Head of School/Classroom Teacher

Job Posting: Head of School / Classroom Teacher

The Head of School serves as the educational and operational leader of the independent school, providing strategic direction, academic leadership, and oversight of day-to-day school operations. Reporting to and working collaboratively with the Board of Directors, the Head of School is responsible for ensuring the school fulfills its educational mandate, operates in compliance with all applicable legislation and regulatory requirements, and maintains a safe, inclusive, and high-quality learning environment for students and staff.

As the school's principal educational leader, the Head of School oversees curriculum implementation, student achievement, staff supervision and evaluation, school culture, and continuous improvement initiatives. The role carries responsibility for regulatory compliance, risk management, policy implementation, and adherence to legal obligations under applicable education, employment, privacy, health and safety, and child protection legislation.

The Head of School acts as the school's designated representative with regulatory bodies, accreditation organizations, and government agencies, ensuring all reporting, record-keeping, inspections, and compliance requirements are met. The position is accountable for safeguarding the school's reputation, assets, and operational integrity while supporting the Board in governance matters, strategic planning, and policy development.

In addition to leadership responsibilities, the Head of School teaches in the classroom three days per week, supported by a full-time Certified Education Assistant, maintaining direct engagement with students, families, and the educational program.

Leadership & Staff Support

• Provide instructional leadership and support effective curriculum implementation and classroom practices.
• Develop and manage teaching schedules and staffing assignments.
• Conduct staff observations, evaluations, and performance discussions.
• Support professional growth through coaching, mentorship, and constructive feedback.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable school culture.

Operations & Governance

• Oversee day-to-day school operations to support effective learning and organizational excellence.
• Coordinate school-wide planning, events, field trips, and operational logistics.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and retention of qualified staff.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory, licensing, reporting, and policy requirements.
• Collaborate with the Board on policy development, strategic initiatives, and continuous improvement.
• Prepare and present reports and recommendations to the Board of Directors.

Communication & Community Relations

• Maintain clear, timely, and professional communication with staff, families, students, and the Board.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for operational, educational, and school community matters.
• Build strong relationships with families and promote a welcoming, inclusive, and engaged school community.
• Represent the school with external stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and community partners as required.

Qualifications

• Valid BC Professional Teaching Certificate (or Independent School Teaching Certificate eligible for the position).
• Minimum 5 years of successful classroom teaching experience, preferably in an independent school setting.
• Montessori Teaching Diploma (AMI, AMS, MACTE-accredited, or equivalent Montessori credential). - an asset, not requirement
• Demonstrated experience in educational leadership, school administration, or staff supervision.
• Strong knowledge of curriculum development, student learning, and independent school operations.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field is considered an asset.

Compensation & Benefits

• $82,000-$92,000 annually (commensurate with qualifications and experience)
• Extended health and dental benefits
• RRSP matching program
• Ongoing professional development and leadership training opportunities
• Paid school holiday periods in accordance with the school's annual calendar

This job is classed under School principals and administrators of elementary and secondary education (NOC 40021) in Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC). Here’s how NOC describes the work in general; the posting above has the details for this job.

School principals plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the activities of teachers and other staff of an elementary or secondary school. They are employed by public and private schools. Administrators of elementary and secondary education plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the academic affairs of a school system. They are employed by school boards.

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