MONTESSORI PEAKS ACADEMY- JeffCo Public School of Choice
Position Opening for Montessori School Principal (PK-8th)
Beginning June 1, 2023
Our School
In 1997, a Charter Application for an authentic Montessori Primary through 8th grade school prepared by a Steering Committee of Parents was approved.. Montessori Peaks Academy was Jefferson County’s first Montessori Charter School, opening its doors in September, 1997.
We're still going strong! The school occupies its own specially designed building, completed in the fall of 2003 with an 11,000 square foot addition, completed in September 2007. Our charter was renewed by Jefferson County School Board in 2015 for 5 years and renewed again in 2020.Our dedicated staff guide students through Preschool through grade 6,. In 2023 we will open the doors to a new middle school program housed in its own campus adjacent to our elementary school property. We are honored by our parents who choose to have their children attend a school of choice through Jefferson County Public Schools.
Together we observe and guide the future leaders of tomorrow by adhering to the Montessori philosophy and methodology based on the education of the whole child. This not only includes cognitive and academic development, but also concentrates on the emotional, physical and social development of the child.
Outdoor education is also a strong emphasis in each class. The school sits on 8.5 acres of land and features multiple gardens, a natural watershed, a bee habitat and pollinator space as well as many other opportunities for children to grow and learn outdoors.
Principal/ Leader/ Community Builder
We seek a highly effective principal to lead our school into its next phase of growth and community connection. We seek a school leader who is committed to the ideals of collaboration and creativity, and who will do whatever it takes to ensure all our young learners continue to receive a top-tier education. MPA is rooted in Montessori philosophy and pedagogy and incorporates additional research-based educational strategies so that all students can reach their fullest potential. Our new principal will lead our school to fulfilling the following ideals in addition to growing our current PK-6th grade school to PK-8th grade by opening our new middle school.
Mission of Montessori Peaks Academy
It is the mission of Montessori Peaks Academy to achieve high standards of individual excellence by guiding the whole student through an exceptional learning experience based on the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori. The children become self-learners and structure their own curriculum, working with and absorbing information at the time they are ready. The children cultivate their own natural desire to learn.
Vision of Montessori Peaks Academy
Montessori Peaks Academy is an educational journey, preparing each child to uniquely contribute to our shared community.
Guiding Principles - As a community, we:
- Honor the Individual Child
- Champion a Culture of Excellence
- Prepare Life- Long Learners
- Create Responsible World Citizens
- Adapt the Montessori Method to this Time and Place
Core Values:
- Kindness
- Integrity
- Respect
- Safety
General Qualities & Dispositions
Puts students and teachers first. The student body is at the heart of our school, and we look to recruit and select a school leader who makes decisions in the students’ best interest. Teachers and staff are the critical foundation of our successful school. A strong candidate for this position will have a history of recruiting and retaining the highest quality school personnel. They will motivate staff success and professional fulfillment through collaboration, mentoring, and leadership development.
Fosters a positive culture of teaching and learning. At MPA we want every child to love learning, and every teacher to love teaching. We are seeking a school leader who will inspire the students, families, and staff to believe in and live up to the school’s vision and mission, high expectations, and core values. They will embrace learning, connection, and community as well as academic best practices and continuous improvement for all. Our new school leader will demonstrate a high level of professional maturity, including: maintaining composure in stressful situations; bringing out the best in others; and a dedication to seeking solutions.
Engages families and the community as partners. As a public charter school, MPA continues to develop a unique and special relationship between the school and the neighborhood community. Our school leader will nurture partnerships with students, parents, and the local community as a key strategy for improving student learning outcomes. A strong candidate for this position will have experience building positive relationships with a diversity of stakeholders and be excited to spearhead further expansion of the middle school program.
Position Information
- At will contract: June 1, 2023 (or earlier upon agreement) through May 31, 2024 (Employed by MPA)
- Compensation Range: $102,404 - $125,000 (Based on qualifications/experience)
- Benefits: Comparable to Jefferson County School District employees, including a professional development budget allocated and administered by the Board of Directors
- Reports to MPA Board of Directors
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree in education
- Experience in educational leadership
- Montessori training or a commitment to advancing and understanding Montessori education
- Colorado Principal’s License or the equivalent in another state (with a commitment to become licensed in Colorado)
Preferred Qualifications
- A minimum of three years of public school leadership experience, preferably as a principal.
- Teaching experience in a public Montessori program.
- Human resources experience, including recruitment, management, evaluation, and professional development of teaching faculty and classified staff.
- Networking experience, building strong relationships with teachers, parents and community organizations.
Job Responsibilities
Public and School Community Relations
- Engage with staff, parents, and students to promote a positive learning environment
- Represent the school in a way that fosters and maintains positive community/media relations
Montessori Philosophy of Education
- Guide and support the application of the Montessori Educational Philosophy within all areas of the school
- Ensure all federal, state, and district educational standards are met using Montessori methods and curriculum
Fiscal Responsibility
- Maintain the necessary resources to ensure a strong financial position
- Collaborate with the board to develop a sustainability plan for continued success of the school
- Develop strategies to increase school enrollment and ensure future stability
Educational Program
- Evaluate the performance of the staff based on core values with the goal of continuous improvement
- Collaborate with staff, parents, and students to provide the best education for each student and assist them in their academic and professional goals
- Oversee and support the adherence of school policies
Leadership
- Foster innovation and growth of staff and programs
- Promote a positive, collaborative, transparent, and inclusive school culture
- Administer district and school policies and procedures
- Collaborate with the Board of Directors to maintain the school’s operational charter
Application and Hiring Process
General timeline for search, screening, and final interview(s): Through February and thereafter as needed, applications will be received until the search committee has sufficient qualified and viable candidates to present to the Board of Directors for interview and hire. All applicants will be contacted regarding their respective status in this process. During this time period, a search committee composed of parents, staff, and the Board of Directors will paper screen all applicants and decide if any applicant will receive a phone interview and/or have an in-person first interview. The Board of Directors will conduct final interviews at such time as sufficient qualified candidates have been referred to the Board by the search committee.
For full consideration, candidates are asked to submit a cover letter describing why you would be an exceptional leader for MPA and a resume
Please feel free to contact us with any questions at - 303.529.4001
