Head of Lower School: Grades K-5

Head of Lower School: Grades K-5 (2026-27)

The Head of Lower School (K-5) serves as the instructional and operational leader of the elementary grades, fostering a positive, student-centered learning environment aligned with the school's mission and vision. The Head of Lower School is responsible for driving academic excellence, supporting and developing faculty, and ensuring a strong school culture where all students are known, challenged, and supported. A key component of this role is promoting the International Baccalaureate (IB) philosophy to build a strong foundation for students as they progress into the school's Middle Years Programme (MYP) and then into the IB Diploma Programme (DP).

Key Responsibilities:

Instructional Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of high-quality curriculum and instruction aligned with North Carolina standards and the school's academic framework
• Monitor student achievement data and guide instructional decisions to improve outcomes for all learners
• Support teachers through regular observations, coaching, meaningful and timely feedback
• Promote best practices in teaching, differentiation, and student engagement
• Promote and embed International Baccalaureate (IB) philosophy, including inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and global awareness
• Ensure Lower School instruction builds the foundational skills necessary for success in the school's IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and IB Diploma Programme (DP)

Culture & Climate

• Establish and maintain a positive, safe, and inclusive school culture
• Support student behavior systems and ensure consistent implementation of board policy across grade levels
• Build strong relationships with students, staff, and families
• Embed and promote the IB Learner Profile attributes across the Lower School

Staff Management & Development

• Recruit, hire, onboard, and retain high-quality teachers and staff
• Provide ongoing professional development aligned to school goals and IB philosophy and practices
• Conduct evaluations, provide timely feedback, and support professional growth plans

Operations & Compliance

• Oversee daily operations of the Lower School, including schedules, duties, and events
• Ensure compliance with North Carolina charter school requirements and policies
• Collaborate with school leadership on budgeting, staffing, and resource allocation

Family & Community Engagement

• Serve as a primary point of contact for Lower School families
• Communicate regularly and effectively with parents regarding student progress and school initiatives
• Foster strong partnerships between home and school
• Recruit new families and retain existing families
• Promote understanding of the IB framework and continuum (MYP and DP) among families

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong instructional leadership and data-driven decision-making
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build and sustain a positive school culture
• Highly organized with strong problem-solving abilities
• Commitment to the mission and vision of Union Day School
• Deep understanding of and commitment to IB philosophy and inquiry-based learning

Qualifications

• Required:
• Valid North Carolina Administrator (Principal) License
• Minimum of 3 years of successful elementary teaching experience
• Leadership experience in a charter or private school setting
• Experience in an International Baccalaureate (IB) or inquiry-based program
• Prior administrative experience (assistant principal or principal)
• Proven track record of improving student achievement

• Preferred:
• Strong background in curriculum development and instructional coaching

Union Day School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.

DISCLAIMER:


The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job.