Cary Academy seeks a leader to serve as Head of Middle School, who will lead a dynamic group of 42 educators dedicated to serving the unique needs of 310 middle school-aged students in grades 6-8, and foster a professional culture of self-reflection, growth, and a passionate pursuit of our mission.

Cary Academy's Strategic Plan

The Head of Middle School will play a lead role in implementing the school’s new five-year strategic plan. This includes shifting toward competency-based learning and reporting for Middle School students, strengthening the identity development and experiential learning components of the Middle School program, and reimagining the daily schedule and academic calendar in the Middle School to advance deeper learning in a context of healthy balance. The Head of Middle School will also be an essential partner in the equity and anti-racism work of the school.

Cary Academy's Beliefs about Learning

• Learning is an iterative and interdependent process.
• Taking risks, embracing struggle, and developing resilience are essential to deep and life-long learning.
• Individuals must develop self-awareness as learners and take ownership of their learning.
• Clear, ongoing, and timely feedback elicits self-reflection and drives growth.
• Physical, social, and emotional balance is essential for learning and well-being.
• The most impactful learning occurs where people, disciplines, and ideas connect to address human and community needs.
• Diverse and inclusive environments create a secure and affirming culture that enables both the individual and the community to flourish.
• Excellent teaching is the foundation of an outstanding learning community.

The Cary Academy's Professional Culture

• Above all else, we are fiercely committed to putting our students first in all that we do.
• We are relentless in the pursuit of our mission.
• We are insatiably curious, knowing that if we are open to and excited about learning, the right answers will come to us—eventually!
• Tradition matters to us, but moving forward with an eye to the new, different and unexplored matters even more.
• We deliberately seek out a broad range of backgrounds and experiences in our employees and value this as essential to allowing our community to grow and innovate.
• We share ideas, information and perspectives in a way that honors and empowers everyone and allows our community to thrive.
• We nurture meaningful relationships with community members that make us look forward to coming to work each day.
• We are self-motivated professionals who take pride in and responsibility for the work we do.

Cary Academy's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, Cary Academy encourages applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We seek to create working and learning environments that are safe and inclusive. 

The Cary Academy Diversity Mission Statement

"Cary Academy fosters a learning community where the richness of diversity is recognized, respected, and embraced. Our view in diversity includes, but is not limited to ability, age, appearance, gender, national origin, personal qualities, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. Our vision is to nurture and sustain an equitable and inclusive environment where everyone is valued.”

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Recruit, mentor, and evaluate Middle School faculty and staff. 
• Foster a positive culture of learning -- centered around discovery, innovation, and collaboration -- among students and staff. 
• Work with Dean of Faculty and department chairs to maintain a mission-centered curriculum which reflects the cognitive and developmental needs of Middle School students.
• Work with Director of Technology and Innovation to support a program which leverages appropriate and innovative uses of technology. 
• Collaborate with colleagues within the division and across other operational areas (Upper School, Athletics, Center for Community Engagement) to coordinate student services and programs that impact middle school students. 

• Work with Assistant Head of Middle School to ensure that appropriate behavioral expectations are communicated and enforced.
• Work with Assistant Head of Middle School and members of the Center for Community Engagement to develop and oversee a broad and engaging student activity program.
• Work with Middle School Counselor to ensure delivery of meaningful Charger Trails and advisory program.
• Work with Admissions on the promotion of Middle School program and selection of new students.
• Develop and oversee Middle School administrative, curricular and support area budgets.
• Works with Director of Facilities to maintain the use and care of Middle School building.
• Work with Head of Upper School and Dean of Faculty to ensure coordination of academic programs.
• Work with PTAA to enrich Middle School faculty, parent, and student programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned or needed.

JOB REQUIREMENTS 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

A commitment to a participatory, team-building management style; proven strengths in communication and interpersonal skills; an in-depth understanding of the developmental and cognitive needs of middle school aged students; educational technology and its potential to expand student and teacher learning; and experience in leading student activities. Attendance that is regular, predictable, and reliable is expected of all employees.

Education:

A Master’s or higher degree is required.

Experience:

Candidates should have at least 10 years of successful teaching, and 5 years of curriculum development and school leadership experience in faculty recruitment, evaluation, and development, preferably at an Independent School. 

Equivalency:

Directly related experience or a combination of directly related education and experience may be considered in place of the above requirements.

Recruiting Process

We will begin reviewing applications for this position immediately. We encourage candidates to apply as soon as they are able. Clicking through on this page will take you to an "application page" that is linked to the school's HR system. You do not need to fill out any of the optional skills, motivations or behaviors on that page. Candidates are asked to submit a cover letter, resume, and an educational philosophy statement -- along with a list of references and/or letters. 

Once you complete the application on our internal pages, we will begin a review of your materials. You may be contacted at that point for a follow-up, which could include a one-way video interview. This process, again, will allow us to get to know you better and to share your application with a hiring team.  

Thank you for considering Cary Academy!