MORNINGSIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL HEAD OF SCHOOL POSITION
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
MORNINGSIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL
HEAD OF SCHOOL POSITION
For July 1, 2022
251 WEST 100TH STREET, 6TH FLOOR, NEW YORK, NY WWW.MORNINGSIDEMONTESSORI.ORG
INTRODUCTION AND MISSION
LOVE & LEARNING, SINCE 1966
Founded in 1966, Morningside Montessori School is an independent,
not-for-profit preschool that combines Montessori philosophy with
contemporary early childhood research-based approaches to inspire
young minds. Located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, MMS
serves 85 students from twelve months to age six. In partnership with
its close-knit community of families, the School cultivates each child’s
curiosity, joy, compassion, and independence, laying the foundation for
a lifelong love of learning.
CORE VALUES
JOY, WONDER, AND A LIFELONG LOVE OF LEARNING
By instilling pleasure and wonder in each child’s earliest school experiences, we
help build a foundation for a lifelong love of learning. We believe that joyful early
childhood learning takes place through independent exploration and hands-on
experience in a secure setting. From our nurturing classrooms and shared spaces to
our rich educational materials, children are inspired throughout the school day and
are invited to pursue their own interests and ideas.
WARM AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
Morningside Montessori takes pride in its warm and inclusive community. Our
intimate scale and setting uniquely equip us to foster fruitful, lasting relationships
between teachers, administration, children, families, and caregivers. These
relationships are built not only in the classroom, but through open and frequent
communication, opportunities to discuss and celebrate our differences, and
a variety of social gatherings and community building events. Both our daily
operations and special events are infused with a welcoming spirit and inclusivity for
all families.
INDEPENDENCE
Following a key element of Montessori philosophy, Morningside Montessori
strives to foster children’s independence. Like Maria Montessori, we believe that
self-sufficiency is the crucial building block that underlies a child’s experiences
of pleasure and self-worth. To foster independence, our classroom environments
and materials are designed to allow children to explore and learn “by doing,” while
extended periods of “work time” encourage children to follow their interests and
master skills independently over time. Our teachers are stewards of this process
who “follow the child,” allowing students to guide their own learning.
1
GRACE AND COURTESY
Morningside Montessori is a community that fosters grace and courtesy.
Our peaceful classrooms introduce children to social strategies that help
them navigate friendships, articulate their emotions, and engage in positive
interactions as they grow and mature. As our children encounter both the
beauty and struggle of building relationships, they learn to be compassionate
and empathetic, while also exploring the impact of their own agency in this
world. They are our future, and we foster their ability to build bridges, embrace
differences and problem solve so that together they can help make the world a
better place.
HISTORY
In the spring of 1966, a Morningside Heights mother tacked a poster to a
OUR MISSION
lamppost on Upper Broadway inviting other parents to help her start the
Morningside Montessori School
kind of nursery school that she had sought in vain for her child: a diverse,
non-sectarian, Montessori program serving the Columbia-Morningside is an independent preschool
community. The School opened that fall with 19 students and one teacher. that combines Montessori
MMS was originally conceived as a classic Montessori school, using only philosophy with contemporary
Montessori materials. Over time, it became an enhanced Montessori early childhood research and
school, which meant that the pedagogy was expanded to incorporate best practices to inspire young
contemporary research about early childhood development. MMS minds. In our classrooms,
now includes curriculum and materials that support and enhance the students are encouraged to
traditional Montessori materials, while also further developing the pursue knowledge through their
children’s experiences as learners. own ideas and interests as well
as to learn from each other. Our
MMS began as a parent co-operative, which meant that the members
core values of joy & wonder,
directly owned and operated the school. In 1970, Morningside was
a love of learning, warm
legally incorporated, allowing parents to elect a Board of Trustees to take
responsibility for the school’s business decisions, and the Board in turn community, independence, and
hires a director who is in charge of day-to-day educational matters. The grace and courtesy reflect who
Board of Trustees remains a highly active group of current parents who we are and serve as a compass
work in close collaboration with the Head of School to carry out the for our future.
School’s mission.
AFFILIATIONS
MMS is a member of the American Montessori Society (AMS), the
Independent School Admissions Association of Greater New York, and
The Parents League of New York.
2
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
MMS has four classroom spaces, a kitchen and offices located on the 6th floor of Ansche Chesed Synagogue on
West 100th Street, NYC. The school also utilizes the building’s rooftop terrace playground and 5th floor outdoor
terrace.
Total enrollment at full capacity is 85 students. 2020-21 enrollment was lower due to constraints imposed by
COVID-19, and enrollment will be reduced during 2021-22 as well. The Toddlers Together program for children
12-24 months old accompanied by a caregiver, which meets two afternoons a week, was suspended until caregiv-
ers can resume entering the school facility.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE TUITION (2021 - 2022)
Twos Program Mornings: two, three or five day $10,875-$28,112
programs
Toddlers Together Afternoons: M/W and T/Th Not offered in 2021-2022
(12-24 months) with caregiver
AM & PM Early Childhood Mon-Fri (multiple options) $22,653-$28,112
Programs (3-6 Yrs) PM only for all of 2021-2022 $14,100
The MMS staff comprises a diverse family of teachers and administrators committed to lifelong learning. For the
2021-2022 school year there will be 11 teachers and teaching interns who are Montessori certified or are com-
pleting Montessori training; several are NY State certified. Enrichment specialists/consultants include two music
teachers and Spanish/Mandarin instructors.
The administrative team is comprised of the following staff members:
• Head of School
• Director of Curriculum
• Director of Finance and Human Resources
• Director of Family Engagement and Outreach
• Head of Facilities
• Coordinator of Special Events/Receptionist
SUMMER PROGRAM
A six-week summer program offers children ages 2-6 the opportunity to enjoy earth science themed-activities
and animal studies, supplemented by art, music, soccer, cooking, and movement. Ages 3 and up have swim class-
es twice weekly, though swim classes have been suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.
3
STRATEGIC PLANNING
The Board of Trustees conducted a comprehensive strategic planning process during the 2019-20 school year,
identifying and prioritizing the School’s objectives through 2024. The Strategic Plan reflects feedback from the
majority of the parent body to ascertain MMS’s perceived strengths and its current challenges and opportunities.
Its detailed initiatives and desired outcomes will serve as an important guide for planning and allocation of
resources. Twice a year, a parent survey is conducted to solicit feedback on progress against the plan, and to
gather input for further refinement of said plan.
MORNINGSIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL STRATEGIC PLAN, 2019-2024
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
OUR CHILDREN
Provide the best possible experience for our children.
• Enhance and expand our Montessori early-childhood blended curriculum options.
• Continue to develop our specialty programs curriculum.
• Strive to recruit and support a more diverse population of students and faculty to reflect the
socioeconomic and ethnic diversity of the neighborhood in which we live.
• Ensure our children and families are prepared for elementary school, both from an academic and social
perspective, and also through the exmissions process.
OUR SPACE
Create a physical space that facilitates a lifelong love of learning.
• Explore options for improving our current space and/or moving into a new one.
• Strive to make all experiences of MMS’s facilities pleasant and peaceful for families.
• Optimize our space so that we are able to accommodate our expanded programs, such as afternoon
specials and Toddlers Together.
OUR COMMUNITY
Nurture and celebrate our community.
• Ensure our community feels connected through communication with the school administration and
teachers.
• Encourage a culture of volunteerism and provide inclusive social opportunities for our community to
connect and have fun.
• Develop our alumni network.
• Increase authentic engagement with our local community through outreach, partnerships and
engagement with the community.
• Continue to offer flexibility in scheduling for families so that we can accommodate the busy lives of our
families and individual needs.
4
OUR TEACHERS
Continue to foster a teacher professional culture of joy and growth.
• Ensure we have appropriate professional development and mentoring programs that support our
teachers.
• Ensure our teachers feel supported by the administration and the community.
• Ensure that our teachers feel like they are supported in their work and lives.
• Each classroom has a deliberate and balanced mix of personalities, talent and experience, while
simultaneously offering teachers a chance for challenge and growth.
OUR FUTURE/SUSTAINABILITY
Assess and protect Morningside Montessori’s long-term financial sustainability.
• Maximize financial performance with our investments.
• Engage in more effective and efficient fundraising.
• Maintain stability in admissions, enrollment, and operations.
FINANCES AND TUITION
The annual operating budget is approximately $1.5M. The school’s
endowment is $1.2M.
MMS’s limited need-based Financial Aid program relies on the
fundraising efforts of the School’s parent body. It is typically in the annual
range of $50,000 total, with awards averaging approximately $6,000.
Growing this program is a top priority.
EXMISSIONS
MMS provides a comprehensive program to help families identify
ongoing elementary schools that are the best fit for their children and
guide them throughout the application process. Working with MMS’s
exmissions team, each family receives individualized support from start
to finish. Each year, children go on to attend stellar independent, public,
and parochial schools throughout New York City.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Board of Trustees consists of twelve members. All are current
parents and serve the Board in a voting capacity. Additional Trustees may
contribute to the Board but may only serve in a non-voting capacity. Each
Trustee is elected to serve a two-year term by the parents or guardians of
children enrolled in MMS. Working with the Head of School, the Board
directs the affairs of Morningside Montessori School and determines
such matters as annual school budget, strategic planning, financial aid
budget, fundraising, administrative policy, and building an inclusive and
diverse school community. The Board meets monthly from September
to June and during the summer as needed. Once a year, the Board of
Trustees holds an open meeting, which is an opportunity for any parent
or guardian of children enrolled in the school to hear more about the
Board’s work and offer feedback.
5
FUTURE LEADERSHIP PROFILE
“My children love MMS and so do I. It’s the perfect environment
for a first school environment-warm, welcoming, nurturing, and
truly instrumental in fostering curiosity and a love of learning.”
This comment captures the deeply felt appreciation of Morningside Montessori School on the part of
parents. The strengths valued by the school community, as well as the challenges and opportunities
for MMS in the next three to five years, are outlined below.
STRENGTHS OF MMS
• A unique program that blends traditional Montessori principles with current research and best
practices related to early childhood development.
• The reputation of MMS as a top-tier early childhood program, preparing students for the next step in
their education.
• A warm community of families who share the School’s core values and embrace its down-to-earth
culture.
• A professional, mature, and loving team of teachers and staff, who are committed to nurturing each
child’s cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development.
• Small, intimate classes and low student-teacher ratios that foster both independent exploration as well as
group learning.
• Spacious areas for outdoor play.
• Flexible program options, beginning at age 2.
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
The strategic planning conducted by the Board in 2019-2020, and continued input from staff and parents during
2020-2021, have confirmed MMS’s core strengths and values and identified opportunities to further strengthen
its program. The priorities that will guide the Board and school leadership will include the following:
• Building on current efforts to enhance the school facility.
• Striving to recruit and support a more diverse population of students to reflect the socioeconomic, racial,
and ethnic diversity of NYC.
• Secure MMS’s future place within the changing preschool landscape of NYC, particularly with the advent
of publicly funded preschool options.
• Deepen the engagement of the parent and alumni community, including volunteerism, social
opportunities, and fundraising.
• Continue to foster a teacher culture of joy and professional growth.
• Further safeguard Morningside Montessori’s long-term financial sustainability.
6
With the strategic plan ‘road map’ in hand, the Board of Trustees seeks an outstanding educator with
a deep understanding of Montessori philosophy, who embraces the School’s core values, and who is
able to protect and advance MMS’s vital educational mission and unique identity. The next Head of
School will ideally have experience, along with personal and professional skills, in the following areas:
LEADERSHIP
• Significant experience in a senior leadership position; prior head of school, deputy head of school, and/or
NYC independent school experience is an asset.
• Deep knowledge of Montessori philosophy and current early childhood research so as to assure that the
School’s pedagogy is comprehensive, contemporary, and exceptional.
• Ability to partner with the Board to implement the goals of the strategic plan, including efforts to realize
a more diverse community.
• Recruiting, developing, and mentoring outstanding faculty and administrators.
• Securing additional resources for the School through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and
stewardship of individual and institutional stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills with all constituents: children, staff, families, and the community at large;
being responsive to families’ needs and fostering confidence.
• Serving as an inspiring spokesperson for the School, both within the school community, as well as
within the broader Montessori community and NYC’s network of independent preschools and ongoing
elementary schools.
• Overseeing admissions and exmissions, with a solid understanding of surrounding elementary school
application processes (both public and private) and maintaining connections to those facilitating them.
PERSONAL QUALITIES
• A warm, approachable personality accessible to all community members.
• A creative thinker who is passionate about brainstorming large and small ways to help MMS live out its
mission.
• An excellent communicator who can cultivate enthusiasm for the School’s programs and its unique
identity, and who is able to diplomatically resolve problems when necessary.
• Respects and embodies the School’s core values, in particular joy, wonder, love of learning, grace, and
courtesy.
• Provides a welcoming, inclusive, “down-to-earth” environment for staff and families.
• Interacts with staff with respect and support.
MANAGEMENT
• Strong organizational skills and time management.
• Supervising and leading the administrative operations of the School--including human resources,
permitting and inspections, scheduling, facilities, and external relations.
• Ensuring sound fiduciary management of the School in close collaboration with the Chief Financial
Officer, Board of Trustees, and Board Treasurer.
• Overseeing the admissions process and financial aid to ensure robust enrollment.
• Managing and evaluating special events for their efficacy in raising funds and garnering community
goodwill.
• Maintaining strong relations with the school’s landlord (Ansche Chesed Synagogue) and ensuring the
MMS facility is properly maintained and upgraded.
• Basic qualifications of NY State Certification and Montessori credentials.
7
THE PROCESS
Jean Lamont of Educators’ Collaborative, LLC is leading this search. Candidates interested in this position are
asked to submit the following materials by August 15, 2021:
• EC Candidate Summary Sheet (contact Jean Lamont for this document)
• Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee, Morningside Montessori School
• Resume
• Statement of Educational Leadership
• A list of five or more references with contact information, including phone numbers and email ad-
dresses
• Up to three letters of reference (optional)
Please address all inquiries or expressions of interest to:
Jean Lamont, Partner, Educators’ Collaborative
Email: jlamont@educatorscollaborative.com
Phone: 203-605-6975
Morningside Montessori School welcomes children, families and employees of any race, color, sexual
orientation, national or ethnic origin. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual ori-
entation, national, religious, or ethnic origin in administration of our educational policies, admissions
policies, financial aid and loan programs, other school-administered programs.
MORNINGSIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL, 251 W 100TH ST, NEW YORK, NY, 10025
212-316-1555 OFFICE@MORNINGSIDEMONTESSORI.ORG
8
You can also read
