori principles. The position offers a competitive salary and full benefits.

About Seton Montessori

Our Mission

Our mission is to enable each child to grow in awareness of him or herself, of others, and of the world around. Each material, activity, or experience is expressly designed to give the child a new perspective, to develop an academic concept or to encourage growth as a social being. Seton fosters a sense of partnership between the children, the teachers, and the parents to work collaboratively toward the common goal of realizing each child's fullest potential.

Our Vision

Our vision is to provide a vital and high-quality learning environment in the Montessori tradition, based on respect for the person’s unique learning patterns, observation as the basis for responsive educational planning, and commitment to continuous transformation and development of all members of the learning community.

Our History

Seton Montessori School was established in 1965. Since then, we’ve grown to serve over 210 children from infancy through 6th grade. Our campus boasts four beautiful campus buildings and is spread over more than six acres in suburban Chicago. Seton is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization.

Our Educators and Programs

Today, Seton Montessori School has a staff of 45, and a third of our educators have worked at the school for 10 years or more. Seton Montessori School educators are selected for their professional talents and their constant and loving concern for the children in their charge. Constant and ongoing observation by the educator is the bedrock of our program. All Seton Montessori teachers are fully AMS or AMI certified and hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree. In addition, elementary students have access to specialists in many fields, including Spanish language, physical education, special education, arts education, and music instruction.

Seton Montessori School is held in very high regard locally, nationally and internationally. Our strong reputation is a natural outcome of our long-standing teacher certification programs and the unparalleled commitment of our faculty to the Montessori mission.

Our Affiliations

Seton Montessori is an American Montessori Society (AMS) and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accredited school, registered with the Illinois State Board of Education, and participates in the Illinois Excelerate Childcare Quality Rating System, which gives the school a Gold Circle of Quality rating. In addition, Seton Montessori’s summer camp program is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA).

Our Community

We believe that teaching children effectively requires close collaboration between parents, teachers, and administrators. The social life of each class and the community-at-large offers enormous learning opportunities for every child. All members of the child’s family are encouraged to participate in the life of the school in a variety of ways, including parent education, classroom activities, volunteer efforts, and community gatherings.

Learn More

To learn more, please visit our website: http://www.SetonMontessori.org/school

Head of School Role

Responsibilities

We’re looking for a leader who embodies our values and who approaches every day with a sense of servant leadership, ownership, agile problem-solving, compassionate global vision and a can-do attitude.

Faculty & Staff

· Manage Program Coordinators, Teachers and Assistants, and office staff.

· Foster an atmosphere of team building and inclusiveness.

· Manage a budget and determine staff roles, teams, salaries, hours, and responsibilities.

· Collaborate with the Teacher Education Program to facilitate observations, research, and connection between the Lab School and Seton Montessori Institute Faculty.

Program

· Embrace Montessori education and drive inclusiveness for all.

· Empower and support the Program Coordinators, Teachers and Assistants to deliver excellence in education.

· Oversee a student body of ~210 children across various programs ranging from infants to Upper Elementary.

· Collaborate with and, potentially, participate on the faculty of Seton Montessori Institute.

· Support the school community in examining possibilities to extend programming into the middle school years.

Parents

· Support an inclusive and respectful partnership between parents and school on behalf of the child.

· Create ways for parents to stay informed, educated, and active in the Seton Montessori community.

Community

· Oversee effective marketing, communications, and outreach to our community.

· Serve as the public spokesperson for the school and for Montessori education.

Finances

· Oversight of accounts payable and accounts receivable in conjunction with the Director of Accounts.

· Maintain fiduciary supervision of school revenue and expenses as the foundation for programming, facilities, and staffing decisions.

· In collaboration with the Admissions and Accounts team, provide regular enrollment updates for the Board of Directors.

· Support efforts to achieve development and fundraising goals.

Board of Directors

· Ex-Officio member of the Board of Directors.

· Implement the strategic plan as established by the Board of Directors. Partner with the Board in innovative thinking and developing action steps and accountabilities to achieve these strategic initiatives.

· Support the Board of Directors in making sound strategic decisions by providing data, insight, and context for school operations.

How to Apply

To submit your resume and cover letter, please email Anna Perry at HeadSearch@SetonMontessori.org. Please indicate if you were referred to the job by someone. All submissions are confidential.

Seton Montessori School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, physical or mental ability, or any other status protected under local, state or federal laws in the admission of otherwise qualified students or in the administration of its educational policies or programs, hiring, or employment practices.

Process & Confidentiality

All applications will be reviewed confidentially and interviews will be conducted by the Executive Director and select members of the Board and staff.

Full travel expenses will be paid for in-person interviews in Clarendon Hills, Illinois.