Assistant Head of Lower School (Interim)

La Jolla Country Day School•La Jolla, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

La Jolla Country Day School is seeking a collaborative, thoughtful, and student-centered educational leader to join our Lower School leadership team as an Assistant Head of Lower School for the remainder of the 2026-2027 academic year. This role helps shape the holistic student experience, bringing together academic programming, student life, co-curricular experiences, faculty development, and strong partnerships with families. Working closely with the Head of Lower School, team leads, faculty, and schoolwide leaders, this individual will help create a cohesive, engaging, and mission-aligned experience for students while fostering collaboration and continuity across the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools. The ideal candidate is a reflective educator and relationship builder who combines a deep understanding of child development and teaching and learning with strong organizational skills, sound judgment, and a genuine enthusiasm for school life. They are energized by working with students, supporting faculty, partnering with families, and contributing to a vibrant educational community. A growth mindset, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning are essential to success in this role. Why Join La Jolla Country Day School? La Jolla Country Day School is dedicated to developing the scholar, artist, and athlete of character through a balanced, intentional educational experience. In the Lower School, academic excellence and character education are equally important, laying the foundation for students’ future academic success, personal growth, and global responsibility. Student voice, faculty collaboration, and strong family partnerships are central to building a connected and caring community. Our students learn in a warm, spirited, and nurturing environment where curiosity, risk-taking, and growth are encouraged. We believe meaningful learning happens when students feel known, supported, challenged, and inspired to discover their strengths and develop their independence. We are a mission-driven community committed to equity and belonging. We value educators and leaders who bring curiosity, flexibility, emotional intelligence, and a collaborative spirit to their work. This is an opportunity for an engaged educational leader to make a meaningful impact on students, faculty, and the broader school community.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required
Successful teaching experience, ideally at the Lower School level, with a strong understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate teaching practices
Demonstrated leadership experience in an independent school or comparable educational setting; experience as a dean, department chair, team lead, grade-level leader, or in a similar role preferred
Knowledge of curriculum development, instructional practices, assessment, and academic planning
Experience supporting school operations, including scheduling, class placement, and student academic planning
Experience with student life programming, character education, student leadership, advisory programs, or co-curricular activities preferred
Ability to support faculty through collaboration, instructional feedback, classroom observation, and professional development
Strong organizational, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
Demonstrated ability to build meaningful relationships with students, families, faculty, and administrators and to navigate sensitive situations with discretion and sound judgment
Commitment to professional growth, inclusive practices, and the school's mission and values
Willingness to be an active and visible member of the LJCDS community, including participation in school events and activities
All school personnel must successfully complete a fingerprint background check through Live Scan and provide current tuberculosis clearance.

Nice To Haves

an advanced degree in education, educational leadership, or a related field preferred

Responsibilities

Partner with the Head of Lower School and other administrators to lead the daily life and operations of the division, fostering a supportive, orderly, and mission-aligned learning environment
Help establish, communicate, and implement division priorities, expectations, policies, and procedures
Coordinate academic scheduling, class enrollment, exploratory programming, and other academic planning processes
Develop and maintain the Lower School master calendar and coordinate key division activities and events
Communicate division programs, expectations, behavioral guidelines, and important information clearly and consistently to students, families, faculty, and other school constituencies
Maintain strong relationships and collaborate with Middle School, Upper School, and schoolwide colleagues to promote alignment and continuity across divisions
Keep the Head of Lower School informed of significant student matters, operational needs, and developments affecting the division
Collaborate with team leads and faculty to review, develop, and evaluate curriculum, ensuring alignment with the school's mission, educational goals, instructional practices, and assessment approaches
Support the development and implementation of engaging, developmentally appropriate academic programs that respond to students' evolving needs
Oversee academic planning, student progress reporting, grading practices, and the maintenance of accurate academic records
Observe and support classroom instruction, provide constructive feedback, and work with faculty to strengthen teaching and learning
Serve as a resource to teachers on instructional methods, classroom management, assessment, and school procedures
Encourage reflective practice, innovation, and the ongoing evaluation of curriculum and instructional approaches
Help cultivate a safe, inclusive, and engaging school environment that supports students' academic, social, emotional, and physical well-being
Establish and reinforce expectations for student behavior, attendance, citizenship, and dress in alignment with school policies and community values
Oversee student discipline with consistency, empathy, and sound judgment, including appropriate follow-through, family communication, and documentation
Support students as they navigate academic, social, and behavioral challenges, collaborating with teachers, counselors, families, and other school leaders as appropriate
Coordinate new student orientation and oversee new student homeroom assignments and related transitions
Support student leadership, character education, co-curricular activities, and student organizations in partnership with faculty sponsors and school leaders
Build meaningful relationships with students and foster a culture in which they feel known, valued, challenged, and supported
Partner with the Head of Lower School and other school leaders to support faculty supervision, classroom observation, performance evaluation, and professional growth
Collaborate with team leads, faculty committees, and other teacher leaders to advance division priorities and strengthen teaching and learning
Support the orientation and integration of new faculty and contribute to ongoing professional development and reflective practice
Provide guidance to teachers on instructional strategies, classroom management, student support, and school policies and procedures
Lead and facilitate faculty meetings that address division operations while encouraging thoughtful dialogue about educational practice, philosophy, and school priorities
Contribute to faculty hiring, retention, and assignment recommendations in collaboration with school leadership
Foster a professional culture grounded in trust, mutual respect, collaboration, continuous improvement, and appreciation for the individual strengths of each faculty member
Coordinate parent-teacher conferences, including scheduling, communication, and related recordkeeping
Partner with teachers, families, and school counselors to support student progress and address academic, behavioral, and social-emotional concerns
Communicate thoughtfully and professionally with families, navigating challenging conversations with empathy, clarity, and sound judgment
Participate in the admissions process by assisting with applicant testing, interviews, and evaluation
Help strengthen family engagement and build a sense of connection and belonging across the Lower School community
Participate actively in the life of the school, maintaining a visible and engaged presence in classrooms, throughout campus, and at school events
Engage in ongoing professional learning and stay informed about emerging educational practices, curriculum development, child development, and student well-being
Approach change with openness, adaptability, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement
Contribute positively to the culture and future direction of LJCDS through thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and a commitment to the school's mission and values