Grades Director

Position: Grades Director

Reports to: Head of School 

Evaluated: Annually 

FSLA Qualification: 12 Month Exempt 

Supervises: Grade School teachers, Student Support, Grades Counselor, Front Office Staff

Position Purpose: Under the direction of the Head of School, the Grades Director will coordinate administrative oversight and plan all phases of instructional leadership for the school including educational programming, administration, budgetary planning, discipline, and counseling services.  The Director manages the operation and all functions of Early Years through Grades 8.  The Director supervises school staff regarding instruction, curriculum, student programs and issues, and building operations. The Director schedules and attends meetings, as appropriate, and leads the school improvement process.  

The Grades Director responsibilities include:

• Leadership: The Director is a trusted leader who guides the school's day-to-day operations and inspires students, teachers, and staff. 


• Curriculum: The Director develops, implements, and maintains Waldorf curriculum standards, and oversees the effectiveness of curriculum management. 


• Teaching and learning: The Director promotes the improvement of teaching and learning, and determines the direction of classroom instruction with the College of Teachers and High School Director. 


• Student support: The Director counsels and disciplines students, and meets with parents and teachers to discuss students' progress and behavior. 


• Staff management: The Director manages school activities and staff, including teachers and support personnel. They also organize professional development programs and workshops for staff. 


• School operations: The Director manages the Grades portion of the school's budget, orders school supplies, and schedules maintenance. They also establish and coordinate security procedures for students, staff, and visitors, along with the Facilities Director. 


• Administrative tasks: The Director handles daily administrative tasks in their office and does not have a dedicated administrative assistant.

Essential Functions:

• Ensures a productive learning environment through continual collaboration with teachers, students, and parents.


• Facilitates opportunities to connect with students by being present and available during arrival and dismissal, by appearing at school functions, and by meeting with students.


• Enforces disciplinary policies and procedures with students.


• Participates in parent meetings and conferences and acts as intermediary between parents, teachers, and students to deal with a variety of needs or issues.


• Maintains competency and student academic achievement as recommended by AWSNA.


• Presides over staff meetings.


•  Ensures completion of routine and required paperwork including attendance reports, professional development plans, teacher improvement plans, and accreditation. 


• Ensures that necessary maintenance and repairs to the school property are performed by facilities Manager/facilities team


• Coordinates staff development for faculty and staff; provides instruction if needed.


• Oversees the allocation of supplies and equipment.


• Oversees and implements the school Grades budget, approving new programs and expenditures as appropriate.


• Represents the school in community activities and meetings.


•  Interacts with various stakeholders to foster a positive relationship between the school and community including the Parent Association, community organizations, and leaders.


• Manages the teacher supervision and evaluation processes. 


• Evaluates all direct reports in the performance of their duties. 


• Screens, interviews and recommends to the Head of School the selection of staff; including teachers and support staff. 


• Participates with College of Teachers and assures the existence of a collaborative decision-making process following dynamic governance and inclusive of faculty participation and feedback. 


• Manages all Grades staff orientation processes. 


• Annually update the Grades Handbook. 


• Manages all building security and staff procedures, including evacuation and emergency plans.


• Responsible for weekly assemblies and Grades Festivals.

Professional Requirements 

• Passionate about Waldorf education and pedagogy. 


• Excellent supervisory and leadership skills.


• Excellent interpersonal skills with the proven ability to professionally and effectively communicate with educators, parents, and community leaders.


• Thorough understanding of applicable local, state, and federal educational laws, regulations, policies, and requirements.


• Knowledge of curriculum and curriculum trends, as well as AWSNA and ISAS requirements.  


• Knowledge of adolescent and child development, learning styles, and motivation.  


• Understanding of a Budget and financial operations, including how to build a budget and assess building and staffing needs.  


• Understanding of school laws, rules and regulations, including special education and due process, graduation standards and requirements.  


• Communicator: Strong interpersonal communication skills & ability to communicate well in a variety of venues and mediums.


• Self-Starter: Ability to take initiative, work independently, and hold oneself accountable.


• Organized and Deadline-Oriented: Ability to manage multiple projects with converging deadlines while maintaining a positive, can-do attitude. 


• Trustworthy: Commitment to abide by a strict code of conduct. 


• Confidential: Must have the ability to keep sensitive information private

Education and Experience

• Master’s Degree in Education or Related Field


• Bachelor’s in Education or related educational field


• Experience in a Waldorf School and/or Waldorf Trained


• Experience in a Senior Leadership position for at least three-five years