Headmaster

Job Description

The Headmaster leads the faculty and staff of Chesterton Academy of St. Michael the Defender in bringing the school's mission and vision to life in the day-to-day operations of the school. As guardian of our school's mission and curator of our academic community and culture, the Headmaster plays a crucial role in creating a vibrant and joyful environment that attracts and retains students and families. He/she serves as the lead teacher and leader of our faculty and is responsible for guiding our faculty as they provide a learning environment that is faithful to our Catholic identity, the mission of the school, and the Chesterton Schools Network model and curriculum. He/she plays a key role in the formation of teachers as Catholic classical educators and in inspiring enthusiasm for classical Catholic education in general and for Chesterton Academy of the Immaculata in particular among all stakeholders in our community.

To fulfill these responsibilities, the Headmaster will ideally possess the following characteristics:

Understanding of, enthusiasm for, and skill in implementing the Church's educational mission

Extensive experience as a Catholic classical educator

Ability to teach most courses in the Chesterton Schools Network curriculum

Exemplary verbal and written communication skills

Ability to adapt to challenges with a spirit of magnanimity and good humor

Compassionate and empathetic interpersonal and conflict resolution skills

Enthusiasm for the education of teenage students

Commitment to his/her own intellectual, professional, and spiritual growth and development

A positive and energetic approach to his/her responsibilities

Commitment to maintaining a joyful school community and learning environment

A vibrant personal prayer life

The Headmaster exercises leadership in the following domains:

CATHOLIC CULTURE

Fully embrace and support the school's mission in word and deed, modeling through personal example a life of prayer and fidelity to the teachings of the Catholic Church

Oversee teacher and student faith formation through liturgical and sacramental opportunities, retreats, etc.

Ensure that Catholic doctrine is being upheld throughout all aspects of the school's curriculum, policies, and programming

Develop positive relationships with local clergy and religious who support the school's mission

CURRICULUM AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Understand, support, and promote the vision of the Chesterton Schools Network curriculum

Ensure teachers are trained, prepared, and equipped to implement the Chesterton Schools Network curriculum with all necessary materials and resources

Participate in Chesterton Schools Network curriculum discussions and headmaster calls

Review grade books and ensure faculty are current on inputting grades and returning graded work to students

Promote intellectual virtue, academic integrity, and academic excellence within the school community

Promote the Franciscan University of Steubenville Academic Partnership with our current and prospective families

TEACHER FORMATION

Oversee faculty hiring, management, evaluation, rehires, terminations, and teaching assignments

Cultivate a faculty of friends through thoughtful professional development programming that helps faculty grow in their own learning, their understanding of Catholic classical pedagogy, and their appreciation of the spirit of G.K. Chesterton

Meet with teachers regularly to address issues of pedagogy and instruction, such as pacing, adherence to the curriculum, workload, classroom management, and goal-setting.

Conduct frequent classroom observations of faculty members as part of their evaluation process

STUDENT LIFE AND DISCIPLINE

Ensure disciplinary policies are consistent with the school's mission of forming joyful disciples of Christ

Annually review and update the family handbook

Oversee extracurricular activities and athletic programming, ensuring quality and fidelity to the school's mission

Ensure effectiveness of the Chesterton house system

PARENT PARTNERSHIPS

Distribute a weekly newsletter communication to parents

Establish policies and protocols for communication with parents regarding student progress and behavior

Promote and uphold the school's disciplinary, uniform, and academic policies

Create effective community programming that engages parents in the life of the school

ADMISSIONS, ENROLLMENT, AND DEVELOPMENT

Actively engage in the recruitment of new students through participation in admissions events

Work with the admissions team to review prospective student applications

Deliver presentations to prospective parents and students at open houses and selected school events

Assist the Board of Trustees with fundraising and donor relations through participation in fundraising events

TEACHING RESPONSIBILITIES

Teach up to two classes within the Chesterton curriculum

Serve as primary substitute teacher in case of teacher absences

OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

Ensure safety of and supervises use of school grounds and facilities, developing emergency preparedness plans, and liaising with building owner to ensure facility upkeep

In consultation with the Board of Trustees, develop and administer a school budget, supervise school finance, and monitor expenditure of funds

Relationships within the Administrative Model

The Headmaster maintains the following working relationships:

The Headmaster is hired by and reports directly to the Board of Trustees.

The Headmaster is a part of and works closely in collaboration with the school's growing executive team.

The Headmaster has a supervisory relationship with the faculty and staff.

Qualifications

The Headmaster must be a practicing Roman Catholic and demonstrate a commitment to Catholic secondary education. He/she must be prepared to take an Oath of Fidelity to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church.

Other qualifications include:

Bachelor's degree (Master's preferred);

Teaching experience (classical school environment preferred);

Experience in secondary school leadership or administration (preferred); and

To Apply

Applications should include:

A cover letter explaining how your experience exemplifies the leadership we seek

A curriculum vitae

Three professional references with names, relationship, phone number, and email address

One pastoral reference

About the Employer

Chesterton Academy of St. Michael the Defender is a new, independent classical high school in the Catholic tradition opening in the Shenandoah Valley (our desired location in or nearby Weyers Cave, VA), in Fall 2025. Inspired by the beauty and richness of the Catholic faith, Chesterton Academy seeks to form young men and women to be joyful saints. By introducing them to great thinkers such as Socrates, Thomas Aquinas and Dante, and by forming them in a distinctly Catholic culture, we lead students to choose for themselves the adventure of being a disciple of Christ.