Lower School Division Head - Beginners (age 3) to 2nd Grade

Position Summary 

The Lower School Division Head is the educational and administrative leader of the Lower School division, Beginners (age 3) - Grade 2, with responsibility for the students, faculty, programs, and parent relations. The Division Head will have the opportunity to help shape an exciting, creative future for the program while building on a tradition of success and excellence. Full-time, salaried, exempt, starting July 1, 2026.

The Lower School Division Head will have the following responsibilities: 

Mission and Leadership

• Co-create, support, and implement a vision for the division that speaks to the school’s overall mission and values, while working collaboratively with the school’s leadership team to establish and execute broader institutional goals.
• Make recommendations to the Associate Head of Teaching & Learning regarding hiring and retention, the assignment of faculty, the general programs, activities, and concerns of the division.
• Promote a school climate that is safe, supports learning, and emphasizes character development.
• Communicate proactively with parents, faculty, and staff.
• Ensure a smooth transition for students and families between divisions and grade levels.
• Commit to being visible and accessible to all, including faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, and visitors to campus.

Operational

• Conduct regular meetings with Lower School faculty that address routine school matters and explore issues of educational and philosophical interest and concern.
• Coach Lower School faculty through observation, evaluation, growth goals, and opportunities for professional development in matters of classroom management, teaching methods, and general school procedures.
• Build trusting relationships with students, faculty, and staff, identify their needs and strengths, and support their work.
• Collaborate closely with the Upper School Division Head and the Director of Learning Support as a member of the Instructional Leadership Team 
• Interview and recommend prospective teaching candidates to the Associate Head of Teaching and Learning
• Ensure that teachers are familiar with and adhere to school policies in all areas of the school’s operation.

Students

• Engage with the Student Success Team to be aware of the educational, physical, social, and psychological needs of upper school students and to develop plans to meet them.  
• Oversee the grading and the reporting of standards and methods used by teachers in measuring student achievement.
• Center the best interests of students in every decision and interaction, become immersed in student life, and get to know students well.
• Review class placement at the end of the year to maintain healthy and balanced classrooms.

Admissions

• Assist in the admission process for the testing, interviewing, and evaluating of applicants for enrollment in the Lower School
• Collaborate with the enrollment management team on admissions and retention of mission-appropriate students.
• Share the school’s philosophy and practice with prospective families.

Other Duties or Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned 
• Regularly attend conferences and other professional development events to remain current with industry trends and best practices.
• Facilitate parent education programs.
• Work with the advancement team on fundraising areas that directly impact the division.
• Assist in the planning and presentation of school assemblies and programs.
• Attend appropriate school functions, including evening and weekend events.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education  
• Previous school administration experience preferred
• 5 – 10 years of experience as a lead teacher (preferably in early elementary grades)
• Possess a strong understanding of the developmental needs of early elementary-aged students
• Proven success working collaboratively in educational leadership

The Chestnut Hill School Offers: 

• Rich benefits include health, dental, vision care, disability, and life insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with school contribution after one year.
• Professional development opportunities and training.
• Easy access to public transportation (Chestnut Hill D Line stop) with paid MBTA passes.

The Chestnut Hill School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or family composition or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its employment, education, admission, financial aid, and other policies and programs.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.