Polytechnic School - CalWest Educators

Leadership Opportunity:
Middle School
Director
Polytechnic School
Pasadena, California
July 2015
Mission
The mission of Polytechnic School is to develop the intellect, talents, and character of each student
in a community of learning dedicated to principles of academic excellence that values the uniqueness
and dignity of each member and fosters personal responsibility and service to others as
contributing citizens of the larger world.
Credo
We are committed to honesty, justice, charity, and the pursuit of knowledge.
We respect the dignity and worth of all human beings—their thoughts, their feelings, and their individuality.
We seek to celebrate the joy, the love, and the creativity that emanate from the human spirit.
We strive to be responsible and contributing members of our families,
our school community, and the world.
Philosophy
Polytechnic School, a college-preparatory school established in 1907, is dedicated to the education of
students from kindergarten through 12th grade. It is a school founded on the principles of academic
excellence, personal and communal responsibility, and service to others. As a community of learning, Poly
expects all members to be engaged actively in the quest for knowledge and understanding. The school seeks
students who are inquisitive and motivated to learn, faculty who are passionate about their fields of study,
and staff who are devoted to supporting the educational mission of the school.
Who am I, and where am I going?
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Three Schools, One Poly
Polytechnic School was founded in 1907 as the first nonprofit, independent school in Southern California.
True to its name and to the educational philosophy of the day, Poly’s curriculum focused on both academics
and manual arts ranging from English and math to sewing and woodworking. Today, Poly remains an
ambitious, forward-thinking school community devoted not only to scholarship, but also to the creative
arts, the camaraderie of team sports, and the devotion of service to others.
At Polytechnic School, three divisions—the
Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools—work
together to create a cohesive educational
experience across all grades. The divisions
are united in their dedication to shared
values, including vigorous scholarship and a
heartfelt desire to make a difference in the
world.
Poly’s campus is accessible and open, and
suited to the needs of its students. The
Lower and Middle School Library houses a
modern media center and dedicated space
where Middle School students can study and
find assistance for independent research.
Three laboratory classrooms, one for each grade in the Middle School, provide students the opportunity to
explore life science, physical science, earth science, robotics and more. The campus also boasts plentiful
rehearsal and performance spaces for music, drama and dance. In addition, multiple fine arts studios are
accessible that support a wide range of media, including painting, ceramics, woodworking, and enameling.
Poly has large playing fields, a pool, and two gymnasiums that support 25 interscholastic sports.
Polytechnic At A Glance
Founded: 1907
Enrollment:
Lower: 270
Middle: 215
Upper: 375
Operating Budget: $30.2 million
Total Middle School Faculty:
Full-time teachers and assistants : 35
Support and specialized instruction
personnel: 10
% advanced degrees: 67%
1:6 student/teacher ratio
Tuition 2014-2015:
Grades K-5 $24,300
Grades 6-8: $28,600
Grades 9-12: $32,300
Financial Aid :
20-25% of students enrolled at Poly
received some financial assistance.
Average Class Size: 18
Advancement 2014-2015:
Endowment: $63.1 million
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Accreditations:
Western Association of
Schools and Colleges
California Association of
Independent Schools
Affiliations:
National Association of
Independent Schools
Poly’s Middle School Experience
Poly’s Middle School offers a safe, supportive, and challenging environment where each student makes the
transition from childhood to adolescence. Poly students are guided by caring faculty, coaches, and staff who
appreciate and are committed to this age group. Along with
motivated peers, Poly students learn to voice their opinions, ask
questions, and articulate their personal passions.
Students experience increased independence and responsibility to
ensure their healthy intellectual, personal, and social development.
By offering a variety of academic, artistic, athletic, outdoor and
service experiences, students begin to answer the essential questions
of adolescence: “Who am I and where am I going?”
At the heart of Poly’s Middle School, and the school as a whole, are the strong student-teacher relationships.
Poly’s Middle School faculty is committed to teaching and advising students at this very special age. Teachers
embrace the whole community and are active participants in all
aspects of the school; coaching teams, chaperoning dances, running
outdoor ed. trips, and leading advisory groups.
Academics at Poly’s Middle School allow students to discover their
inner writer, artist, mathematician, chemist, linguist, and historian. The
English department begins a seven-year sequence designed to develop
students’ critical thinking, writing skills, proficiency in English grammar,
and appreciation for the power of language.
The history curriculum begins with Ancient History in the 6th grade and proceeds to
World Cultures and Geography for the 7th grade. It culminates in the 8th grade with
U.S. History. Poly’s mathematics program focuses on conceptual understanding of
the “why,” and not just the procedural understanding of “how” to solve a problem.
Teachers expand on concepts introduced in the Lower School and building a solid
foundation for the non-traditional math program at the upper school. All students
will complete an honors level Algebra I course before entering upper school.
Science teachers build on students’ curiosity about the natural world and emphasize
methods of scientific inquiry in preparation for upper school. Through hands-on
experimentation, students delve more deeply into earth, physical, and life sciences.
The World Languages department prepares students to participate effectively in a
multilingual and multicultural society. Students choose the language (Spanish, Latin, Mandarin, or French)
they will study in Middle School in the 6th grade.
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Poly Middle School by Grade
6th Grade
Sixth grade is a year of dramatic growth as students make the transition
from lower school into the middle school. Programs are targeted to meet
the developmental needs of students in which teachers emphasize
organizational, time- management, and study skills in an intellectually rich
curriculum. Teachers ask students to apply what they have learned in a
variety of ways, such as group work, computer assignments, construction
projects, labs, performances, debates, and traditional quizzes and tests.
All sixth graders sample a variety of opportunities, rotating through the arts, physical education, and Block
classes, allowing them to try many different experiences before they begin to specialize in the upper grades.
Some of the Block classes are local community outreach, urban hiking, and an introduction to debate. The
school year is punctuated with exciting events, such as the Big Bear outdoor trip, the Building Rome in a Day
project, and the Medieval Festival. Students are supported by teachers in all endeavors.
7th Grade
The seventh grade challenges students to engage in a program that is
designed to meet their developmental needs, with increased
independence in their education, increasingly abstract concepts, and more
opportunities for extracurricular activities and competitive athletics.
Seventh-graders take a more active role in their learning, choosing their
arts and physical education electives and managing assignments and group
work with more autonomy.
They venture out into the world beyond Poly, camping and backpacking at
Joshua Tree National Monument, exploring Downtown Los Angeles, and embarking on World Languages field
trips. In a program that is rich in interdisciplinary connections and that emphasizes investigating the world
around them, Poly seventh-graders gain a better understanding of their roles as local and global citizens.
8th Grade
Eighth grade is designed to provide an intellectually stimulating program to help students transition to
upper school. Students are challenged to develop and use their abstract thinking skills and to apply their
knowledge creatively in a variety of situations and assignments. As the
oldest students in the Middle School, eighth-graders provide leadership,
serving as Middle School presidents and organizing programs. The spring is
filled with a series of culminating activities including a daylong class service
project, a field day of inter-advisory competitions, a canoeing trip on the
Colorado River, and individual student projects. Ending the year with the
Honors Day and Promotion ceremonies, the eighth-graders celebrate their
successes in Poly’s Middle School and their advancement to upper school.
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What Makes Poly’s Middle School Unique
Advisory Program
The advisory program is an important aspect of Middle School life and reflects the
school’s mission to “develop the intellect, talents, and character of each student.”
Advisory provides a home base where students can establish a close relationship with
at least one adult who knows their strengths and areas of need in all aspects of
school life: academic, social and personal. During this time, advisors lead discussions
and facilitate activities on a variety of topics, including social skills, personal
development, community, and study skills. The advisor also serves as a liaison between home and school,
acting as a resource to parents.
Block Program
Once a week, students participate in an extended Block period which takes them beyond the traditional
curriculum. These Blocks are often times born out of a teacher’s passion or as a supplement to the core
classes.
Community Outreach
This program provides the opportunity for students to learn more about their community and to be of service
to others both locally and globally. Each week during Block period, students support a wide variety of
programs in the local community.
Interscholastic Sports
The overall goal of the sports program at Polytechnic School is to provide the
opportunity for every student to experience the value and enjoyment of being part of
an athletic team. Starting in 7th grade, a student has the opportunity to participate in
every sport offered. We believe in experimentation and participation, and as a result
have established a philosophy that allows every student a chance to play.
Outdoor Education
Through exploration, adventure, and physical challenge, students are encouraged to
step out of their comfort zone. The Outdoor Education program develops each
student’s self-confidence, sense of personal responsibility, understanding of
community and appreciation for the natural world. In each grade students
participate in one trip per year.
Performing and Visual Arts
A strong and highly diverse arts education program develops the whole child. Through the arts, the Middle
School fosters problem solving, goal setting, self-expression, teamwork, poise, and risk taking.
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Responsibilities
The Middle School Director will report directly to the Head of School and will provide
leadership and coordination for teaching and learning, including curriculum and
program development and innovation, and professional development.
Leadership
Candidate Qualities
The Middle School Director is a dynamic leader who is committed to the education of
 Love for middle
adolescents and pre-adolescents, has the ability to collaborate with colleagues, and
works closely with a highly skilled teaching staff. The director has oversight responsibility
school
for the 6th through 8th grade program in collaboration with the Head of School. The
 Humorous
director must be experienced working with the middle school parent population. The
director ensures that the philosophy of the Poly middle school is reflected in all programs
 Good listener
and activities.
 Accessible
Collaboration
The Middle School Director will collaborate with the Lower School and Upper School
Directors to ensure the transition between schools is thoughtfully designed. The director
will also collaborate and lead a talented group of skilled faculty who have a passion for
middle school education.

Open-minded

Innovative

Forwardthinking

Mediator

Mentor
Strategic Planning
The director will partner with the school leadership team to develop the Poly Master Plan
for Learning, which aligns to the school’s Master Plan for facility upgrade. The Middle
School Director must be able to articulate the school’s vision for the future and share in
the leadership’s goals for learning.
Communication
The Middle School Director is responsible for the daily life of the middle school. A primary
component of this is communicating with students, faculty, and parents. S/he must

communicate in a fair and transparent manner, both orally and in written materials. The

director must be comfortable and confident interacting with colleagues, students,
parents, and school leaders, as well as communicating the Middle School vision.
Desired Expertise & Experience

Experience with and a strong commitment to the development and education of
middle school students

Student-centered and committed to middle school education

Ability to work collaboratively with faculty and senior leadership

Ability to guide faculty to work collaboratively across grades and disciplines

Ability to communicate in a transparent manner with all constituencies

Strong communication skills with equal priority placed on written and oral abilities

Technology knowledge and savviness
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
Team leader
Willing to have
difficult
conversations
Consistently
demonstrates
integrity
Opportunities and Challenges
Commitment to Middle School Education
Poly’s K-12 structure enables faculty and administrators to build challenging and creative activities into the
Poly experience at every age. From grade to grade, students learn to master skills that allow them to strive
for their very best while at Poly and beyond. The Middle School Director must embrace this philosophy, yet
focus specifically on the needs of students in grades six through eight. S/he must demonstrate to the
community a deep understanding for the academic and social development of students at this age. The
director must advocate for the middle school, while working closely with the other divisions to ensure
smooth transitions at entry to Middle School and entry to Upper School.
Curricular Alignment and Collaboration
The Middle School Director will join a school culture that is supportive, successful and based on a strong
academic program. Yet collaboration and alignment across grades and between disciplines is varied. The
director has the opportunity to work closely with the faculty and school leadership to articulate a clear vision
for curricular alignment, focusing on student learning and faculty expertise.
Engaged and Inclusive Community
The Poly Middle School prides itself on engaged and supportive parents who represent the diverse
community of Pasadena and neighboring areas. Parents are eager to partner with the Middle School Director
to ensure that their students’ needs are being met. This support provides a challenge for the Director who
must balance the concerns of individual parents with the overarching priorities of the middle school and Poly
as a whole. S/he must be confident to tap into the knowledge, skills and opinions of an engaged community,
while establishing her/himself as a strong school leader whose goal is to create and support an academicallyrich learning environment for students
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Pasadena
Although Pasadena is best known as the host of the annual Tournament of Roses Parade and Rose Bowl
football game, the City also boasts numerous cultural amenities, fine restaurants and top retailers. All this
helps Pasadena live up to the true meaning of its American Indian name—the Crown of the Valley.
Pasadena is located 10 miles northeast of Downtown Los Angeles and about
25 miles from Santa Monica Beach. With a population of nearly 140,000,
Pasadena is the 9th largest city in Los Angeles County. It is considered one of
the primary culture centers of the San Gabriel Valley.
Pasadena is home to many scientific and cultural institutions, including the
California Institute of Technology, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Fuller
Theological Seminary, Art Center College of Design, the Pasadena Playhouse,
the Norton Simon Museum of Art and the Pacific Asia Museum.
Application Procedure
CalWest Educators Placement is assisting in this search. Lee Miller, Founder and Senior Leadership Search
Consultant of CalWest Educators Placement, may be reached at (818) 906-2973. For initial consideration,
please email a résumé, cover letter, and an education and leadership philosophy statement to
[email protected]. The 1-2 page education and leadership statement should be from the
perspective of a middle School director in a K-12 School. Please reference “Poly” in the subject line. Sending
letters of reference is optional at this time. Confidentiality will be maintained at the candidate’s request.
Polytechnic School is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are evaluated without consideration of race,
color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status or any
other characteristic protected by applicable law. For more information: www.polytechnic.org
Search Consultants
Lee Miller, Founder and Senior Leadership Search Consultant
Tamara Schiff, Search Consultant
Susan Nelson, Search Consultant
Trusted Advisors to the
Independent School Community
www.CalWestEducators.com
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