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Upper School Academic Director

The Quad Preparatory School
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The Quad Preparatory School
Upper School Academic Director
2024-2025 School Year (updated January 2024)

Classification: Exempt
Reports to: Founder & Head of School

At Quad Prep, we are on a mission — to transform the lives of neurodiverse, twice-exceptional people by redefining the experience of school. Through the collective, collaborative, and empathic work of our teachers and clinicians, we are empowering our students to engage with the exciting and wonderful diversity of this world. 

As we enter our 12th year, we are excited to welcome fellow innovators and collaborative colleagues to our team to be a part of this inspiring and impactful mission. At Quad Prep, a New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) Accredited School, we are eager to create challenging and engaging learning experiences for our students, to seek diverse perspectives, and to work together to continuously refine and redefine best practices in neurodiverse education. The Quad Preparatory School actively seeks to advance diversity through its programs and hiring.

Who We Are

(If Quad Prep is for you, you'll read what's below and feel, "That's me!")

At Quad Prep, we are guided by values that we hold dear and we have developed an innovative set of practices to meet our mission. We are:

Groundbreaking: We ignite our students’ talents and are passionate about their futures. You are:

  • Passionate about our work and our mission
  • Creative and excited about reaching each and every learner in new ways
  • Excited to help create new, evidence-based best practices in this rapidly evolving field
  • Able to set high expectations of both students and yourself and discover ways to meet them

Collaborative:  We function with an exceedingly deep degree of collaboration. You:

  • Communicate effectively with colleagues
  • Seek to understand yourself and others in order to welcome new perspectives 
  • Are generous of spirit and willing to give and receive feedback and input freely
  • Are kind, welcoming, and inclusive

Trustworthy:  We are steadfast and are accountable to our students and each other. You:

  • Can be counted on to do what you say you will do
  • Have a high level of ownership for personal and team results
  • Can purposefully develop skills to find success in your work and our learning community
  • Ask for support when you need it
  • Project an unflappable, firm, and kind presence to our staff and students

Constantly Learning and Growing:  We value continued growth and learning. You:

  • Seek opportunities to learn and grow in your professional practice
  • Support colleagues by sharing best practices and nurturing their learning
  • Help the organization grow and improve by developing and sharing new ideas and approaches

Resourceful:  At Quad Prep, we dig deep to meet our mission. You: 

  • Are highly effective and dedicated 
  • Show initiative
  • Display good judgment and sensibility
  • Excellent at supporting staff, students, and families  

Flexible:  At Quad Prep, we never give up on each other and are driven by the ethos of “not if, but how.”   You are:

  • Open to new ideas
  • Nimble in fluid, changing environments
  • Excited by growth, change, and innovation

 

The Quad Preparatory School seeks a creative, innovative educator to solidify, monitor, oversee and continually refine the integrated delivery of the academic curriculum, teaching and learning, faculty affairs, student affairs and parental involvement at the Upper School and assure the success of the integrated, personalized model of the school.  The Upper School Academic Director (the Academic Director) works closely with the Head of School and is in a collaborative co-leadership position with the Upper School Clinical Director (Clinical Director)— both oversee the day-to-day operations of the Upper School.  This position represents an opportunity to lead a dynamic, energetic, committed and highly collaborative staff in expanding its vision and program design. 

Expectations:

Institutional Leadership

  • Mission
    • Embody and model the mission, values and philosophy of the school at all times 
    • Actively promote Quad Prep & 2e Education in the greater community 
  • Community, Culture & Belonging
    • Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the school
    • Work to create a culture of care and belonging
  • Presence
    • Be an active and visible presence in the US 
    • Fully participate in the life of the school 
  • Communication 
    • Ensure prompt and regular communication with all school constituencies
    • Oversee that the entire school community is regularly kept informed of various school programs and activities. 
    • Represent the school mission and culture in all communications
    • Communicate confidently and effectively in communications ranging from individual meetings to public speaking.
  • Collaboration
    • Partner with the Head of School and leadership in all aspects of running the Upper School.
    • Promote and model effective collaboration in working with colleagues.
    • Support and cultivate integrative practices that are foundational to Quad’s model.

Divisional Leadership

  • Curriculum 
    • Oversee and continually evaluate the academic curriculum of the school
    • Maintain a deep and thorough knowledge of the scope, sequence and aspirations of each academic department 
    • Ensure vertical articulation from one level to the next and alignment to state standards/instructional objectives of the school
    • Ensure academic curriculum continuity within and across subjects
    • Lead curriculum implementation that corresponds to diagnostic assessment data.
    • Observe, supervise, and evaluate the academic faculty in the development and implementation of the academic curriculum.
    • Stay informed of current trends/research related to curriculum and instruction, particularly innovative models and methods 
  • Instruction
    • Provide vision for and supervise academic teaching and learning 
    • Oversee grading, report cards, and academic records
    • Plan and produce school assemblies, programs and family events that showcase the curriculum and highlight student accomplishments
    • Oversee the assessment and testing program
    • Oversee the Academic Advisement programs of the school.
    • Lead course selection process, including any diagnostic testing that may be required for placement.
    • Prepare a master school class schedule and assign teachers and students to classes and other obligations (in collaboration with the Upper School Clinical Director and the Director of Harbor Green Transitions executing the high-level vision of the Head of School). 
    • Chair regular meetings with faculty that deal both with curriculum and lesson planning/teaching development and implementation and with the stimulating exchange of ideas on issues of educational/philosophical interest and concern.
  • Integration
    • Fully support the integration model of the school
    • Serve as a role model of academic and clinical integration 
    • Oversee and assist academic staff in collaborating with SEL and clinical staff in all aspects of the integration process
  • Professional Development
    • Provide vision and oversight for a comprehensive professional development program
    • Co-lead weekly professional development and planning for teachers 
    • Create a culture of constant professional development
    • Monitor individual professional development, goal-setting and evaluation
    • Create and present Professional Development workshops for staff in consultation with the Head of School and the Clinical Director
    • As directed by the Head of School, teach in the 2e certificate program
  • Families
    • Oversee all US family communication in collaboration with the communications team (written, printed, and online)
    • Maintain positive and direct contact with the parent body, establishing open lines of communication and developing strong, supportive relationships
    • Demonstrate the partnership relationship with families by being immediately responsive to questions or concerns
  • Students
    • Ensure a personalized learning program that is tailored to the needs of each student. 
    • Listen and respond to student concerns in a timely manner
  • Admissions & reenrollment 
    • Play a key role in ensuring a successful admissions and re-enrollment process with the Head of School and the admissions team including testing, interviewing and evaluating applicants and communicating with families. 
  • Colleagues
    • Inspire and support the academic staff of the Upper School
    • Supervise and direct the activities of the Associate Academic Directors, Deans, long-tenured teaching staff, as well as the department and prep coordinators
    • Oversee the evaluation and supervision of all US teachers
    • Clearly communicate teacher expectations and the effective implementation of their assigned duties 
    • Make recommendations to the Head of School on the hiring, retention, and assignment of divisional faculty and staff
  • Operations & Events
    • Plan and oversee the production of family events that showcase the curriculum and highlight student accomplishments including assemblies, conferences and Back to School night.  
    • Assist in maintaining a comprehensive calendar of school events 
    • Support marketing and fundraising efforts

DESIRED SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, QUALITIES AND TRAITS

Personal Qualities

  • Strong belief that one’s work can and should make a difference in the world
  • Mission driven with a strong commitment to excellence
  • Capable of creative innovation within a strong model
  • Unflappable with a warm and caring demeanor
  • Confident and yet humble
  • Flexible and resilient
  • Committed to diversity, inclusion and equity
  • Willingness and ability to be decisive and hold members of the community accountable to the school’s values and policies

Leadership Traits 

  • An inspiring leader who eloquently embodies and communicates the school’s values and mission
  • One who is eager to embrace educational and clinical integration and innovation 
  • A motivating, community builder who will lead in the spirit of deep respect for individual difference
  • An educator with ambitious goals and a commitment to transformational practice 
  • A professional with a work ethic that is rigorous, exemplary, ambitious, flexible, collaborative and responsive.

Skills and Experiences 

  • An understanding of, commitment to, and/or experience with twice-exceptional, special and gifted education 
  • An understanding of and experience with personalized learning models and the use of technology in practice
  • Proven excellence in academic leadership
  • Outstanding administrative and managerial skills, including the ability to hire equitably, mentor and evaluate effectively, and enforce standards of accountability 
  • Exceptional listening and communication skills, including the ability to be clear, direct, authentic, and open to the ideas of others 
  • Fluid and highly developed speaking and writing skills
  • Familiarity with the New York City independent school world and/or experience in a similar urban educational environment 
  • Conversant with the use G Suite and Veracross a plus

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND PROCESS

  • Letter of Interest addressed to the Search Committee
  • Current resume
  • Statement of Educational Philosophy
  • A list of five or more professional references with contact information (including phone numbers and email addresses)
  • Up to three letters of reference (optional)

Work Environment: 

This job operates in a school setting. The school is located on the fifth and sixth floors of a building with an elevator. This role requires working in various locations around the school and occasional travel to the Lower School campus approximately two blocks away.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and listen. This position is active and involves continuous standing, walking, and climbing stairs. The employee must be able to lift and/or move items above or around 100 pounds. Typing is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work: 

This is a full-time exempt position in an educational facility that is open eight hours a day. Teachers, psychosocial teachers, and staff clinicians work ten months out of the year according to the academic calendar (late August to late June). Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required. In general, though, hours are Monday-Friday 8am - 4pm. 

Compensation and Benefits: 

Compensation is dependent upon experience and degree obtained. 

At Quad Prep full-time (or over 30 hours per week) employees will have access to a full range of benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; pre-tax transit and dependent care accounts; a 401K match and student loan repayment contributions (after one year of employment); and a range of professional development opportunities, including our First Year Support Program for all new facility and staff; our Leadership Development Institute for those wishing to gain supervisory experience; and a full tuition waiver for candidates wishing to participate in our annual Certificate Program in Meeting the Needs of Twice-Exceptional Students.

All staff will engage with colleagues in our ongoing staff wellness groups, relax at our social events, and collaborate in meaningful work as a valued member of our voluntary groups, including our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Taskforce; our Staff Ambassador Program; and our Peer Mentorship Program.

Want to learn more about Quad Prep? Connect with us! 

***Note that all employees are required to be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19. Medical and Religious Exemptions may be provided.***

 

ADA/AAP/EEO Statement: The Quad Preparatory School is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. We take steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact our People and Culture department at peopleandculture@quadprep.org.

The Quad Preparatory School is based on an inclusive philosophy that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital status, creed, sexual orientation, familial status, citizenship, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by law in its hiring procedures and policies.