School Leader

At Creative Montessori Academy, we celebrate and nurture every child's innate desire to learn. Utilizing the Montessori Method, our diverse learning environment fosters innovation and yet allows each student the chance to learn through self-directed pace and individual style. As Montessori educators, it is our mission to prepare our environments for students to develop a love of learning and become intrinsically motivated. It is our objective to guide students in their critical thinking and bring awareness to their five senses throughout the environment. Teachers and administration are thoroughly trained in the Montessori Method and are committed to the Montessori education of every child. The curriculum is demanding, yet allows each student the chance to learn through self-directed pace and individual style. Qualities of a Success Candidate A genuine love for working with children and a strong commitment to their holistic development. They should prioritize the child's individuality, independence, and self-directed learning, fostering an environment that supports these values. The ability to guide children through their learning journey with patience, allowing them to explore and make discoveries at their own pace. They should also be flexible in adjusting their teaching methods to meet the unique needs of each child. Strong interpersonal skills, fostering positive relationships with children, parents and other staff members. They should be able to work collaboratively, promoting a harmonious learning environment. About the role As the school leader, you play a pivotal role in orchestrating your academy's strategic vision, academic performance, and operational excellence. Your primary goal is for all students to achieve at high levels in a physically and emotionally safe environment. What you'll do Embrace, champion, uphold, and operationalize the academy’s mission, vision, and values within the school community, always serving as a role model for ethical behavior and cultural alignment. Align decision-making, policies, processes, and strategic initiatives with the overarching mission and values of the academy. Budget Management, Operations, and School Safety Assist with preparing the academy’s budget. Operate within the board-approved budget, demonstrating fiscal responsibility and strategic financial planning. This includes communicating the school’s financial health to stakeholders, assisting with pay negotiations, and making decisions with the budget in mind. Identify opportunities for cost-effective practices without compromising educational quality. Develop and implement comprehensive safety protocols, collaborating with staff, local authorities, and relevant stakeholders to ensure a secure and prepared learning environment. This includes, but is not limited to, actively using the threat management protocol. Conduct regular safety drills and training sessions to equip the school community with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively to emergencies. Collaborate with law enforcement, emergency services, and community organizations to establish strong partnerships that enhance school safety. Oversee the maintenance of security systems, ensuring they are up-to-date and functional, and identify areas for improvement to fortify the school's safety infrastructure. Foster a culture of awareness and vigilance among staff and students, promoting open communication and proactive measures to address potential safety concerns. Prepare or oversee the preparation of reports, lists, and all other paperwork for which the school leader is responsible. This includes, but is not limited to, the maintenance of adequate inventories of real and personal property under their jurisdiction, accurate attendance and count day records, CA-60s, student progress records, and other sensitive documents. Coordinate or oversee the coordination of all services of the academy. This includes, but is not limited to, transportation, food service, maintenance, playground supervision, safety, special services, compliance, and outside-building usage. Plan, supervise, and regularly report fire drills, tornado drills, lockdown drills, the emergency preparedness program, and other health, safety, and security regulations per state, authorizer, board, and company regulations, and in alignment with the school’s Emergency Operations Plan. Academic Program Improvement Take personal responsibility and ownership of the academy’s academic performance and work diligently to improve student success as measured by state and local assessments. Effectively guide and support the educational program to improve academic outcomes and meet or exceed the academic goals established by the authorizer in the charter contract and the board-approved strategic plan. This includes, but is not limited to, the MICIP plan, MTSS implementation, the use of board-approved curriculum in all subjects with fidelity, master schedule management to maximize instructional time, professional learning community leadership, and oversight of all required student assessments. Work closely with special education staff to monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 plans to provide necessary resources and training that ensures compliance, mitigates risk, and maximizes student success. Encourage partnerships with families in the development and execution of student support plans. Collaborate with teachers, staff, authorizer, board committees, and Choice Schools representatives to implement data-driven strategies for continuous improvement. This includes, but is not limited to, active participation and leadership in the academy's quarterly operational health meetings and strategic planning meetings. Systematically use standardized and formative assessment data to guide learning support and drive instruction, curriculum, and professional development. Plan and provide professional development for all instructional staff around instruction at all tiers, board-approved tier 1 curriculum, social-emotional learning and well-being, and the school’s MTSS plan. Team Development Continuously develop a team that wholeheartedly believes in and lives out the academy’s mission, vision, and values. Facilitate ongoing professional development opportunities that empower the team to bring their best in supporting student achievement. Leadership and Accountability Take personal responsibility and ownership of staff culture and its continuous improvement. The primary measure of success in this area is the staff retention rate. This includes but is not limited to overseeing the recruiting, screening, hiring, assigning, onboarding, coaching, evaluating, and managing the team’s ongoing employment. Lead, manage, and hold the team accountable for achieving academic and organizational goals. This includes leading the performance management and progressive discipline process outlined in the Choice Schools employee manual. Own difficult conversations, respond to inquiries/questions, and develop a community of practice that supports the continuous growth of all staff. Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement among the team. Ensure the academy complies with board, company, or authorizer policies or procedures. Hold and maintain high standards of student conduct; communicate and enforce the Code of Student Conduct firmly, fairly, and consistently in total compliance with due process procedures. Reputation Enhancement Take personal responsibility and ownership of the academy’s student enrollment and work diligently and strategically to meet or exceed enrollment targets outlined in the budget. This includes but is not limited to developing and implementing a yearly marketing and recruiting plan to attract students to the academy. Effectively communicate the academy’s achievements, progress toward goals, traditions, celebrations, and values in verbal, written, on-camera, and published communications. Act as spokesperson for the academy, enhancing its reputation through positive interactions with the community and stakeholders. This includes but is not limited to establishing and maintaining relationships with local community groups and individuals to foster understanding and support for overall academy objectives and programs. Model the development of collaborative and collegial parent partnerships through continuous communication and efficient follow-up. Lead the ongoing enhancement of the academy’s school-sponsored student activities, recognition opportunities, and experiences. This includes arranging for adequate adult supervision and maintaining safety and security protocols. Other Contribute to developing a high-performing educational model within the Choice Schools community. Keep the superintendent informed of routine matters related to administration, instruction, personnel, local partnerships, or events and activities of an unusual nature. Assume other responsibilities as assigned by the superintendent of Choice Schools Associates, L.L.C. Qualifications Current Michigan School Administrator Certification or enrolled in an MDE-approved School Leader Preparation Program within six months leading to School Administrator certification within three years after the start of employment per the certification and continuing education requirements as described in MCL 380.1246. Progressive leadership experience in an educational setting. Desired Qualifications Five years of highly effective teaching with positive evaluations. Previous leadership experience and knowledge of educational administration best practices. Expertise in working with students from diverse backgrounds. Comprehensive understanding of instructional methodology. Proficiency in local, state, and federal educational laws, regulations, policies, and requirements. Excellent verbal and written communication using proper grammar and vocabulary. Strong interpersonal skills fostering a positive school culture. Self-awareness, adaptability, and continuous improvement of leadership skills. Persistent problem-solving and proactive approach to overcoming obstacles and driving change. Ability to use technology as an instructional coaching tool for professional development, assisting in the classrooms, analyzing academic achievement data, and aiding effective communications. Exemplary work habits as verified by reference checks. About Choice Schools Associates Creative Montessori Academy (CMA) is part of the Choice Schools Community. As a comprehensive education service provider, Choice Schools offers a student-centered approach to tailored school operations support. Much like a superintendent's office, Choice Schools provides invaluable assistance in various crucial areas, including instruction, professional development, curriculum, human resources, finance, compliance, communications, and enrollment. By being a part of the Choice Schools Montessori Model, CMA is a vibrant community of learning, comprised of multiple other outstanding Montessori schools within the state. The Montessori Model will provide you with the support and collaboration of a large district while serving at a tight-knit community school in your area. #J-18808-Ljbffr Choice-Schools-Associates