MONTESSORI CHARTER SCHOOL

SVCMS operates under a contract with the local school district and enjoys a collaborative and supportive relationship with its district partners. The school has significant operational, financial, and curricular autonomy to fully implement its high-fidelity Montessori program. The curriculum is aligned with the Colorado Academic Standards within the context of the developmental Montessori lens. SVCMS participates in required accountability and accreditation processes, while adhering to best practices as outlined in the Montessori Assessment Toolkit as published by the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector (NCMPS).

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HEAD OF SCHOOL PROFILE​

Montessori School Leader * Charter School Manager * Community Builder and Communicator * Strategic Thinker  Spiritually Prepared Leader

The next Head of School (HOS) will join a well-established, successful, 15-year-old Montessori charter school with an exciting outlook for future growth and expansion.  A commitment to continuous improvement is key, building on the traditions and accomplishments of the school to date and the dedication of the Board, leadership team, faculty, and family community. 

 

The ideal candidate is an energetic and experienced Montessori public school leader who is versed in all aspects of running a charter school. The ability to balance the implementation of high-fidelity Montessori education in the public sector is essential. 

 

SVCMS’s new HOS must be a strategic thinker who, in partnership with the Board, can communicate a clear vision for the school to a variety of stakeholders, execute the steps to get there, and effectively cultivate support and buy-in from the community to join in that vision.  

 

Personality traits that will serve the new HOS well include compassion, kindness, authenticity, a growth mindset, integrity, collaboration, and a balance of humility, curiosity, and self-assurance. They should be a proactive problem solver, advocate, and champion of Montessori education, as well as a spiritually-prepared leader.

 

The profile below indicates traits, skills, roles, and responsibilities that will align with success for the next HOS at SVCMS
 

Montessori School Leader

• Championing Montessori education

• Demonstrating leadership, experience, and expertise in Montessori education  

• Modeling Montessori philosophy and values through words, actions, and behavior 

• Working collaboratively with faculty across all programs—Children’s House through Middle School, as well as non-instructional staff

• Supporting and developing the talent and expertise of the SVCMS Leadership Team

• Supporting the seamless inclusion of students with disabilities through implementation of their Individualized Education Plans (IEPS) or Section 504 Plans (504s)

• Commitment to high-quality professional development across levels

• Continuing to champion the school’s ABAR and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts

• Providing oversight and support for all programs, from preschool through middle school

 

A Charter School Director, dedicated to  

• Advocacy and relationship-building with external stakeholders and regulatory bodies

• Advocacy for continued autonomy, services, and positive relationships with the authorizing school district

• Adherence to the general duties and responsibilities of nonprofit boards as outlined in the Colorado Revised Statutes, including, but not limited to, Colorado’s Sunshine Law and Open Meetings Laws

• Understanding Special Education regulations and commitment to inclusion

• Staying abreast of Colorado charter school regulations

 

A Community Builder and Engaging Communicator, gifted in

• Collaboration and caring

• Being an excellent listener—families, staff, and the leadership team will value open and honest communication with the new HOS

• High engagement and visibility in the school community

• Representing and embracing all stakeholders, fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion 

• Interacting with a high degree of emotional intelligence: trustworthy, compassionate, aspirational, welcoming, kind, thoughtful, and honest, while providing clear expectations and transparency along with accountability

• Excellent expressive and receptive communication skills

• Conveying openness to stakeholders’ diverse ideas and opinions while firmly supporting Montessori philosophy and pedagogy

• Conflict resolution and problem solving

 

Strategic Thinker, skilled in  

• Clearly articulating the mission and vision of SVCMS

• Stewarding the traditions and history of SVCMS and moving respectfully into the future

• Developing, in partnership with the Board, strategic planning focused on authentic Montessori, whole-child education, operational health and sustainability, and nurturing a thriving and engaged community

• Collaboration with the local school district on the design and construction of a new facility that reflects Montessori best practices and the needs of the school

• Seeing the big picture of SVCMS, and delivering program implementation of best practices in Montessori education and charter school operations

• Possessing the business acumen to lead, execute, and be accountable for all aspects of the charter school operation, including financial management

 

The HOS is responsible, in partnership with the Board, and pursuant to its charter, for the execution of SVCMS’s mission and strategic goals to produce the highest level of Montessori education and charter school management.  The new HOS must possess expertise in Montessori education, charter school governance, and business operations.

 

The HOS reports to the SVCMS Board of Directors, which is responsible for hiring and annual evaluation of the HOS. SVCMS is looking for an excellent new leader to be in place no later than the start of the 2024 school year. 

 

Position Requirements

• Montessori Administrator’s credential preferred or willingness to complete an Administrator’s course; Montessori teaching credential also valuable

• Administrative experience in a public school setting; three plus years of experience in administration in a Montessori public school preferred 

• A Bachelor’s degree is required; advanced degrees in a related field (preferably with a Montessori focus) preferred

• Experience required in statutory/regulatory, personnel, budget, and fiscal management 

• Experience working with a governing board preferred

 

Compensation

Benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance as well as significant employer contributions (currently 21.4%) to Colorado Public Employees Retirement Association, and paid time off.

 

Salary Range: $120,000 - $175,000

 

Application Process

Interested candidates must submit the following documents via email to Carla Hofland, Consultant, Metro Consulting Services. 

 

• Cover letter addressed to the SVCMS Search Committee expressing interest in and detailing qualifications for the position 

• A current resume 

• A statement of educational leadership philosophy (1-2 pages) 

• Two examples of writing on a school or educational topic (can be school newsletter/communications) 

• Five references (including email addresses and telephone numbers) that can be contacted confidentially 

• Other documents/media may be required later in the process 

 

All candidate engagement with the search will be kept confidential until the final stage of the process. Candidates are free to communicate directly with Carla Hofland via email or phone (301) 230-0901 regarding the search process. 

 

Note that the search will continue until a qualified candidate has been hired. Please submit a letter of interest or application by September 1, 2023.