Mary McDowell Friends School is a K-12 college preparatory program dedicated to the success of students with learning disabilities. Grounded in the Quaker values of equality, integrity, and social responsibility, we cultivate a diverse community in which all students can reach their full potential. Our specialized teaching methodologies and challenging curricula empower students to become academic achievers, creative thinkers, and contributing members of a global society.

Mary McDowell Friends School (MMFS) invites applications for the position of Head Teacher in Visual Arts & Photography beginning in August 2021.

Position Overview

Head Teachers support the mission of the school by overseeing the safety and well-being of the students in advisory, content area classes, core classrooms, and homeroom classes, by monitoring and stimulating educational and social-emotional growth within the framework of the school’s mission by designing a challenging, creative and developmentally appropriate curriculum to teach students with learning disabilities. The Quaker beliefs, testimonies, and practices are integrated into all aspects of our work with students, colleagues, families, and the broader community.

The essential duties of a Head Teacher include, but are not limited to:

• Differentiate teaching methods, instructional materials, and assessment tools to meet students’ varying needs and interests
• Implement individualized and differentiated student plans for homework, organization, and behavior; assign and provide prompt feedback to classwork and homework
• Participate in all CSE reviews and meetings and testify at impartial hearings
• Collaborate with division directors/academic dean, speech and language professionals, occupational therapists, and counseling team members to address students’ needs
• Work with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of school programs
• Write, edit, and submit timely trimester reports, grades, recommendations, evaluations, and other requests as needed.
• Act as the advocate for homeroom students supporting each student in their relationships with other teachers and working with the cooperating homeroom teacher to be the primary point person with parents
• Supervise homeroom students when participating in division-wide and school-wide activities such as silence, assembly, and meeting special guests
• Participate fully in the life of the school, including professional development, MMFS committees, weekly faculty meetings, regular supervisory meetings, and all school silence and staff meetings
• Supervise student activities including study hall, student trips (including overnight trips), advisory, student clubs, etc.

Diversity and Equity Commitments:

• Understand and participate in all school-wide diversity and equity initiatives
• Examine teaching practice through the lens of race, identity, equity, and privilege.
• Develop a curriculum that provides students with an opportunity to recognize their many identities

Staff and reporting relationships

Head Teachers report to the Division Directors. They also work collaboratively with occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, school counselors, social workers, and school psychologists regularly.

• MA required in the content area; special education experience a plus
• Experience in teaching digital photography, drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, woodworking, 3D printing, etc; experience in running a makerspace a plus
• 3-5 years of direct teaching experience; independent or charter school experience a plus
• Strong oral and written communication with parents, children, and colleagues
• Commitment to equity and justice, including knowledge and skills related to cultural competencies
• The ability to create a classroom environment where students feel safe, supported, and challenged
• Strong collaboration and teamwork skills
• Growth mindset and ability to use feedback to improve practice
• Familiarity with new technologies; GSuite, Adobe Creative Suite, and Veracross a plus