Careers

Overview of Havern School

For more than 50 years, Havern School has been one of the only K-8 private schools in the country that offers an intervention-based model for students with diagnosed learning disabilities so they receive therapeutic services as a fully integrated part of their daily academic curriculum through middle school. 

Our students, who range in age from 5 to 14 years and have a diagnosed learning disability, are benefitted by a 4:1 student-to-staff ratio and a faculty of master teachers, occupational therapists, speech/language pathologists, psychologists, and a strong, supportive community who work together to provide a comprehensive program of daily intervention services. 

Since 1966, Havern has provided a caring, vibrant community where bright children with learning disabilities can reach their full academic potential. We serve an average of 90 students who experience challenges such as expressive language disorder, receptive language disorder, specific learning disorder in math (dyscalculia), writing (dysgraphia) and reading (dyslexia), as well as children with learning difficulties related to ADHD, executive functioning, processing speed, working memory and gross and fine motor skills. 

The new head of school will join a talented and dedicated faculty of 40 full and part-time staff who will welcome strong leadership, open communication, collaborative problem solving, and a commitment to developing best practices. Retaining excellent faculty and developing opportunities for teachers to hone their expertise will be a top priority to ensure the continued strength and excellence of the Havern School program. Havern’s board of trustees places a high strategic priority on attracting, retaining and developing top educators and therapists. 

The retiring head of school leaves a strong legacy of team-building over her 28 years at Havern. The new Head of School will find an experienced administrative team consisting of the Business Manager, Director of Education, Director of Enrollment Management and Social Media Marketing, Director of Development and School Secretary. 

Who Should Apply: Desired Qualities and Qualifications

We are seeking a person who is passionate and knowledgeable about serving children with learning disabilities. We are seeking a candidate who can provide a grounded understanding of curriculum to complement the knowledge of our staff who have expertise in learning disabilities intervention.

The ideal candidate will offer most or all of the following:

Leadership and Personal Qualities 

• A warm and compassionate leader who is always ready to engage with students, faculty and parents and who enjoys and is talented at relationship and community building 
• A decisive and strategic thinker 
• A person who displays empathy and understanding for students who learn differently 
• An innovative, nimble thinker who brings ingenuity to problem solving 
• A leader who can concisely articulate a transition process to staff, parents and community 
• An educator who supports and develops excellence in teaching and the continual professional growth of the faculty 
• An effective communicator who values transparency and open communication with all school constituencies

Professional Qualities 

• Excellent academic credentials, including an advanced degree, and evidence of a commitment to lifelong learning 
• Excellent management skills, including a demonstrated ability to hire well, delegate effectively, communicate with clarity, and foster buy-in to a clearly articulated leadership vision 
• Experience working as an independent school administrator or a teacher, preferably with students with learning disabilities 
• A demonstrated ability to mentor, evaluate and develop talented administrators, faculty and staff members 
• An understanding of independent school governance and nonprofit management 
• Significant experience working with a board of trustees, particularly in the areas of budgeting, finance and fundraising 

The Search Process and Application Requirements

Applicants should submit no later than Feb. 15, 2019, the following: 

• A cover letter indicating why they are particularly interested in and qualified for the position. If desired, the cover letter may address the number of years of experience working with students with learning disabilities, as well as the type of work performed, salary requirements, if any, and any other information highlighting the desired qualities set forth above 
• A current résumé 
• A statement of educational philosophy 
• Other supporting material (e.g., articles or speeches) that would be useful to the search committee 
• The names, addresses and telephone numbers of three references (We will obtain permission from candidates before contacting references.) 

These materials should be transmitted via email attachment to Laura Love at llove@groundfloormedia.com with the subject line “Havern School Search.” No phone calls please. Finalists will be invited to Havern School for a more comprehensive series of visits and interviews. The board anticipates selecting a new Head of School on or before March 31, 2019.