| https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1608043133/smh/lndsbnv4myi7qgmokqu4/SMHall_Description_HeadofUpperSchool_Final.pdf https://www.smhall.org/about/employment-opportunities Head of Upper School Reports to: Head of School
Direct Reports: Assistant Head of Upper School and
Dean of Students, Upper School Administrative Assistant
Status: Salaried, Exempt, 12 Month
Start Date: July 1, 2021 Position Summary: Saint Mary’s Hall in San Antonio, Texas, a coeducational
school of nearly 800 Pre-K (3-years old) through grade
12 students, seeks a Head of Upper School to lead the
Upper School division of a preeminent college preparatory
educational institution in South Texas.
Saint Mary’s Hall seeks a collaborative leader who has
a demonstrated track record of innovation and culture
building. With new leadership ushering in a dynamic,
ambitious, and innovative new era, SMH aims to educate
the whole person with a rich, rigorous, liberal arts
curriculum; passionate, expert faculty; extensive fine arts;
and a competitive athletic program.
The Head of Upper School oversees the daily operations
of the Upper School, supervises all Upper School
faculty and staff, and is responsible for an unparalleled
student experience. Primary Responsibilities: • Act as the educational program leader of the
Upper School.
• Model core values of Saint Mary’s Hall and support its
Mission Statement.
• Maintain congruency between the School’s
Mission Statement and all academic activities.
• Establish a culture of belonging where every student
is known.
• Partner with the Department Chairs to oversee
curriculum evaluation and development, ensuring
an approach to educating the whole child, and
annually oversee the updating of the
SMH Upper School Curriculum Guide.
• Work closely with the Lower and Middle School
Division Heads to ensure vertical alignment and
a coordinated approach to pedagogy.
• Participate as a member of the School’s
Leadership Team reporting to the Head of School.
• Lead the Upper School Faculty Advisory Council
and Administrative Team to enhance the student
experience, coordinate Assemblies, Chapels,
special events, and the co-curricular activity
programs of the School, and revise and maintain
the Student Handbook.
• Plan and maintain the daily schedule.
• Prepare and maintain the Upper School budget;
assist in the preparation and review of all
departmental budgets.
• Present information about the School and its
educational program to prospective students and
their parents, to new families, and to current families.
• Represent the School at various events and serve as
a spokesperson and advocate for the School, its values,
its mission, and the programs offered to further
the mission.
• Teach one section of a course based on
previous teaching experience and qualifications.
• Conduct other duties as assigned by the
Head of School.
• Support the School and its leadership.
• Be a good steward of sensitive and
confidential information.
• Be computer literate, proficient in Microsoft Suite,
technologically savvy, and able to multi-task well.
• Demonstrate maturity, tact, diplomacy, and excellent
communication in all interactions with parents,
students, faculty, and visitors. Responsibilities to Students: • Monitor student academic progress; develop
and coordinate programs to address student
academic problems.
• Confer with parents regarding academic and other
issues affecting student performance and sense of
wellbeing within the Upper School community;
make recommendations to parents regarding support
for the student; facilitate communication between
parents and teachers.
• Work with Upper and Middle School Counselors to
ensure teachers are notified to support students and
make recommendations for adjusting expectations for
students where needed.
• Work with Upper School Counselor and Learning
Specialist to ensure programs are available to assist and
support students with documented learning differences
and disabilities and monitor the implementation of
accommodations.
• Oversee special reporting to parents regarding student
academic performance, such as progress reports,
report cards, teacher commentaries, faculty web pages,
school portal, etc.
• Oversee proper placement of students in classes
by heading the Scheduling Committee;
make recommendations to students and parents
regarding a student’s educational plan and selection
of elective and other courses.
• Assist in the admission and recruitment process.
• Conduct meetings in the summer with incoming
freshman and transfer students and parents to
introduce them to the Upper School, plan student
schedules, and introduce the college placement process.
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee the orientation program
for new students and their families.
• Work with the Assistant Head of Upper School/Dean
of Students to oversee effective, consistent, and fair
execution of the Code of Conduct. Responsibilities to Faculty: • Prepare agendas for monthly faculty meetings and
quarterly grade level team meetings to coordinate
the efforts of department heads in their respective
departments.
• Serve on the Curriculum Council to review
and evaluate Upper School academic programs,
monitoring trends in education and facilitating
change where needed through discussions regarding
introduction of new courses and/or revisions of
existing courses and their prerequisites.
• Observe, supervise, and help evaluate the
Upper School faculty in the development and
implementation of curriculum, and as part of the
Merit Pay program, supervise pedagogy and discuss
teaching performance with faculty members.
• Ensure compliance with the educational standards
established by Independent School Association of the
Southwest in its accreditation of the School.
• Interview potential new faculty and make
recommendations to the Head of School regarding
hiring and teaching assignments.
• Oversee programs for the orientation of new teachers
and for in-service training of all teachers.
• Ensure that teachers are familiar with and adhere to
school policies in all areas of school operation.
• Oversee the grading methods and reporting standards
used by teachers in measuring student achievement
to foster fairness, consistency, and furtherance of the
School’s mission.
• Set specific expectations for the extent of
communication to be expected from faculty.
• Monitor grade distributions among faculty
and disciplines for consistency in adopting and
maintaining grading standards.
• Serve as a consultant to teachers in matters of
classroom management, teaching methods,
and general school procedures.
• Encourage and support the professional development
of the faculty through their attendance at seminars,
workshops, conferences, and other programs
providing support to educators.
• Provide support to faculty members and facilitate
resolution of conflicts that may arise with parents
and/or students. Dynamic New Leadership: Len Miller joined Saint Mary’s Hall as the 25th Head of School in July of
2020. Len comes to San Antonio after a 25-year career in independent
schools. He served previously at some of our nation’s top schools including
The Hill School, The Lawrenceville School, and The Shipley School. His
tenure has been hallmarked by a deep commitment to the quality of the
academic program, the student experience, and the long-term sustainability
and growth of the institution. He has been at the forefront of developing
innovative academic programs and recruiting and retaining dynamic
teachers. Robust, intentional, student wellness programs are the result of his
collaborative leadership.
Len’s forward-thinking efforts in strategic planning, enrollment,
advancement, and fiscal matters have underpinned the overall strength and
quality of the schools he has served. As a leader, he strives to empower his
leadership team to build programs, effect change, and make significant and
meaningful impacts on the students, faculty, staff, and School culture. Len is
committed to educating the whole student with a deep focus on connection
and belonging among the student body. Curriculum: Taught by dedicated faculty who are experts in their fields, students are able
to reach their full potential in all subject areas through a vertically aligned
curriculum in Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School.
The leadership of the school’s curriculum and instructional programs is
provided by the Curriculum Council, composed of the Department Chairs
(SMH Department Chairs are responsible for PreK-grade 12 curriculum
in their subject area), Division Heads, Director of Technology, Director of
Libraries, and the Head of School. In place since 2005, this coordinating
body does an exceptional job of providing direction and alignment for the
curriculum and instruction of the entire academic program. Physical Requirements and Work Environment: • Work in a rigorous academic environment dealing with a wide variety
of physical and intellectual challenges,
deadlines, and a varied and diverse array of contacts.
• Work primarily in a traditional classroom setting.
• Work intermittently in outside weather conditions. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities,
duties, or responsibilities that are required by the employed. Other duties, responsibilities,
and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. If you are interested in joining our dynamic professional
and learning environment that encourages innovation,
send us a cover letter, resume, and complete our SMH
employment application. Len Miller
Head of School
Saint Mary’s Hall
9401 Starcrest Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78217 |
