The Khabele School - Headwaters School

Transcription

The Khabele School
Austin, Texas
Head of School
July 2015
www.khabele.org
The Position
A unique and vibrant community located in the heart
of Austin, Texas, Khabele School defies labels. Neither “traditional” nor “progressive,” Khabele offers
an emergent education to its 587 students aged 18
months through 12th grade. Through a curriculum
that integrates traditional, progressive, and 21st century practices and methodologies, Khabele adopts
a long-term approach to education and ensures that
each graduate proficiently demonstrates the key attributes of a successful, well-rounded life: well-being,
environmental and cultural awareness, self-generated
learning, self-expression, and leadership. At the heart
of the school is its commitment to Peace Education,
and the community models health, mutual respect,
creativity, cooperation, and diversity.
Mission
“Our mission is to provide an effective, transformational, and community-oriented educational experience for children ages 18 months through 18 years.
Our school is a community center in which people
of all ages evolve in their relationship to themselves, each other, and the world. As a true community, each and every member’s full participation
is honored and required.”
Lauded as a leader among its peers in the southwest,
Khabele begins with a Montessori program in the primary years and, as of this year, concludes with the
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in
High School. The result is a school that is globallyminded, student-centered, service-driven, and deeply
rooted in the mission and values that set it apart.
Vision
“Our vision is to cultivate learning communities
in which each and every student, parent, and staff
member falls in love with learning, realizes their
profound beauty, and lives with courage and authenticity.”
At this time, Khabele seeks a new Head to lead its
vibrant community of learners. The successful candidate will be a person of vision and commitment,
who is eager to explore new avenues in learning and
willing to implement best practices and new research
in education.
Five Attributes
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School History
Well-Being
Environmental and Cultural Awareness
Self-Generated Learning
Self-Expression
Leadership
The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
The Khabele School was founded in 2001 in Austin,
when it enrolled just nine students in grades 6-12.
That year, the school gained its non-profit status and
developed its longstanding values of freedom, selfexpression, and excellence. As Khabele grew over
the years, adding art and music programs, moving
to its downtown location, and preparing for future
growth, the Primavera Montessori School, founded
in 2002, was developing its own unique character. In
2005-2006, Khabele was voted “Austin’s Best Holistic Approach to Education” by the Austin Chronicle
and one of “Austin’s Best High Schools” by Aus-
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[email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com
Peace Education
tin Magazine. The school continued to expand as it
retained its commitment to its initial values and its
unique approach to learning. By 2010, Khabele was
enrolling 200 students, and Primavera was voted
“Austin’s Best Montessori School” by Austin Family
Magazine. The time was ripe for a merger; in 2011,
Khabele and Primavera became one united institution, enrolling students aged 18 months through 12th
grade across three campuses in Austin.
In 2014, Khabele became certified as an International Baccalaureate World School and launched its IB
Diploma Programme in the High School. For over
a decade, the school has provided a top-tier holistic
education to a diverse, inquisitive community of Austin students.
The School
“As our motto, ‘A Community for a Peaceful World’
suggests, Peace Education is paramount to us. We
believe that the best way for children to learn about
the power of peaceful, healthy communication and
conflict resolution is through practice. We dedicate
precious time to the ongoing teaching of communication skills, from discussions with the whole
class to one-on-one coaching. As children progress
forward through each grade level, they acquire increasingly sophisticated tools for problem solving.
Students are encouraged to practice utilizing these
tools through substantive problem solving. Each
class reflects on interpersonal and intrapersonal dynamics on an on-going basis. We share periods of
intentional silence as a class and learn about simple,
effective tools for centering. Academically, we examine and celebrate peace leaders and movements
throughout history. As the children learn about the
challenges we face as a world community, they are
inspired to design and implement service projects.”
Today, Khabele knits together high-quality holistic
programs that provide a globally minded, ethically
focused, peace-producing climate among its students
and faculty. Beginning in the Montessori-inspired
Lower School and culminating in myriad options for
self-discovery in the High School, Khabele helps its
students understand how they learn best, connects
them with teachers who care about them, and models
for them how to be a peaceful leader in a 21st century
global world.
Academics
Khabele distinguishes itself from other independent
schools in its commitment to what it calls “emergent
education.” A dynamic, evolving educational model
devised to be an accessible and viable alternative to
the existing accepted models, emergent education rejects the “either/or” mentality of the polarized “traditional” and “progressive” camps and strives to create a new approach to education. Faculty at Khabele
focus on being continually responsive to global and
national trends as well as to the needs of particular
schools, communities, and environments. Further,
administration understands the importance of impacting contextual elements within a school, including
school culture, teacher authenticity and mission, and
an overarching sense of community.
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Young children enter Khabele in
a Montessori program that adopts
an “aid to life” perspective of education. This format is a direct response to children’s natural desire
to adapt to their environmental and
cultural surroundings in a meaningful, real way. In the Young
Children’s Community at Khabele,
students are viewed as acute observers with unstoppable desires to
learn, explore, try new things, and
master skills through repetition.
The program is designed with the
understanding that the young child
has an unconscious absorbent mind
in his first three years, and that he
is becoming an increasingly capable person ready to put his budding skills to good use. Teachers serve as
models and guides, nurturing the whole child and serving each student’s mind, body, and spirit.
The role of teacher as guide continues in the Primary Program, where the motto is “help me to help myself.”
This program is designed with the knowledge that children entering this stage of development are increasingly capable people. Teachers prepare learning environments that allow students to experience life first-hand;
instructors facilitate hands-on, experiential learning by exposing children to the world. They facilitate growth
for the whole child in mind, body, and spirit, specifically designing lessons that reinforce the skills of order,
concentration, coordination, and independence. Students focus on practical and social skills as well as the
development of language, handwriting, math, science, geography, culture, and the arts. In addition, they gain
instruction in “special” subjects, including Spanish, physical education, and optional “Soccer Shots,” which
introduces them to the sport of soccer after school once per week.
The Elementary Montessori program
serves children from kindergarten
through fifth grade and features classrooms with two trained Montessori
guides and specialists who teach regular classes in music, gardening, art,
physical education, and Spanish. Students participate daily in individual,
small, and whole-group lessons, and
they work both in partnerships and independently. They are allowed to advance at their own pace, and faculty
appreciate that all people have a unique set of strengths and challenges. In the elementary school, peace education is paramount, and students learn about healthy communication and conflict resolution through practice.
Students make full use of their myriad outdoor spaces in their vegetable, herb, and flower gardens, and they
make various educational and service-oriented field trips throughout the year, to museums, farms, theaters,
recording studios, and nursing homes.
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The Khabele Middle School provides a profound opportunity for
young people to be members of a community that fosters courageous
self-expression and a deep love of learning. This division is a supportive, constructive one, and students have both the freedom to explore their passions and the support of faculty guides who lead them
on the road to independence. Students’ well-being is of the highest
priority in the middle school, and teachers strive to assist students as
they gain the skill set needed to excel in a college preparatory setting
while retaining their natural wonder of lifelong learning.
Teachers model lifelong learning, nurture compassion and love,
hold students to high standards, and listen attentively to their hopes
and dreams. Students learn to appreciate the role of community in
their lives, understanding the extraordinary things individuals can
accomplish with community support. Students pursue coursework
in English, Social Studies, Science, Math, Arts, Physical Education,
Foreign Language (Spanish), and electives including wellness, study
skills, personal organization and health, music, visual arts, photography, creative writing, drama, and robotics.
High School students at Khabele are encouraged to express themselves courageously and deepen their love of learning. The high
school provides a unique college preparatory experience where rigorous academic demands combine with a commitment to nurture and
support each student’s overall wellbeing. The community collectively believes that success in life derives from the ability to produce extraordinary results while maintaining healthy, sustainable
lifestyles.
The common philosophy in the high school is its commitment to
a high-quality, challenging, international education. Teachers love
their content area and establish truly respectful relationships with
their students. Moreover, they model a lifelong love of learning and
partner with parents to set high standards for students while encouraging them toward freedom and independence.
College Placement
The following is a partial list of
colleges and universities to which
Khabele students have recently
been accepted:
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Amherst College
Arizona State University
Auburn University
Bard College
Bates College
Baylor University
Berklee College of Music
Boston University
Bowdoin College
Bucknell University
Carleton College
Carnegie Mellon University
College of the Holy Cross
Columbia University
Cornell University
Duke University
Emory University
Hampshire College
Howard University
Lawrence University
Mount Holyoke College
New York University
Northwestern University
Oberlin College
Rice College
Sarah Lawrence College
Spelman College
Stanford University
Swarthmore College
Texas A&M University
The University of Texas
UCLA
University of Edinburgh
University of Southern
California
Washington University in
St. Louis
Western State University
Williams College
Yale University
Now an IB World School offering the Diploma Programme, Khabele offers a rich suite of IB, AP, honors, and
college preparatory classes. Students must complete coursework in math, science, English, social studies,
fine arts, foreign language (Spanish or Mandarin), core class, college planning, physical education, community service, and an independent project. These projects, undertaken during “Project Week,” are nontraditional
forms of learning designed to equip students will the skills necessary to turn an idea into reality and express
students’ fullest capacities of work.
Across all divisions, teachers lend an eye to the five attributes, helping students shape purposeful, missiondriven lives. By the time they graduate, students can clearly articulate their values and live consistently with
them. Khabele graduates are highly self-aware, empowered, and healthy as they approach college. 96% of
students are accepted to one of their top-choice universities, and 93% matriculate.
Student Life
Life at Khabele is rich and varied, with diverse opportunities for athletic and artistic pursuits, community
service, global understanding, outdoor education, and leadership. From their youngest ages, students focus
on outdoor and ecology education, understanding how they fit into the ecosystem around them. Students
take weekly gardening classes in the
primary and elementary levels, and
teachers often take their classrooms
out of doors. Middle and high school
students can participate in an outdoor
leadership program and venture out
on monthly camping, rock climbing,
and hiking trips. High school students can assume outdoor leadership
positions, taking a four-week outdoor education course in Wyoming
and embracing both environmental
awareness and specialized outdoor
skills.
Athletics are important at Khabele,
where middle and high school students have physical activity periods
that allow them to play with purpose,
whether in team sports, group fitness activities, team-building games, or individual pursuits such as hiking,
running, and dancing. After-school sports include volleyball, flag football, basketball, and soccer.
The arts are an integral part of the Khabele experience, and students are required to take art courses throughout their time in the school. The school embraces the concept that analytical education alone is not sufficient
to prepare young people for an ever-changing world, and students have the opportunity to explore their world
through studio art, photography, and filmmaking courses. Musicians and actors can explore their interests
through jazz band, chorus, and biannual theatrical productions.
An IB World School, Khabele is committed to global awareness across all divisions. In primary years, students study different cultures through food, music, art, language cards, room décor, and books. Elementary
students investigate human interdependencies and undergo month-long studies of different continents and biThe Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
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omes, discussing the fundamental needs of all people. In Middle and High School, students engage intimately
with a foreign language, and they participate in Khabele’s unique One-For-One education program. This program allows each student to send an international student in need to school. The high school comprises 15%
international students, and foreign exchange programs in Ecuador and Spain allow students to experience the
similarities and differences of another culture from a first-hand perspective.
Physical Campus
Khabele School spans three campus in the heart of Austin, Texas. The Middle and High School feature seven
historic buildings in Austin’s historic downtown district. These buildings feature sun-filled classrooms; vaulted-ceiling student lounges; a science lab, art studio, and media arts lab; an outdoor stage and performance
area; and a 2,000 square foot studio annex. The Early Childhood Campus in South Austin includes three
buildings, six classrooms, several playgrounds and courtyards, and student-run gardens. The Elementary
Campus in southwest Austin houses eight classrooms and a student-led garden, and sits on a beautiful fouracre property that backs into parkland.
Austin, Texas
The capital of the state of Texas, Austin is the second largest state capital in the United States. A vibrant
cultural and economic center, Austin was the third-fastest-growing large city in the nation from 2000-20006
and is home to a number of Fortune 500 companies’ headquarters or regional offices, including Apple, eBay,
Google, IBM, Texas Instruments, Whole Foods, Dell, National Instruments, AMD, AT&T, Samsung, and the
University of Texas.
Known officially as “the live music capital of the world,” Austin is home to a diverse array of musicians and
live music venues. The city’s culture is eclectic, quirky, and community-driven, and many Austinites proclaim a proud, unofficial slogan: “Keep Austin Weird.”
Situated on the Colorado River and at the intersection of four major ecological regions, Austin has a highly
variable climate, with characteristics of the desert, tropics, and wet climates. Ecologically and biologically
diverse, Austin is home to many animals, plants, and beautifully blooming wildflowers. Austin is the capital
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of Texas and the center of the Lone Star state’s capital and legislative sessions as well.
Sports enthusiasts cheer on the University of Texas Longhorns, especially during college football season. The
city’s mild climate makes it a haven for outdoor activists including bikers, runners, and swimmers.
A lively, bustling city with many economic, cultural, and recreational activities, Austin is a wonderful, safe
place to live.
Opportunities and Challenges
Over the past 13 years, The Khabele School has grown tremendously in reputation, size, programs, and opportunities. The four divisions of the school are located on three campuses, reflecting the merger of two distinct
schools: Khabele and Primavera. The cultures of the schools, distinctive and positive, are lived out daily by
students, faculty, and parents. The new Head of School will join a community that recognizes that its school
has accomplished much in a short period of time and is excited about its future. The Board has appointed a
very experienced and strong interim head for this year. Steve Blanchard is a true interim and not a candidate
for the permanent position. Inheriting a successful and promising new school, the Head of School and the
Board will partner with the community to meet challenges and move forward with strategic intention.
The new Head’s total commitment to the school’s mission and attributes is critical to his or her success. The
next Head will be asked to embrace and promote the school’s culture in a compelling manner to current and
prospective members of the school community. There is a very high value placed on the Head’s visibility, active engagement in the daily life of the school, and modeling of the school’s culture.
The commitment to an outstanding academic program that equals or exceeds the leading independent schools
in the country is strong. The new Head, in partnership with an inspired and highly competent faculty, will
provide academic vision and leadership necessary to become the even greater program that is such a big part
of the school’s vision.
As a growing community across three campuses, Khabele’s facilities are an ongoing project and focus area for
the Head. The new Head will be challenged to look at a wide range of opportunities and solutions to providing the best possible learning and teaching environment possible for the students and faculty. The opportunity
for creativity in the approach to long-term facilities for the school will be a high priority for the new Head.
Khabele School has progressed as have most successful young schools. They have reacted to the immediate
needs of a growing new school as the needs have arisen. Khabele has been a “today” school in terms of asThe Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
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set allocation, action, and planning. The challenge for the new Head will be to instill “tomorrow” thinking
into the school’s vision and operations. The new Head will inherit a successful and promising new school.
Leading Khabele into the next phase of its evolution will require a reflective, thoughtful individual who, as
best described by the students during the campus visit, can be a little “goofy” when s/he needs to be while
providing clear and visible leadership to the entire school community.
Qualifications and Qualities
of the next Head of School
The Khabele School Board of Trustees is interested in candidates who possess proven talents in educational
leadership, academic programs, communications, commitment, and interpersonal skills. The most promising
candidates will demonstrate the following:
• Embracing the spirit, the mission, and the cultural attributes of the school and inspiring others to do so as
well.
• Partnering strategically with the Board and providing visionary leadership while running an efficient and
effective school of that cares for each individual.
• Serving as an articulate ambassador who unites the campuses into the strong “one school” concept.
• Providing substantial administrative and leadership experiences in academic settings that serve children
from 18 months through high school.
• Knowing and believing in Montessori, IB, and AP programs.
• Hiring excellent professional staff and supporting them.
• Grounding in skills and experience that will professionalize the operational, non-instructional aspects of
the school.
• Partnering with the Board and Friends of the school to build a highly effective development effort.
• Developing and advancing sound business procedures and practices.
• Practicing a collaborative leadership style that values a strong faculty and staff, a confident and expressive
student body, and an involved and highly supportive school community.
• Fundraising success and passion.
• Building the admission effort for the entire school.
• Committing to diversity and equity throughout the school community.
• Thinking strategically, planning effectively, and communicating continuously.
• Teaching and leading experiences in independent or like-kind schools.
• Providing accountability and building trust.
• Making a positive difference in the lives of students, their families, the faculty, Austin, and the world.
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To Apply
To Apply for Head of School at Khabele School, submit the following materials confidentially as separate PDF attachments in one email to [email protected] and [email protected].
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Cover letter that expresses your interest and fit for leading Khabele School;
Current resume that includes dates for all degrees and experience;
Statement of leadership in the academic, advancement, business, and governance of the school;
List of five references with names, phone numbers, and emails – no references will be contacted without
your knowledge and approval.
Tim McIntire | Bob Windham
[email protected] | [email protected]
619.742.5125
Carney, Sandoe & Associates
44 Bromfield Street, Boston, MA 02138
www.carneysandoe.com
Tim McIntire is in his eighth year as a Senior Search Consultant at Carney, Sandoe &
Associates and has conducted nearly fifty searches for both domestic and international
independent schools. Having earned his Ed.S. in Leadership and Policy Studies from the
University of Virginia, his M.A. in English from Western Carolina University, and his B.A.
in English from St. John’s University, he brings 38 years of independent school experience
to the searches he conducts. Tim has served as Head of School and Chief Executive Officer
at Francis Parker School in San Diego, Executive Director of the Southwestern Association
of Independent Schools, Head of School at Albuquerque Academy in New Mexico, Principal of the Upper School at Kinkaid School in Houston, Texas, and Assistant Headmaster at
The Asheville School in North Carolina. Board service and leadership roles include The
Santa Fe Leadership Center, the American Secondary Schools for Students and Teachers
(ASSIST), and The Center for Spiritual and Ethical Education (CSEE).
Bob Windham joins Carney, Sandoe & Associates after nearly a decade as President and
Head of School at Saint Mary’s Hall in San Antonio, Texas. A Texan through and through,
Bob earned his B.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M University, his M.Ed.
in Educational Administration from the University of Houston, and his Texas Superintendent Certification from the University of North Texas. Prior to joining Saint Mary’s
Hall, Bob headed Trinity Valley School in Fort Worth from 2001-2004, after serving as
Principal and Associate Superintendent of several public school districts in Texas for over
20 years. Bob is an active member of his community and currently serves on the Board of
the Thrivewell Cancer Foundation and as the Treasurer of the Executive Board of the Aggie
Educator Network.
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The Khabele School - Headwaters School

Transcription

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