Lower School Director - Southern Teachers Agency

Lower School Director
Brookwood School
Thomasville, Georgia
July 2013
www.brookwoodschool.org
Summary
Southern Teachers Agency has been retained by Brookwood School for the search to find their next
Lower School Director. Brookwood seeks candidates who have well developed leadership skills
and who are energized by working at a school with a superb faculty, exceptional finances, and
modern facilities in a community marked by Christian values and southern charm. Like all of the
best opportunities for leadership in independent schools, the next Lower School Head needs to
meet clear objectives. At Brookwood, these objectives build on the achievements and accomplishments of previous, highly effective Lower School Heads and the school’s established, innovative
faculty. Few opportunities offer such a strong foundation for an excellent educator to build upon.
Brookwood is an independent, coeducational, college-preparatory day school serving students
from junior kindergarten through grade twelve. The school is located in Thomasville, Georgia, once
known as the "Winter Resort of the South,” where a diverse economy and vibrant arts culture
create one of Georgia's most sought-after communities in which to work and live. Founded in 1970,
Brookwood is one of south Georgia’s leading independent schools. The traditional values of honor,
wisdom, achievement, and citizenship form the foundation on which Brookwood’s sound liberal
arts education continues to flourish. The mission of Brookwood is embraced every day by each
stakeholder:
The purpose of Brookwood School is to provide an exceptional college-preparatory educational
experience to students from four years of age through the twelfth grade. Brookwood is committed
to developing the whole child: academically, physically, spiritually, and socially.
Brookwood is in search of candidates who are innovative, compassionate, and wise to lead the
Lower School into its next phase. They should embrace Brookwood's traditions and culture while
keeping an eye on the forefront of technology and pedagogical thought. They should be calm and
patient communicators, confident yet humble leaders, and consensus builders who are also able to
make the final decision. Most importantly, at the heart of the successful candidate will be a sincere
love for children and a true passion to serve as an excellent role model and leader.
To Apply
Brookwood School has selected Southern Teachers Agency to lead the
search for their next Lower School Director.
For application instructions, please see page 8 of this position profile.
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The Opportunity
Brookwood’s motto is "Our best today for a better tomorrow." Its commitment to delivering on this
promise starts with the Head of School and influences every decision. The Brookwood community
understands that the foundation it lays in the Lower School has a larger impact than any other part
of their program. As an example, when math SAT scores—though far above the national average—
lagged behind critical reading and writing scores, the faculty and administration did not focus
solely on better test preparation, but also on revamping the math curriculum, starting with their
youngest students. Brookwood takes the long view, perhaps in part because so many of its parents
are alumni and a large percentage of its graduates attend the school from junior kindergarten
through grade twelve.
When asked to describe Brookwood, parents overwhelmingly
use the words "happy," "safe," and "family." It is a school where
the whole child is developed and where the lead in the annual
drama production is as celebrated as the quarterback of the
football team. It is a school where attention to a student's
character and spiritual life goes hand in hand with advancing
his or her academics. Brookwood's campus is modern and
meticulously cared for by students and staff. Because of the
Thomasville community’s incredible support, Brookwood rests
on a firm financial foundation and the administration can
routinely respond to ideas about innovation with, "Let's see
how we can get that done."
Finally, Brookwood enjoys an innovative, experienced faculty
that desires strong leadership. The entire school, and the
Lower School in particular, is described by various constituencies as a "well-oiled machine." And yet, the school never rests
on its laurels. It is intrinsic in the school culture to balance the best of their traditional values with
cutting edge technology and modern pedagogical thought. The result is a school and a division that
is progressive while grounded and proud while introspective.
Performance Objectives
Area 1: Curriculum
Brookwood is committed to having an up-to-date curriculum. One of the great strengths of the
school is that the faculty is both receptive and reflective when it comes to curriculum development.
The school has recently completed a curriculum mapping initiative and rewritten the scope and
sequences for the Everyday Math and Superkids Reading programs.
By the end of his or her first year, the new Lower School Head will develop a five-year vision for
Brookwood’s program and its impact on student learning and outcomes. Working with the Middle
and Upper School Heads, the Lower School Head will ensure vertical alignment of the curriculum so
that Brookwood can continue to provide a seamless educational program. Lastly, the Lower School
Head will help ensure that the promises made to families during the admissions process are
fulfilled for the students’ entire experience at Brookwood.
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Area 2: Faculty
The Lower School faculty at Brookwood is
one of its greatest strengths. These dedicated
professionals are a cohesive, caring group.
Though many have been at Brookwood for
long tenures, there are also some younger and
mid-career faculty members. It is a faculty
that enjoys and thrives on strong leadership
and meeting challenges set before them. The
strength of the Brookwood program today is a
testament to the teachers' hard work and
commitment to the kids and the school.
The Lower School Head will provide leadership to the faculty and, working with teachers, help
define the five-year vision for the Lower School. He or she will serve as their voice with the administrative team and ensure that they are supported in their craft. Brookwood adopted a new teacher
and program evaluation system for the 2012-13 school year, which will need monitoring early in
the Lower School Head's tenure. The Lower School Head will continue to support teachers who
want to work in innovative ways and to utilize and share professional development. Finally, with
veteran faculty, there will be some healthy turnover in the next few years due to retirements that
will require the next Lower School Head to recruit, develop, and retain the next generation of
outstanding teachers for Brookwood.
Area 3: Admissions
Currently, Brookwood employs a part-time Admissions Director. The Lower School, particularly
junior kindergarten and kindergarten, is the key entry point for Brookwood students. Therefore,
the Lower School Head gives great attention to recruiting, evaluating, and admitting students.
Admissions at Brookwood is about more than numbers. Finding mission appropriate kids and
bringing them into the Brookwood community is paramount.
Thomasville public schools are quite
strong, which is good for the community
and for Brookwood. The Lower School
Head will need to continue to craft the
message to the community articulating
exactly why Brookwood is a great value
and how its program provides an
excellent opportunity for the families of
Thomasville and the surrounding areas.
In particular, the school is committed to
expanding its racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity.
Once students are in the admissions
process, the Lower School Head will
continue to refine the assessment methods used to evaluate students, especially those in the
youngest grades, to ensure that Brookwood admits students they can serve well.
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Area 4: Technology
Brookwood has made significant additions to technology in the classroom in recent years. In
addition to having SMART Boards in every classroom, the Lower School added an iPad cart with 30
iPads for the 2012-13 school year. Apple provided a day of faculty training, and implementation is
already well underway.
The Lower School Head will continue to examine hardware, software, and professional development to ensure that Brookwood is meeting its goal of producing technologically savvy students
ready to face the challenges of a modern economy and society. Brookwood uses Blackbaud’s
Education Edge in the Middle and Upper Schools, so the new Lower School Head will lead the
implementation of this robust product in the Lower School.
The Position
Responsibilities
The Lower School Director reports directly to the Head of School and is supported by an administrative assistant, as well as an experienced, caring, and dedicated Lower School faculty.
The Lower School Director’s responsibilities include:
managing the day-to-day operations of
the Lower School, Brookwood’s largest
division enrolling 240 students in junior
kindergarten through grade five, and the
activities of its faculty and students
providing academic and curricular
leadership for the Lower School, while
fostering an innovative, active, and
cooperative learning environment
recruiting and evaluating mission
appropriate students
communicating and interacting effectively with division parents and the rest of
the Brookwood School community
The Lower School Director also:
serves as the primary administrative
link between the division and parents in
the division
serves as the advocate and champion for
the lower school faculty within the
school community
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develops meaningful relationships with faculty by engaging and listening to them
develops supportive and nurturing relationships with students by being actively and visibly
involved in the daily life of the division
understands and appreciates the Christian values of the school
maintains a visible presence within the school community and beyond
leads weekly devotionals with the Lower School
Qualifications and Experience
Brookwood School seeks a seasoned independent school leader to head the Lower School division.
Specifically, the school would like a candidate who:
is an experienced elementary school teacher and loves being around children
possesses strong leadership and communication skills
is a team-player and a life-long learner
is a professional and a good role model for faculty and for students
is innovative with technology in the classroom
is a visionary
is highly relational, accessible, and able to build rapport with various constituent groups
is accountable and also holds others to high standards
is an effective communicator and great listener
is organized
has strong Christian values
is comfortable in southern culture and small-town life
is confident, yet genuine
is willing to support teachers do their jobs
The School
History
Brookwood School was founded in 1970 as a college-preparatory
school rooted in Judeo-Christian values. The mission of Brookwood
School is to provide an exceptional college-preparatory educational
experience to students from junior kindergarten through grade twelve
by developing the whole child: academically, physically, spiritually, and
socially.
Brookwood’s campus is located south of historic Thomasville, GA, with
nine buildings on 41-acres among native pines and live oaks. The
beautifully landscaped and organized campus includes fields for
football, soccer, baseball, and softball, as well as a newly built stadium
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and concessions facility. Ground has
recently been broken on a multipurpose building for the performing
arts and school-wide assemblies.
The Lower School is housed in the
renovated Chubb Hall, the original
campus building. A hallmark of all the
classroom buildings at Brookwood is
the common space in the center,
fostering a strong sense of community.
With classrooms for first through fifth
grade, the Lower School building is
focused around a large, open learning
area used for enrichment activities such as drama, art, and music presentations. The junior kindergarten and kindergarten facility includes four classrooms with adjacent playgrounds providing an
inviting variety of recreational structures for physical activity.
Brookwood classrooms are equipped with SMART Board technology, allowing faculty to enhance
their instruction and student engagement. The Lower School has also begun an iPad initiative to
help work on fine motor skills and dexterity in the younger students, while the older students in the
Lower School work on reading, research, and presentation skills.
Despite Brookwood’s relatively short history, there are many traditions in which the school community takes a great deal of pride including the school-wide musical, the Honor Pledge Ceremony,
handwritten notes on all Lower School report cards from the Director, and the Christmas program.
The Brookwood Buddy, a tradition that represents the school’s commitment to the continuity of
values from the Lower School to the Upper School, pairs members of the senior class with first
graders. Throughout the school year, the older students communicate with their buddies by leaving
them notes in their cubbies, giving them a small Christmas tree, going to special events with them,
and being a solid role model for them.
Student Profile
Brookwood seeks excellence in intellectual and social growth for all students. Integrity, ethical
behavior, and morals are strongly encouraged through an Honor Code governed by the students.
The Lower School is the genesis and bedrock for much of the future success of Brookwood students. Brookwood families and alumni are very loyal to the school and have a great appreciation
for it; for instance, 50% of students in junior kindergarten and kindergarten this year are younger
siblings of current students. Two-thirds of the student body come from Thomasville and Thomas
County, while one-third come from the surrounding counties of Brooks, Grady, and Mitchell, as well
as from nearby towns in Florida. Tuition is kept low by the school’s healthy endowment, and
financial aid is readily available, making Brookwood affordable for a wide range of families.
In the most recent graduating class, 24 of the 36 students began their journey at Brookwood in
either junior kindergarten or kindergarten. More than half of the recent graduating class was an AP
Scholar. Brookwood graduates have been admitted to and attended some of the finest colleges and
universities such Duke, Elon, Furman, Georgia Tech, Sewanee, University of Georgia, University of
Virginia, Wake Forest, and Washington & Lee.
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Faculty Profile
The Lower School faculty is comprised of 17 members. Each
grade level typically has 36 students divided into two sections
with full-time assistants in junior kindergarten and grade one
and a shared assistant in grades two through five. There are
also science, music, Spanish, PE, and computer specialists to
help enrich each student’s weekly instruction. Professional
development is encouraged and financially supported.
AT A GLANCE
Head of School Profile
Mr. Mike Notaro joined the Brookwood School as Headmaster
in 2006. During his tenure at Brookwood, the school has
flourished with numerous accomplishments including record
enrollments, expansion of facilities, increased scholarship
dollars awarded to its graduates, and fiscal responsibility. He is
well known for his ability to recruit and retain quality personnel while maintaining a cohesive team environment.
Founded: 1970
Grades: Junior kindergarten through
twelve
Total Enrollment: 492
LS Enrollment (JK-5): 240
MS Enrollment (5-8): 109
Mr. Notaro came to Thomasville after serving in various
positions including Interim Headmaster, Associate Headmaster,
Dean of Upper School, Middle School Director, and Athletic
Director at Tuscaloosa Academy in Tuscaloosa, AL. Previously,
he served as Program Chair and Professor for the College of
Education at The University of Alabama, as well as Adjunct
Instructor for the Department of Kinesiology. His impressive
coaching experience includes Administrator for AthleticsBaseball at the University of Alabama, Assistant Baseball Coach
for the Crimson Tide for 12 years, and Head Baseball Coach at
Tuscaloosa Academy, where he was Coach of the Year for the
State of Alabama. For nine years, Mr. Notaro served as instructor and coach for the New York Yankees.
US Enrollment (9-12): 143
Mr. Notaro received his M.A. in Educational Administration
from The University of Alabama and B.S. in Physical Education
and Health from University of South Florida.
Male Faculty: 27%
Average LS & MS Class Size: 18
Average US Class Size: 20
Student/Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Boys: 53%
Girls: 47%
Diversity: 2%
Students Receiving Aid: 15%
Total Faculty: 48
Female Faculty: 73%
Average Faculty Experience: 20 years
Average Faculty Tenure: 12 years
Faculty with Postgrad Degrees: 17
Highest Tuition: $8,500
Annual Fund: $120K
2012 Mean SAT: 1807
Participation in Sports: 85%
Board of Trustees: 9
Accreditation: SAIS-SACS (2006)
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The Community
Located in the “red hills” region of southwest Georgia,
Thomasville, has grown from a pioneer village to a glittering winter resort to a cultural and progressive city that
offers a variety of attractions and amenities, including a
vibrant arts community.
Thomasville, with it brick paved downtown streets, offers
all the charm, niceties, and security of a southern town
where kids still ride their bikes and walk safely to school.
From eco-friendly coffee houses and Asian-infused
restaurants to boutique retail shops and hunting stores,
downtown Thomasville offers something for everyone. It has received national awards both as a
place to visit and as a place to live. Just ask anyone from Thomasville or the surrounding areas
about how wonderful it is, and they will tell you!
Thomasville is located just 35 miles north of Tallahassee, FL, and 40 miles west of Valdosta, GA.
This great location places the city within 30 minutes of I-10 and I-75.
Application Process and Timeline
For most thorough consideration, applicants for the Lower School Director position should submit
the following:
A Southern Teachers Agency application, available at www.SouthernTeachers.com
A cover letter describing their interest in pursuing this position at Brookwood School
A current resume
A statement of educational philosophy
A list of references, including present and recent supervisors
For most thorough consideration, applications should be sent via email by October 31, 2012, to
Mr. Jamie Estes
[email protected]
Timeline
Initial interviews with the consultant at Southern Teachers Agency will be ongoing. Semifinalists
will interview in early November, and finalists will interview in late November and early December.
Selection of the Lower School Director will be made by January.
The new Lower School Director will begin work on July 1, 2013.