2027 - 2028 Director of Lower School
The Barstow School is seeking a visionary, collaborative leader to serve as the next Director of Lower School. The Director of Lower School provides student-centered leadership for grades 1-5. Working in closer partnership with the Director of Early Childhood, the Director of Lower School will foster consistency in educational philosophy, instructional practices, student support and family engagement while recognizing the distinct developmental needs of the students within their respective divisions. The successful candidate will be a highly visible, approachable leader who inspires faculty, builds meaningful relationships with families, and creates an environment which students are known, challenges, supported and celebrated.
As a member of the School's administrative leadership team, the Director of Lower School will contribute to school-wide strategic planning, institutional priorities, admission, enrollment and retention efforts, and the continued advancement of The Barstow School's mission.
Essential Responsibilities
1. Academic Leadership and Curriculum Development
- Provide instructional leadership for all academic programs in grades 1–5, ensuring a challenging, engaging, and developmentally appropriate curriculum.
- Promote excellence in literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, world languages, fine arts, physical education, STEAM education, and other areas of the lower school curriculum.
- Support evidence-based instructional practices, differentiated learning, and appropriate academic interventions to meet the needs of a diverse student population.
- Encourage inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and effective communication.
- Oversee the use of student assessment data to inform instructional decisions and monitor academic progress.
- Evaluate emerging educational practices and technologies to determine their appropriate and purposeful integration into the lower school experience.
2. Collaboration with the Director of Early Childhood
A central responsibility of this position is developing and maintaining a strong partnership with the Director of Early Childhood to ensure continuity in the educational experience of Barstow's youngest learners.
- Work collaboratively with the Director of Early Childhood to align educational philosophy, developmental expectations and instructional practices.
- Establish a thoughtful and consistent transition process for students moving from kindergarten into first grade.
- Coordinate opportunities for early childhood and lower school faculty to collaborate on curriculum, student development and instructional strategies.
- Support shared school traditions, student activities and community-building opportunities.
- Maintain clear communication and mutual respect for the responsibilities and authority of each division director.
While the Director of Lower School will have direct supervisory responsibility for grades 1–5, the Director of Early Childhood will retain leadership and oversight of the Early Childhood program. Both directors will be expected to work as collaborative partners in support of the broader elementary educational experience.
3. Faculty Leadership, Supervision and Professional Growth
- Directly supervise and evaluate teachers and staff serving students in grades 1–5.
- Establish clear expectations for instructional excellence, professional conduct, collaboration and accountability.
- Conduct regular classroom observations and provide constructive feedback to support faculty growth.
- Lead faculty meetings, professional learning opportunities, and instructional planning sessions.
- Participate in the recruitment, interviewing, hiring, onboarding and retention of outstanding faculty and staff.
- Foster a positive professional culture characterized by trust, collegiality, mutual respect and shared responsibility.
- Support faculty in addressing classroom challenges, parent concerns and individual student needs.
- Make recommendations to the Head of School regarding faculty performance, professional development, staffing and contract renewal.
- Recognize and celebrate faculty contributions and accomplishments.
4. Student Life, Character Development and School Culture
- Create a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and academically stimulating environment where every student feels valued and supported.
- Promote the development of integrity, empathy, responsibility, resilience, respect, and good citizenship.
- Establish clear and developmentally appropriate expectations for student conduct and accountability.
- Oversee student behavioral concerns and disciplinary matters using a fair, consistent, and educationally appropriate approach.
- Collaborate with counselors, learning specialists, classroom teachers, and families to address academic, behavioral, social, and emotional needs.
- Maintain a visible and engaged presence in classrooms, hallways, assemblies, school event, and daily student activities.
- Support traditions, service learning experiences, leadership opportunities and community activities that strengthen student belonging.
- Ensure that students are encouraged to take appropriate intellectual risks, develop independence and demonstrate personal responsibility.
5. Parent Communication and Community Engagement
- Serve as the primary administrative contact for parents of students in grades 1–5.
- Establish positive, transparent and professional relationships with Lower School families.
- Communicate regularly with parents regarding academic programming, school initiatives, student expectations and important divisional activities.
- Address parent concerns promptly, respectfully and thoughtfully while supporting the professional judgment and responsibilities of faculty.
- Partner with families to support student success and development.
- Participate actively in parent meetings, school celebrations, admissions events and community gatherings.
- Collaborate with the Director of Early Childhood to promote a welcoming and connected experience for families moving between divisions.
- Strengthen family confidence in the quality, consistency and value of a Barstow education.
6. Enrollment, Retention, and Institutional Advancement
- Partner with the admissions office to support recruitment, enrollment, and retention of lower school students.
- Participate in admissions activities, prospective family meetings, campus tours and student evaluations as appropriate.
- Collaborate with the Director of Early Childhood to develop effective strategies for retaining students as they transition into first grade.
7. Administrative and Operational Leadership
- Oversee the daily operation of grades 1–5, ensuring a safe, organized, efficient and student-centered learning environment.
- Develop and manage the lower school budget in alignment with institutional priorities and responsible financial stewardship.
- Collaborate with the Head of School and other administrators on staffing, scheduling, classroom assignments and resource allocation.
- Coordinate lower school schedules, assemblies, field experiences, special programs, and divisional activities.
- Maintain appropriate student records and documentation in collaboration with relevant school personnel.
- Participate in emergency preparedness, crisis management and student safety planning.
- Contribute to school-wide committees, accreditation activities, strategic initiatives, and institutional planning.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School.
Qualifications and Experience
Required Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in education, elementary education, educational leadership or a related field.
- Significant successful teaching experience at the elementary school level.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, supervise, mentor and evaluate faculty.
- Strong understanding of elementary curriculum, child development and effective instructional practices.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to develop positive relationships with students, parents, faculty and colleagues.
- Strong organizational, problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Commitment to the mission and values of independent school education.
- Master's degree in educational leadership, curriculum and instruction, elementary education, or a related field.
- Previous experience as a division director, assistant principal, department chair or comparable school leader.
- Experience working in a high-performing school environment.
- Familiarity with accreditation standards and practices.
- Experience developing curriculum, leading professional development and implementing school improvement initiatives.
- Demonstrated success in supporting student enrollment and retention.
- Experience collaborating across early childhood and elementary divisions.
Additional pillars of leadership qualities:
- Student-Centered Leadership: Places the academic, social, emotional and developmental needs of students at the center of decision-making.
- Collaborative Spirit: Values partnership, particularly with the Director of Early Childhood, and recognizes that successful schools are built through shared leadership and collective responsibility.
- Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrates empathy, discretion, patience, professionalism and sound judgment when navigating complex situations.
- Visible and Accessible Leadership: Maintains an active presence in the daily life of the School and develops authentic relationships with students, faculty and families.
