Director of Academics - Indianapolis, United States - Indianapolis Christian School System

Description

Indy West Christian School is seeking a committed Christian individual to fill a full-time Director of Academics and Student Care opening for the school year. The ideal candidate has an advanced degree in the field of education and prior experience mentoring and guiding students. The Director of Academics and Student Care has the ability to relate well to students and adults, is highly organized, confidential and has the ability to multitask, coordinate, manage and prioritize. Must hold a valid Indiana teacher license.

Job Summary:

The Director of Academics and Student Care responsible for building a consistent and robust academic program, leading in school wide assessments, recommending and implementing student activities and programs, partnering with principals in student discipline and restoration models, spiritual leadership through Chapel planning and delivery, and participating in growing the culture and mission of the school.
Required Professional Qualities:

• Bachelor's Degree in Education (Master's Degree Preferred)
• Indiana Teaching License/Certificate
• ACSI leadership certification
• Leadership experience
• Academic and Spiritual Growth expertise and/or experience
• First aid CPR certified
• Ability to work with administrative team and school board

• Lead and interact with students effectively
• Develop and support a school climate conducive to learning
• Maintain an intentional and consistent outreach to parents and faculty to best advocate for students, increasing confidence in school stability
• Be visible and available to students and staff
• Build positive relationships with members of the school community through regular and effective communication
• Problem-solve with teachers
• Maintain a positive attitude toward school and with students, parents, and administration

• Help support teachers in attaining teacher certification (ACSI & State)
• Keep current with ACSI Accreditation trainings/processes
• Be prepared to serve on ACSI accreditation teams (internal/external)

• Monitor communications with the Indiana Department of Education
• Evaluate upcoming changes from the state
• Monitor new standards and plan appropriate implementation needs/timelines
• Monitor Teacher Requirements/License Needs

• Set strategic goals for curriculum adoption, tracking, & implementation
• Research, evaluate and implement best practices
• Work with departments, Instructional Coaches, and Principal(s) to establish living curriculum documents
• Partner with Instructional Coaches and Principal(s) regarding appropriate curricular trainings
• Use data to drive our academic program and make adjustments/improvements as needed

• Act as the main liaison between the DOE and our school
• Develop timelines and test implementation schedules and policies
• Coordinate and implement all testing (state, NWEA, screeners, etc.) with the Student Services Team
• Be available during testing windows to aid/assist staff

• Partner with the Instructional Coaches & Campus Pastor to work with teachers in goal setting
• Partner with the Instructional Coaches & Principals to mentor struggling teachers
• Partner with the Instructional Coaches & Principals to develop and manage a process for resourcing teacher needs

• Participate in the continued development and orientation of new students
• Work collaboratively with administration to strengthen student culture and retention of mission-fit students.
• Follow up with new students to check on progress and overall morale
• Mentor, encourage and counsel students in a variety of areas, including behavioral, emotional and spiritual needs, partnering with Campus Pastor on relevant issues
• Work with teachers to plan effective field trips and retreats
• Help Coordinate school-wide special days, special programs (i.e. Grandparents Day) and other initiatives that aide in the development of student wisdom, compassion, courage and morale
• Plan and lead weekly assembly time, focusing on student emotional learning and success
• Provide resources for teachers to continue emotional learning in the classroom
• Assist in developing and implementing effective upper school advisory time

• Assist the principals in developing consistent, fair, and restorative discipline models that students understand and can adhere to
• Creatively and consistently deal with discipline issues, whenever necessary
• Work with teachers in administering and communicating policies relating to absences, tardies and expectations violations
• Communicate regularly and be available to meet on-going needs of staff with respect to data and discipline
• Communicate student behavior progress with students and parents
• Oversee the School-Wide Expectations program, ensuring rewards are appropriate/consistent, behavior is tracked, and teachers are supported
• Oversee implementation of Character Foundations across grade levels
• Lead the School-Wide Expectations support team in analyzing data, recommending changes, and communicating progress to the administration

• Lead, design, develop and assemble a team for delivery of impactful Chapel programming
• Oversee spiritual health and welfare of students
• Develop and implement annual spiritual emphasis week
• Plan and implement community service and outreach initiatives
• Help steer the spiritual climate of the school by ensuring that programming is consistent with Biblical principles
• Serve as advisor to the chapel worship team

• Act as a part of the school leadership team and attend administrative meetings (as needed)
• Perform both informal and formal evaluations of Student Services Team Members
• Collect information from the recruitment team to develop a database of active potential students who may need extra care
• Interview and recommend prospective students and parents when needed
• Oversee the student services team, providing support when necessary
• Work with the student services team to ensure student academic goals are met
• Maintain communication with student services regarding students who require additional behavioral support in addition to academics
• Assist administration team in devising and planning effective teacher professional development
• Assist with schedule design and FACTS setup

• Stay current on the admissions process and participate as needed
• Function as a member of the Crisis Team
• Complete special projects as assigned by the Principal(s)
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Principal(s)
• Follow the Matthew 18 principle in all relationships and in dealing with conflict

• Prolonged periods standing and sitting.
• Repetitive movements from keyboarding
• Must be able to lift, bend, stoop, climb, reach, and lift up to 20 pounds at a time.
• Must be able to traverse school facilities and lead students to safety in the event of an emergency.