Elementary School Director

Headwaters School, a Pre-K through grade 12 independent day school serving 500 students across its three campuses in Austin, TX, is seeking an Elementary School Director for the  academic year. This position will start July 1st, 2026.

The Elementary School Director will serve as the primary leader of the Creek Campus (Kindergarten - 5th grade) academic program by creating a Montessori environment that delivers inspiring instruction, develops and encourages the growth of Elementary Montessori guides, supports students' academic growth, and cultivates parent relationships. In conjunction with the Head of School, the Elementary Director will develop a comprehensive academic vision for how our students will demonstrate their understanding of and commitment to our Purpose, Promise, and PACT.

In addition, they will set Elementary program academic priorities and align program goals, facilitate professional development and assessments, provide instructional coaching, and oversee the performance of all Elementary faculty and staff.

The Elementary Director's primary objective is to uphold and advance the Purpose, Promise, and PACT of Headwaters School. Under the direction and in collaboration with the Head of School, the Elementary Director will assume general responsibility for the Elementary program while working collaboratively with faculty and other school administration. Effective communication, team building, and group leadership skills will be employed to draw the efforts of the faculty and staff, committees, parent volunteers, and students together in developing and implementing the Elementary program.

Qualifications

• Master's degree, required
• 3-5 year administrative experience in a school setting including knowledge of school finance and budget practices, required
• Experience managing and coaching teachers, required
• Elementary teaching experience including classroom management and modifying instruction for various student needs, required
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion practices and curriculum in the classroom
• Appreciation for and understanding of the development of elementary-age students
• Knowledge of Montessori philosophy and curriculum, preferred
• Skill in communicating effectively with others, both in writing and orally, and in providing presentations to large groups
• Experience in standard computer and software applications related to instruction, student data, email, internet programs, databases, spreadsheets, and the development of presentations
• Commitment to working in collaborative team-based environments

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Reports to the Head of School
• Provide effective leadership and management of a Montessori instructional program by providing purpose and direction for individuals and groups
• Oversee planning, implementation and evaluation of strategies that improve student experience within the Elementary Program
• Collaborate with the faculty and Learning Specialist to review and monitor student progress. This includes gathering and interpreting data from relevant sources related to program effectiveness in order to evaluate students' progress toward stated program goals; working jointly with committees and Guides to correct deficiencies and maintain and improve strengths; and utilizing test results in analyzing program effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement
• Collect and utilize data to inform improvements to curriculum, assessments, educational resources, and teaching support practices
• Support faculty professional development, evaluation of teaching, and teaching observation feedback structures
• Create detailed timelines for program initiatives; supervise and evaluate project progress regularly using various computer programs and tools; and drive project completion by holding others accountable for responsibilities and deadlines
• Work with the Elementary faculty and staff to explore and develop appropriately unified curriculum and packaging to provide students with seamless and learning across grade levels
• Meet regularly with the Head of School to oversee the operation of the Elementary program
• Collaborate with the the Human Resources Department in…