Head of Lower School

SUMMARY

Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School, located in Palo Alto, California, is a thriving TK-8 independent school dedicated to academic excellence, Jewish living, and community responsibility. With a current enrollment of approximately 315 students, Hausner provides a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that nurtures intellectual curiosity, creativity, and ethical growth. The school’s innovative curriculum integrates project-based learning, social-emotional learning (SEL), and Jewish values, ensuring students are well-prepared for the challenges of the modern world. Guided by its 2023-2028 Strategic Plan and the leadership of Rabbi Daniel Lehmann, Ph.D., Hausner is committed to promoting an environment of academic innovation, faculty collaboration, and joyful Jewish living.

The head of lower school will play a pivotal role in shaping the educational experience for students in grades TK-4. This newly revised leadership position will oversee academic and social-emotional programming, support faculty development, and strengthen connections with students and families. The successful candidate will bring vision, structure, and collaboration to the role, building systems for onboarding, mentorship, and professional development. With a focus on aligning curriculum and teaching practices with Hausner’s mission, the head of lower school will advance academic initiatives, SEL, and community engagement, contributing to the school’s vibrant and inclusive culture. This is an exciting opportunity for a visionary leader to guide Hausner’s Lower School into a bright future. The position begins on July 1, 2025, and reports directly to the Head of School.

12M & Ed Tech Recruiting is running the search on behalf of Hausner. Applications received by February 14th will receive priority review.  For application instructions and the full job opportunity statement, please visit:

                  www.12MRecruiting.com/jobs/Hausner/HLS  

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Priority Deadline: February 14, 2025

Remote Semifinal Round: Week of March 10

On-site Final Round: Week of March 24

Decision Announced: April 7, 2025

Start Date: July 1, 2025

Salary Range: $175,000–$200,000*

Reports To: Head of School

Classification: Full-time, Exempt

 

*A job offer will typically fall in the range of 80%-120% of the established mid-point. An offer will take into consideration the experience of the final candidate and the equity of individuals working in a similar role at Hausner.

 

SPECIFIC DUTIES

Divisional Oversight 

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the lower school academic program, including scheduling, allocating resources, and ensuring smooth coordination of instructional activities and support services.
• Ensure the implementation of a cohesive and engaging program for lower school students that follows an agreed upon scope and sequence and provides access and challenge for every learner.
• Oversee formative and summative assessments of student performance against established learning goals including on-going data collection, portfolio assessments, and student report cards.

 

Faculty & Staff Leadership

• Explicitly support the professional growth of the lower school faculty in order to provide a model for lifelong learning for students, to provide career fulfillment to teachers, and to infuse the learning community with expertise.
• Plan and lead division, grade level team, and individual meetings with faculty that support the success of our students by elevating the expertise in the community while nurturing collaboration and cohesion in the lower school division.
• Lead, facilitate, and plan an array of professional development opportunities for staff—from informal classroom observations to all-school in-service events.
• Partner with the leadership team on the recruitment, hiring, and support of new faculty in the division.

 

External Affairs 

• Build strong relationships with parents, guardians, and students in Hausner’s Lower School in order to promote positive experiences in the school community.
• Partner with other administrators in the planning and implementation of community experiences at the school.
• Support parents and guardians to develop their understanding of the school’s purpose and programs including through Back to School Night, parent enrichment events, and in individual meetings.
• Support the work of the admissions office in their efforts to recruit and retain new students and their families to the school community.

 

General Leadership & Administration

• As a collaborative member of the leadership team, develop and implement curriculum and program initiatives that advance the strategic directions of the school.
• Work with the administrative team to strategically manage the resources allocated to the implementation of the lower school program including budgets, supplies, and schedules.
• Report to the head of school, and perform other duties as assigned.

 

QUALIFICATIONS AND QUALITIES

Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred
• Understanding of child development that guide decisions for a lower school program
• Leadership experience in curriculum and/or pedagogy, preferably at a K-8 school
• Experience guiding parents and guardians on sensitive student-related matters
• Multiple years of experience as an elementary or middle school teacher, preferably at a progressive school
• Demonstrated success in working collaboratively and flexibly with colleagues, staff, parents, volunteers, and the broader community
• Familiarity with Jewish culture and traditions, or eagerness to learn and understand these principles and integrate these into the school’s programming

 

Personal and Leadership Qualities

• Capacity to build supportive relationships with individuals and teams while leading through the challenges and opportunities in the life of a school
• Tendency toward a problem-loving, empathetic, joyful, inclusive, and mission-driven leadership style
• An interest in developing leadership capacity in yourself and others
• Outstanding communication, both written and verbal
• A genuine commitment in Hausner’s mission and an excitement to join a supportive community of educators, staff, and administrators

 

TO APPLY

For more information please visit the following link, which contains the job opportunity statement and complete application instructions.

                  www.12MRecruiting.com/jobs/Hausner/HLS