Head of School

Trailhead Virtual Academy is a tuition-free online public school serving Idaho students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Our program helps students build strong academic foundations while discovering their interests, developing real-world skills, and exploring future career possibilities. Through engaging learning experiences and supportive teachers, students gain the confidence and direction they need for the next stage of their education.

The Head of School (HOS) serves as the operational and administrative leader of the virtual school. In conjunction with the leadership team, The HOS is responsible for the implementation and achievement of the school’s academic vision, student advancement and daily operations within the school. The HOS will work collaboratively to ensure successful academic outcomes for all students while employing long-term instructional sustainability measures involving professional development, teacher quality assessment, curriculum, and pedagogical advancement.

About the Opportunity

• Provide leadership exhibiting professionalism and high academic standards that celebrate student and staff achievements
• Manage and lead the school leadership team in the day to day operation of the school
• Collaborate with the school Board of Trustees on implementation of school vision and mission, school decisions and policy creation
• Manage regulatory complexities and political sensitivities with the board, state department of education, and local, state, and national political stakeholders
• Develop plans and policies for the educational program and ensures policies and programs are carried out appropriately by all students, parents, and staff
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal laws
• Collaborate in the development and management of the school budget with the ACCEL Finance team
• Oversee implementation of the school marketing and enrollment plans directed by ACCEL to achieve and maintain enrollment capacity
• Serve as public relations liaison between ACCEL and the school community; engage community and civic groups to support school programs and the school community
• Ensure school program are in alignment with authorizing agency requirements
• Effectively recruit, hire, and retain highly qualified staff; develop effective staff members through an ongoing evaluation process and professional development
• Create and foster a positive school culture by involving school staff, community leaders, students and parents
• Serve as the school's instructional leader and ensure data is being used to drive all academic decisions
• Ensure teaching staff implements the instructional model, curriculum, supplemental curriculum, effective assessments, and targeted instruction to meet the individual needs of each student in collaboration with national team members
• Ensure maintenance of school census data, attendance data, and other reporting requirements as mandated by the state and/or school sponsor
• Coordinate school level response to any audits
• Ensure school and office security and emergency plans meet requirements
• Coordinate school technology efforts and make recommendations for improvement in collaboration with national team
• Maintain current knowledge of state specific school report card/accountability components and ensure all needed programming is in place to support achievement of those components
• Ensure creation and consistent review/updating of parent and student manuals, policies, and handbooks.
• Effectively communicate the school's mission and vision and solicit input from parents and families about school performance, areas for improvement, and their needs
• Engage and build strong professional relationships with parents, characterized by timely and regular communications, involving parents, wherever possible in the life of the school
• Contribute to a positive climate and culture by exhibiting high professional standards
• Understand, accept, abide by, and implement the school's philosophy and mission statement in all school activities
• Coordinate special projects, such as peer mentoring, service learning and community involvement
• Ensure student orientation and onboarding programs meet the needs of students, family, and staff
• Other duties as assigned

About You

• Idaho residency preferred
• Must hold Idaho Administrative Licensure
• Master’s Degree in Education or a closely related field or Education Administrative Experience
• At least 10 years of experience in Education, 5 years’ experience as K-12 administrator
• Three or more years of experience working in an online school in an instructional role
• Knowledge of State Standards and Common Core Standards
• Knowledge of State School Accountability/Report Card Components
• Knowledge of state specific education code
• Exemplary written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work well under pressure as well as effectively prioritize and execute tasks to meet deadlines consistently
• Understanding of and ability to manage confidential information
• Understanding of best practices for instructional strategies
• Prior experience in online learning and research
• Understanding of distance learning methodology, measurement and implementation
• Understanding of employee evaluation in a corporate / non-profit setting
• Superb communication and community-building skills
• Deep knowledge of curriculum development and program design
• A record of success in operating not / for profit business
• A record of success in building community partnerships and fundraising
• Entrepreneurial passion
• Knowledge of school / non-profit management
• Ability to pass state and federal background checks

About Us

“We believe that every child should be able to be anything they want in life, regardless of their birthplace and circumstances.” – Ron Packard, CEO & Founder

ACCEL Schools is a network of 80+ high-performing, public charter schools serving PK-12 students. We proudly advocate for school choice and work to address educational inequities throughout the United States. Our schools are inclusive and widely differ to reflect the unique values of the many urban, suburban, and rural communities we serve. Our brick-and-mortar, virtual, and hybrid schools specialize in closing educational gaps and offer innovative models such as career-technical education, sports training, bilingual programming, and more. We have been recognized and praised by legislators, authorizers, and researchers for providing exceptional education options to students in historically under-resourced communities.

 We offer the following benefits:

 Life benefits – time & peace of mind

• Paid time off
• Retirement contributions
• Optional Basic Life and AD&D insurance
• Voluntary life insurance (employee, spouse, child)
• Discounted childcare at Early Learning Academies locations

Health benefits – stay well & thrive

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary short-term disability insurance
• Voluntary long-term disability insurance

Career benefits – keep growing

• Career advancement opportunities throughout Pansophic Learning and our strong network of 4,000+ instructors and education professionals

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is our policy to abide by all federal, state and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination based solely on a person’s race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth, physical disability, mental and/or intellectual disability, age, military status, veteran status (including protected veterans), marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other protected status except where a reasonable, bona fide occupational qualification exists.

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