Headmaster/Head of School
The Headmaster’s Mission: The Headmaster develops and leads the school’s team of faculty and administrative staff on the ground to implement the academic and cultural mission of the school: to provide an excellent Catholic education in an authentically Catholic environment according to the Chesterton Schools model. The Headmaster’s role is critical in building a culture at the school which will retain the best faculty, and where students will encounter the person of Christ.
Key Outcomes:
Healthy and Energized Team: the Headmaster is a servant leader who builds trust, is not afraid of productive conflict, and elicits commitment and accountability from the faculty and administrative team which leads to real results.
Long-term Faculty Engagement: the Headmaster nurtures the faculty, promotes their continued development, hiring and retaining the highest performing faculty with the highest potential.
Unequivocally Catholic Environment: the Headmaster models and promotes a strong culture of joy, charity and pursuit of virtue at the school, and encourages healthy behaviors and friendships among the students.
Implementation of the CSN Curriculum: the Headmaster approaches the curriculum with a positive and creative mindset, partnering with the Chesterton Schools Network (CSN) to integrate and continuously improve the current curriculum.
Partnership with Parents: the Headmaster engages the parents in a relationship that promotes and maintains their involvement in the school community.
Balanced Academic Model: carefully balance academic needs (homework and classroom time) with the adolescent needs for activity, socialization and rest. Ensure that students grow in their love for learning.
Core Competencies (job related and cultural): Conscious Leadership,
Entrepreneurial Spirit, Communication Skills, Persistence, Organization and Planning, Independence, Flexibility.
Formal Job Description
Areas of Responsibility
Curriculum and Academic Excellence
Oversee implementation of and adherence to Chesterton Schools Network curriculum, including any future changes to that curriculum
Oversee faculty in continued development of course materials for each class (syllabus, weekly teaching plan, tests)
Review student progress including student testing (CLT8, CLT10, CLT, PSAT) and adjust course content and delivery as needed
Oversee school accreditation process and renewal
Instruction
Oversee faculty hiring, evaluation, development, and terminations
Conduct classroom observations for faculty members as part of evaluation process
Student Life and Discipline
Ensure discipline policies are enforced and communicated appropriately
Oversee school-sponsored extracurricular activities and sports
Ensure effectiveness of House System and faculty mentor programs
Parent Engagement
Coordinate a regular Headmaster Letter to parents and school newsletter
Meet with parents regarding student discipline and academic issues
Lead and engage parents via Chesterton Academy Parent Association
Admissions
Participate on an admissions committee to:
admit new students upon review of student application materials, placement exam, and family interview
oversee the transfer student process (curriculum, graduation requirements, forms, etc.)
review placement tests and contact parents with remedial needs
Deliver presentations to and meet with prospective parents and students (e.g. information meetings, Open Houses, other relevant events)
Guidance
Coordinate standardized testing, college applications and transcript preparation
Communicate with colleges, universities and other post-high school programs
Promote various vocational opportunities
Teaching Responsibilities
The Headmaster is required to teach (number of classes to be determined based on annual teaching needs of the school balanced with HM project workload)
Fundraising
Support Board efforts to implement a sustainable fundraising plan
Participate in fundraising events
Assist with developing and executing fundraising plan to exceed annual funding goals
Work with Board on major gift solicitation throughout year
Collaborate on major events and fund appeals, especially the Annual Chesterton Gala and end of year Giving Day campaign.
Board Relations
Attend Quarterly Board Meetings and other meetings at the board’s request
Provide a formal report (yearly at the Annual Board Meeting and upon request) on the condition of the school with respect to the Headmaster’s responsibilities and duties.
Job Requirements
Master’s Degree in Education, Administration (or related field) or equivalent experience in administration in a school setting
Significant teaching experience in a classical school environment and experience in secondary school administration
Familiarity with the mission of the Chesterton Schools Network
Practicing Catholic with deep knowledge of the teachings of the Catholic Church
Working knowledge of institutional advancement/fundraising
Reports to:
Executive Board
Direct Staff Reports
Academic Dean
Dean of Men
Dean of Women
Director of Operations
Salary Range: $72,000-$90,000 (commensurate with experience)
Application Process
Apply by emailing a cover letter and resume to our Board of Directors at info@chestertontn.com.
About Chesterton Academy of the Incarnation
Founded in Franklin, Tennessee in 2021 through a grass-roots movement of parents, Chesterton Academy of the Incarnation offers an integrated classical high school curriculum centered on the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. Focusing on the classic works across all disciplines, the school develops complete thinkers whose depth of knowledge and reasoning skills make them capable of bringing their faith into the world to build up the culture of life. Chesterton Academy of the Incarnation is a member school of the Chesterton Schools Network.
Founded in Franklin, Tennessee in 2021 through a grass-roots movement of parents, Chesterton Academy of the Incarnation offers an integrated classical high school curriculum centered on the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. Focusing on the classic works across all disciplines, the school develops complete thinkers whose depth of knowledge and reasoning skills make them capable of bringing their faith into the world to build up the culture of life. Chesterton Academy of the Incarnation is a member school of the Chesterton Schools Network.