Assistant Director, Junior School (Mat Leave)

Crofton House School offers a girl-centred learning environment for students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. Here, every day students are motivated to strive for their best selves, embracing academic challenge and diverse experiences, guided by staff who know them and believe in them.

Bound by our belief in the power of girl-centred education, Crofton House School fosters a strong sense of community among educators, staff, students and families. Here, everyone can contribute to the strength of our school – including you.

Crofton House is seeking a dynamic Assistant Director, who will provide strategic direction, leadership, and support on aspects of pedagogy across disciplines with a focus on our primary program (JK-Grade 3). A knowledgeable and experienced teacher and school leader, this individual is confident in supporting teachers and learners, using approaches that are reflective of the way young girls develop and thrive. This vacancy is covering a maternity leave.

Well versed in educational research and best practice, the Assistant Director will play a key role in the development and implementation of our shared vision, mission and values. This individual will work in close partnership with the Director of the Junior School and the Junior School Leadership Team to ensure alignment and coherence in key pedagogical practices across all Junior School programming, fostering a consistent approach to deep learning and skill development.

Open-minded, approachable, and able to inspire trust and confidence in all stakeholders, the Assistant Director understands the crucial role of pedagogy in establishing a positive social and emotional learning environment, and they bring a culturally competent lens in a diverse community. Fueled by a lifelong commitment to professional learning, the successful candidate will play an important role in fostering a culture of action research, collaborative professional learning, and interdisciplinary connections.

Responsibilities

Educational Leadership

• In collaboration with the Junior School Director, set priorities for the enhancement of teaching and learning across our primary program, embedded in evidenced-based, research-informed pedagogical practices.
• Develop, implement and evaluate yearly plans for Junior School professional learning in alignment with the whole school strategy.
• Ensure pedagogical practices are informed by a deep understanding of elements such as social and emotional learning, play-based learning, inquiry, competency-based education, and differentiation through the lens of equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Align and enhance our approach to competency and skill development, to ensure a common approach and shared language across subjects and primary grades, with special consideration of alignment between divisions.
• Oversee and enhance our systematic approach to data analysis, targeting foundational areas such as reading, writing, numeracy and competency development.
• Ensure assessment and reporting practices in the primary program are cohesive and centred on best practice for young learners.
• Oversee the development, implementation and evaluation of new school-wide educational initiatives (JK-Grade 7) as appropriate and in consultation with the Junior School Director.
• Provide leadership in specialist curriculum areas including the visual arts (music, art, drama and design).
• Work closely with the Junior School leadership team to develop a pedagogical framework that responds to the needs of the Senior School while building on Kindergarten to Grade 7 approaches.

Mentorship

• Support the annual implementation of the Teacher Professional Growth Plan (TPGP) in partnership with the Junior School leadership team.
• Support and enhance existing processes for classroom observations and sharing of learning.
• Plan, implement and evaluate models of collaborative professional learning that facilitate autonomy and accountability, that support a student-centred, evidence-based approach to teaching and learning.
• Play a role in the mentoring and guidance of new staff in partnership with program coordinators.
• Keep abreast of research and developments in pedagogy (JK-3) within local, national and international levels, and share relevant developments with staff, students and parents as appropriate.

Organizational Leadership

• Establish a student-centred schedule for primary students in partnership with the Junior School Director.
• Coordinate daily coverage arrangements, including managing absence calls, arranging coverage (TOCs), and updating scheduling systems.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the Early Childhood Education Centre (ECE), including the admissions process and compliance with Vancouver Coastal Health licensing needs.
• Ensure synergy, alignment and balance of Junior School programming and events.
• Play a role in the recruitment of teachers and educators as aligned with this portfolio.
• Design and implement supervision schedules for staff, ensuring a student-centred lens.
• Manage all aspects of ECE Summer Camp.
• Work with finance and administrative teams to allocate resources, prepare budgets, and manage staffing plans for programs like Kindercamp and school events.

Whole School Collaboration and Partnerships

• Work collaboratively with the Director of the Junior School and the CHS Learning Council in all aspects of school management, inspection or accreditation preparation and strategic development.
• Work collaboratively with the Junior School Leadership Team to ensure an approach rooted in a whole child focus to teaching and learning, and informed by research and best practice in girls education.
• Develop strategic professional partnerships within local, national and international networks to further strengthen pedagogical practices at the school.

Other Duties

• Teaching responsibilities aligned with skills and experience up to 2 days per cycle as required.
• Other duties are assigned based on the candidate's skills, abilities and interests.

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• B.C. Ministry of Education Teaching Certificate or Independent School Certification qualification criteria.
• An understanding of the learning needs of Junior School aged girls, based on research and best practice.
• A track record of excellent classroom practice which is both evidence-based and research-informed.
• Experience in a school leadership role or evidence of related leadership experience.
• Collaborative and open approach with a passion for the profession of teaching.
• A thorough understanding of effective models of professional learning grounded in research and best practice.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in building positive working relationships with administration, teachers, parents, administrative staff and community partners.
• A deep understanding of the intercultural competencies required in a diverse community.
• Commitment to continued professional learning and development along with the ability to motivate and support professional growth in teachers.
• Experience and evidence of success in the promotion and implementation of new initiatives related to teaching and learning.
• Understanding of risk management including mitigation strategies and crisis response.
• Demonstrated ability to be innovative, flexible and reflective.
• A deep understanding of successful change processes.
• Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Energy and readiness to participate in the diverse life of the school community.

Desirable

• Experience in an independent school.
• Understanding of the expectations of a selective academic school.
• Experience of the BC curriculum.

Employment and Application Details:

This role is scheduled to start mid-August; however, has the ability to start earlier depending on the candidate's availability.

Employees of Crofton House School receive competitive compensation and support for professional, educational and leadership development. Please note that applicants must be able to legally work in Canada and hold a valid BC Teaching Certificate. Applications will be reviewed as soon as they are received.

Compensation: $125,000

Please include the following with your application:

• A cover letter and current resume that outlines exact dates of employment, the organization, job title and responsibilities. If you have gaps in your employment history, please advise as to why.
• Please clearly identify your educational background and history of professional development related to this position.

Apply online at www.croftonhouse.ca/careers.

We thank all candidates in advance. We will, however, contact only those selected for an interview. No phone calls, please.

About Crofton House School

Crofton House School offers a girl-centred learning environment for students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. Here, students are motivated to strive for their best selves, embracing academic challenge and diverse experiences, guided by staff who know them and believe in them.

Our approach supports the whole girl in her social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Girls are able to discover and pursue their own paths, developing the confidence and capacity to thrive and positively influence the world around them.

Established in 1898, Crofton House has a long history of girl-centred education. Today, the School has over 900 students and almost 200 staff members learning, working and playing on our 10-acre campus in Vancouver.