Assistant Head of Lower School - National Association of Independent Schools : Job Details

The Packer Collegiate Institute seeks a dynamic and inspiring Assistant Head of Lower School for the 2025/26 school year. Located in Brooklyn, NY, Packer is a vibrant PK-12 Grade independent school. The successful candidate would join a highly collaborative learning environment that emphasizes academic excellence, creativity, and student well-being.

Anticipated start date: August 2025

Position Summary:

The Assistant Head of Lower School serves as a key member of the Preschool & Lower School Leadership Team. Working closely with the Head of Preschool & Lower School (PS/LS) and the ELC Director, the Assistant Head of Lower School supports the academic, social, and emotional development of students, 1st-4th Grade. This role involves collaboration with the leadership team, as well as faculty, staff, and parents/caregivers to foster a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that aligns with the school's mission and values. The Assistant Head provides leadership in curriculum development, faculty support and mentorship, student programming, and day-to-day operations of the Lower School. This position offers a unique opportunity to have a meaningful impact on the growth and development of students, teachers, and the broader school community.

Key Responsibilities:

Academic Leadership:

• Collaborate with the Head of PS/LS to develop, implement, and assess curriculum and instructional practices
• Support faculty to implement rich and authentic learning opportunities, develop and hone effective teaching strategies, and differentiate instruction to meet student needs
• Monitor student assessment and progress, coordinate with teachers, and support faculty to develop intervention plans when necessary

Faculty Support and Development:

• Co-develop and co-lead the Associate Teacher Program (including hiring Associate Teachers) in partnership with the ELC Director, and Head of PS/LS
• Mentor and support Associate Teachers in the Lower School
• Plan and deliver professional development opportunities aligned with the school's goals and initiatives
• Foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement among the teaching faculty

Student Support and Programming:

• Oversee the development and implementation of programs that promote student well-being, character education, and social-emotional learning (including Student Council and Affinity Spaces)
• Address student behavioral concerns and collaborate with faculty, specialist, and families to resolve issues
• Serve as a visible and approachable presence for students, providing guidance and support as needed

Community Engagement:

• Promote a welcoming and inclusive school culture that values diverse perspectives
• Communicate effectively with families about school initiatives, policies, and programs
• Participate in school-wide events, initiatives, and committees to contribute to the life of the PS/LS Division and the broader Packer community

Administrative Support:

• Coordinate visitors, special events, assemblies, and other Preschool & Lower School activities
• Partner with the Divisional Substitute Coordinator to hire and train substitute teachers and ensure coverage of classrooms in teacher absence
• Develop duty rosters and ensure supervision during early morning drop-off and recess
• Serve as acting Lower School Head in the Division Head's absence

Education & Experience:

• Master's degree in education
• Significant teaching experience at the elementary level, with a strong understanding of child development and research-informed best practices in education
• Proven leadership experience in an academic setting
• A record of successfully advancing initiatives in support of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

Skills & Attributes:

• Strong ability to serve as an effective member of a collaborative leadership team. Proven capacity to lead initiatives, think creatively, and problem-solve collectively and toward shared goals
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, and comfort with public speaking
• Demonstrated ability to connect meaningfully with young children and to engage collaboratively with all members of the school community, including students, faculty, staff, and families
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment
• Flexibility, resilience, and capacity to toggle between institutional, divisional, and programmatic thinking

• Excellent anticipatory judgment and situational discernment

Packer's comprehensive commitment to diversity and equity requires all faculty members to actively and thoughtfully engage in work around identity, anti-racism, and inclusion. We actively encourage applications from candidates with broad and diverse backgrounds and from individuals of all races, nationalities, and beliefs.

Compensation and Benefits:

The Packer Collegiate Institute offers a competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience, including professional development opportunities, health insurance, and retirement contributions.

Click here to apply.