Careers At The New School
The New School is a progressive, independent high school located in Kennebunk, Maine. As a democratic school, we emphasize student-driven learning, fostering an environment where students are empowered to take responsibility for their education. Our holistic approach integrates experiential learning, community involvement, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
We are currently hiring for the following positions. All positions are on-site.
HEAD OF SCHOOL
Our community is seeking a dynamic Head of School to provide the overall vision and direction for the school. Preference will be given to applications received by May 9, 2025. The application will remain open until the position is filled.
Position Overview: The Head of School will provide strategic leadership to advance the school’s mission and vision by enacting and embodying participatory democracy through leadership of All School and Student Meetings; modeling the process of consensus building; and using community decision-making and diplomacy as pedagogical elements to help students understand democratic principles.
This individual will be responsible for overall school operations, including academic programming, student recruitment, financial management, fundraising, and community engagement. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in school administration, a passion for progressive education, and the ability to cultivate a collaborative and inclusive school culture.
Key Responsibilities:
Organizational Leadership:
- Uphold and communicate The New School’s mission and philosophy within and outside of the school
- Ensure that families, students, and faculty receive orientation and training to understand The New School’s philosophy and approach
- Develop and implement a strategic plan to increase student enrollment and ensure the school’s long-term financial sustainability
- Collaborate with faculty, staff, and the Board of Trustees to uphold and advance the school’s mission and values
- Attend monthly All School Meetings and serve as a resource to committees
- Attend Board of Directors meetings and serve as a resource to the Board
Enrollment:
- Design and execute effective student recruitment and retention strategies, moving toward full capacity (38 students)
- Build relationships with prospective students and families, clearly articulating the value of The New School’s educational approach
- Administer financial aid
Financial Oversight:
- Develop and manage the school’s budget in alignment with strategic goals
- Identify and pursue diverse revenue streams, including fundraising, grants, and partnerships
- Oversee financial operations to ensure transparency and fiscal responsibility
- Overall Budget Creation, Oversight, and Board of Trustees Reporting
- Finance & Bookkeeping Oversight
- Budget Management/Expense Approval
- Donor Stewardship
Community Engagement:
- Create and sustain an environment of mutual respect, high standards, safety, and support for learning
- Build relationships with families
- Foster strong relationships with local organizations, businesses, and the broader community to enhance the school’s presence and reputation
- Engage alumni and parents to build a supportive and active network
- Plan alumni gatherings
- Oversee After School Programs
Operational Management:
- Ensure compliance with all relevant educational regulations and accreditation standards
- Oversee daily school operations, including facilities management and staff supervision
- Maine Department of Education Regulatory, Compliance, and Education Law Requirements
- RSU-21 Earnings Per Share Funding
- Academic Calendar planning
- Capital Equipment Inventory/Management
- Data Services & Technology Oversight
- Facilities & Grounds Oversight
- Local and State Ordinance Tracking and Compliance
- Human Resources Oversight
- Marketing strategy
Educational Leadership
- Oversee/coach the core teaching staff, including community teachers
- Participating in teacher hiring, training, and orientation
- Planning professional development for and evaluation of teaching staff
- Guiding academic advising and curriculum development
- Support faculty in the development and delivery of a student-centered, experiential curriculum
- Determining academic staffing needs
- Coordinate Intensives
- Researching innovative educational models & programs for The New School collaboration
Qualifications:
- Proven experience in educational leadership, preferably in an independent or experiential/progressive school setting
- Demonstrates understanding of and commitment to holistic and democratic education
- Strong background in school operations, including budgeting, enrollment management, and fundraising
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic plans that lead to growth and sustainability
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders
- Commitment to progressive education principles and the ability to foster a democratic, student-centered learning environment
- Preference to candidate with teacher certificate and/or principal certificate
Application Process: Interested candidates should submit the following materials:
- A cover letter expressing interest in the position and outlining qualifications
- A current resume
- A statement of educational philosophy
- Contact information for three professional references
- Download, complete and sign the Job Application
The New School is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and students.
CORE TEACHER
Core teachers are full-time faculty at The New School who work together to provide learning opportunities and act as advisors for students. We ask our teachers to be open, inventive, visionary, practical, and engaged in learning themselves. Above all, we also ask them to trust and support the capacity of young people to be responsible for their own learning.
Core teachers collaborate to provide learning opportunities for all students at TNS. In addition to teaching, their work includes maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment, developing and maintaining community connections, and providing leadership for the school.
Learning Climate
- Be open to learning new things and demonstrate what it means to be an active learner
- Be actively involved in each student’s learning on an individual basis
- Know each student’s learning style and adjust assessment and content accordingly
- Help students become aware of themselves as learners
- Help students to develop a sense of responsibility for their own learning
- Present and accept many points of view
- Display enthusiasm for your subject area
- Communicate clearly and listen well
- Create and inspire a learning environment that supports holistic learning and instruction
Community Connections
- Connect your subject area to real life and other disciplines
- Help students draw connections between class and community
- Plan related field trips or field studies
- Attend retreats and field studies, including overnights
- Inform students of opportunities to learn outside of school (plays, workshops, concerts, lectures, museums, etc)
Curriculum and Assessment
- Design curriculum with student and faculty team input
- Have the ability to pivot and innovate based on student needs and interests – offering real world learning opportunities
- Design assessments and projects with students
- Work with students and faculty team to reflect on and refine curriculum and assessment
- Discuss and set reasonable, measurable expectations for students
- Write a narrative assessment of each student’s performance at the end of each course taught
- Participate in LEAP nights
Leadership, Teamwork, Administration, and School Community
- Lead by example
- Model good citizenship and environmental stewardship
- Help design schedules, courses, and learning experiences
- Plan Giving Back opportunities for students
- Contribute to the weekly newsletter (as appropriate)
- Know the school policies and be able to enforce them
- Administer the Safety Rules as needed
- Serve as a member of a parent team
- Attend Board Meetings and All School Meetings in rotation with other Core Teachers
Advisor
- Teach students how to succeed and get the most out of their experience
- Provide guidance for course selection, Gateway planning, and preparation for graduation
- Support students with independent studies and apprenticeships
- Teach students how to be good citizens in this democratic community
- Teach and promote environmental stewardship
- Support students in their responsibility to clean the building and yard
- Guide students as they create portfolios and/or senior projects
- Participate in and/or facilitate Roundtables
- Help students develop, understand, and uphold “Community Agreements”
- Help students learn skills for conflict resolution
- Support students and families in planning for life after high school
- Maintain positive communication with families and students about student performance
Qualifications
- Certified High School (7-12) teacher (Science, English, Social Studies, Math) in the state of Maine
- Preference given to dual certification
The New School is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and students.
