Barrie School seeks candidates for the 2020-21 school year for the position of Head of Montessori, with employment beginning on July 1, 2020 Candidates must have a minimum of five to ten years of full-time teaching experience and five or more years of full-time administrative experience (both preferably in a Montessori School), and a Montessori credential.

Established in 1932, Barrie School cultivates intrinsic motivation in students through a progressive and collaborative approach to education.  The school currently serves 300 students in two divisions: Barrie Montessori (18-months to 5th grade) and Barrie Prep (6th to 12th grade).  The school is also the home to the Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies, a nationally recognized training institute for teachers throughout the region, and Barrie Camp, a day program that serves more than 500 families each summer.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL

Barrie’s nationally respected Montessori division encompasses four programs: Toddler (for ages 18 months to age 3), Primary (for ages 3-6), Lower Elementary (grades 1-3), and Upper Elementary (grades 4-5). Overall, Barrie Montessori serves 180 students and employs 30 faculty and staff in stewarding 12 core Montessori classrooms alongside specialist classes in art, music, P.E., Spanish, Mandarin, a newly launched Maker-STEAM initiative, and a vibrant equestrian program.

Barrie is located in Silver Spring, Maryland outside Washington, D.C. and within one mile of the Metro subway. Our verdant 45-acre campus of open fields, streams, ponds, forests, and stables provides space for learning, play, and exploration. Barrie encourages students to develop their own individual interests and talents through hands-on, experiential learning, which promotes 21st-century outcomes, including:

• Analytical and Creative Thinking and Problem-Solving

• Complex Written and Oral Communication

• Leadership and Teamwork

• Digital and Quantitative Literacy

• Global Perspectives

• Adaptability, Initiative, and Risk-Taking

• Integrity and Ethical Decision-Making

DEFINING CHARACTERISTICS

Barrie enjoys the benefits of an experienced faculty dedicated to the growth and development of each student and one of the most the diverse cohorts of student in the United States. Barrie Montessori embraces multi-aged, diverse classrooms; prepared environments designed to facilitate choices for children; teachers acting as role models and facilitators; and an atmosphere of respect, grace, and courtesy.   The School culture is based on empowering teachers through collaboration and professional development and an abiding institutional commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a leader in Montessori education, the school annually hosts one of the larger school-based Montessori conferences in the country, with approximately 300 administrators and teachers participating from throughout the region.

ABOUT THE SEARCH PROCESS

To apply for this position visit the employment section of the Barrie website or apply directly through IntelHire.  Candidates must clearly articulate on their resume their years of teaching experience, years of administrative experience, and details about their Montessori credential.

Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience, and will include a generous vacation package.

Barrie School fosters and supports a diverse and inclusive culture and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability status.

THE HEAD OF MONTESSORI WILL BE AN EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL WHO:

• Appreciates and supports outstanding colleagues and is committed to fostering an outstanding educational experience by supporting the school’s faculty & staff through advocacy, observation and coaching, and a vibrant commitment to professional development.  A successful candidate will be a consummate advocate for teachers, a person of unimpeachable integrity, and exude both empathy and laughter on a daily basis.

• Works in close collaboration with parents to build trusting partnerships throughout the community so that it is possible to solve complex problems on behalf of children.  Humility, emotional intelligence, and humor are essential.

• Is a skilled communicator with a visionary outlook who has a history of leading institutional growth by being a keen listener, a dynamic speaker, and an excellent writer. The division Head should be highly organized, develop systems and procedures, establish clear standards of accountability, and make sound decisions in a timely fashion.  He or she must be able to speak compellingly to current and prospective families to promote Barrie Montessori and articulate the school’s mission and Montessori philosophy.  Admissions and retention are key elements of the position.

• Is committed to a diverse and inclusive school so that we can continue to foster a culture where everyone in the community can thrive.  All candidates should be able to demonstrate excellent skills in cross-cultural collaboration and a strong track record in supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in schools.

• Can manage school finances as Barrie’s budget is primarily a tuition driven budget and must be carefully constructed and thoughtfully monitored.

• Is aware of safety and security issues as we support an open, welcoming campus while in a sometimes threatening world. We believe our greatest asset in building a safe environment is by being vigilant in maintaining and enhancing strong security protocols and procedures.

• Is comfortable with technology to support the administrative requirements of the position and to thoughtfully integrate technology into the curriculum.

• Enjoys teamwork and collaboration by being energetic, optimistic, and relentlessly committed to supporting student growth and a joyful school experience.

ABOUT THE POSITION & QUALIFICATIONS

Joining Barrie during an exciting time, the Barrie Montessori Head should feel a passion for implementing a Montessori program informed by leading-edge, research-based pedagogic thinking. The division Head will have the opportunity to collaborate on engaging, intellectually stimulating work that will help shape the future the school while respecting its Montessori foundations.

This full-time position will report to the Head of School and will be a member of the Senior Administrative team.  Barrie seeks candidates who are experienced, credentialed Montessori educators who also embrace research-driven, innovative approaches to 21st-century learning and professional development. Both administrative and instructional leadership experience are essential, as the division Head leads an established program staffed by experienced educators as well as Montessori interns. Candidates should possess the ability to work with individual teachers to provide thoughtful guidance and feedback on teaching and to collaborate on crafting professional development. We welcome candidates with background in public and private school settings.

In a diverse school community serving students age 18 months through Grade 12 encompassing a number of key constituencies, the division Head must be a team-builder and  advocate for faculty and families. As the “face” of Barrie Montessori, he or she should be well skilled in cross-cultural competency and be able to carefully balance building consensus with taking the initiative to lead on a variety of issues relevant to the Montessori program and the school overall.

The division Head will work with a diverse group of administrators and teachers and forge a strong partnership with the Head of Barrie Prep’s 6th to 12th grade program. This includes being part of discussions regarding the school’s policies and strategic path, leading efforts to continually refine and improve curriculum, teaching, and learning practices across the school, managing the Montessori budget and finances with the business office, and supporting the continuation of a strong before and after-care program, and summer bridge program.

In addition, the division Head will collaborate closely with the Director of Barrie’s Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies to work as advocates for Barrie’s approach to the Montessori philosophy. This includes helping current and prospective families understand and embrace that approach, driving implementation of best practices, advocating for research- based enhancements to the Montessori method, and supporting Barrie as a sought-after learning site for interns. Barrie is also accredited by the American Montessori Society, so familiarity with AMS training, practices, and research is essential.