Opportunity

Opportunity Statement HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL HAMMOND SCHOOL January 2015 hammondschool.org

About the School Hammond School has been the proud leader of independent education in Columbia, South Carolina for nearly 50 years. Serving over 900 students in grades PK-12, Hammond offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum supplemented by robust artistic, athletic, and service components. Hammond’s signature offerings include a school-wide global studies program focusing on a select country each year and an innovative natural history program directed by the school’s naturalist-in-residence.

Hammond was the first independent school in South Carolina to institute a one-to-one iPad initiative across all grades, and is dedicated to furthering its commitment to best practices in the utililzation of technology and its applicability to successful and creative teaching and learning.

Broadly respected for the breadth and depth of its academic program and its success in preparing students for college and beyond, Hammond is well positioned as one of the premier independent schools in the Southeast.

While the school has grown over the years, of particular note and pride within the school community is the strong sense of family that is pervasive across all constituencies. This is a close-knit community of dedicated faculty, students, parents, and alums who are committed to the success of the students and of the school.

Hammond is located in Columbia, the capital city and the heart of a thriving metropolitan area, that boasts a nationally recognized zoo, one of the largest art museums in the area, an award-winning public library, a widely recognized children’s museum, and the University of South Carolina.

Columbia’s prime location is in close proximity to both the mountains and the coast as well as other large metropolitan areas such as Charlotte and Atlanta.

Signature Strengths Education-oriented families find both a multifaceted, robust educational program and a close-knit community. In addition to centers of excellence in academics, the arts, athletics, and service learning, the school is widely recognized for the depth of its experiential programs that promote global and environmental awareness through travel, service, and nature study.

The Hammond Student The Hammond student is bright, creative, and confident. They are motivated to work hard and play hard, and they are proud of their considerable accomplishments. Students attending Hammond are intentionally exposed to varied interests and encouraged to nurture their talents. It is an everyday occurrence to find the student-athlete also excelling in one of the school’s arts programs, or leaving the playing fields to star in a play.

Programs and opportunities unique to the Hammond experience

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The school’s Country of Study program offers an extensive yearlong look at a chosen country, and sends a faculty member from each division for a summer visit. The global focus opens many curricular opportunities and populates the faculty with seasoned world travelers who continue to add depth to this community.

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Early Technology Week is a hands-on, experiential learning opportunity that brings to life primitive technologies by some of the country’s leading experts in the field. This weeklong program for 5th grade students complements their natural studies curriculum and is an eagerly anticipated rite of passage.

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Two years ago, the school embarked on a one-to-one iPad initiative. The first independent school in South Carolina to do so, the program has resulted in innovative ways of teaching and learning. As a result, Hammond has become a role model for other schools in the area of classroom technology.

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Hammond boasts a Naturalist-in-Residence whose primary focus is to expand experiential education opportunities in the natural world. Students as young as four have opportunities to spend time in small group settings exploring the natural world. One of the first faculty members the youngest students meet, and one of the last faculty members graduating seniors spend time with, the school’s naturalist brings a unique flavor to the life of the school.

The Early Technology Center provides students the opportunity to explore the world around them, expanding the classroom past four walls.

The Lower School The Lower School is the cornerstone program of the Hammond experience. A place of joy, enthusiasm, and a love of learning ... the Lower School is the first step in the journey.

The Lower School The Lower School is Hammond’s cornerstone program; one in which the early seeds of life-long learning are sown, lasting friendships are formed, and a deep and abiding love for the school is developed. At this time, Hammond seeks a new Head of Lower School effective July 2015, to lead this joyful community where faculty turnover is low, parental support is strong, and where enthusiasm and excitement for the Hammond experience blossom.

A large percentage of students entering Hammond in the earliest grades continue through graduation, a testament to the importance of the Lower School. Students embark upon a journey of lifelong learning and engage in activities that instruct them socially, emotionally, and intellectually, taking advantage of stimulating learning environments both indoors and outdoors. Indeed, Hammond’s campus features a significant area of natural wetlands that provides a living laboratory for students to investigate.

Teachers at the Lower School employ multiple teaching methods and an assortment of instructional materials and manipulatives. A range of abilities can be accommodated in each classroom and children can achieve at a pace that plays to their strengths. In addition to an emphasis on the core subject areas, students are also exposed to Spanish, natural history, technology, visual arts, drama, music, physical education, and opportunities for service learning. The Lower School has its own library with over 14,000 items and personal computers in addition to iPads.

The Lower School is comprised of seven buildings and ample outdoor space for learning and instruction:

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Two classroom buildings Library Art and Music Building “Kiva” Dining Hall Gymnasium Early Technology Center Courtyard Memorial area for small groups Centrally located 350-seat theatre

The Ideal Candidate The successful candidate for the Head of Lower School at Hammond will demonstrate expertise in team building and individual relationship development with all three constituencies of the Lower School (students, faculty, and parents). The candidate will enthusiastically fulfill job responsibilities and enjoy regular interaction with students, faculty and families. This position is ideal for an individual seeking a collaborative working relationship with a strong faculty and a school administrative team that seeks to take a great school to an even greater level of serving students.

Personal Qualities • Warm, approachable, people-oriented, and inclusive in interactions with others • Visible and involved presence on campus • Consensus builder • Energetic and passionate about working with elementary age students • Promotes growth of faculty and staff • Values a joyful and efficient learning and teaching environment for students and faculty.

• Creates a supportive climate of high morale and promotes an orderly learning environment

Professional Attributes

• Adept at relationship building • Insightful in fostering transparency, trust, and open communication with all constituencies of the school • Astute in developing a trusting, collegial relationship with faculty • Creative at developing pedagogy and a willingness to allow for healthy mistakes as faculty explore and implement new programs • Strong background in technology and the sciences • Experienced in planning and promoting on-going professional development opportunities for faculty • Innovative at supporting differentiation in the classroom to meet the needs of varied learners • Effective at differentiating the Hammond Lower School experience from other local options

Fast Facts CAMPUS SIZE 107-acre suburban campus in Southeast Columbia 112-acre non-contiguous property in Southeast Columbia STUDENT BODY Enrollment: 900/pk-12th 50% boys 50% girls 15% minority STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT 100% college acceptance SAT average: 1843 Typical senior class merit scholarship offerings: $5 million SCHOOL MISSION Hammond School offers a college-preparatory curriculum which promotes the love of learning for a lifetime. The school embraces the Judeo-Christian tradition of moral and ethical values, but respects all religious beliefs and traditions and seeks applicants of all races, religions, and nationalities.

The mission of Hammond School is to instill in students a commitment to academic excellence and recognition of individual potential that will contribute to the development of their characters.

ACCREDITATION The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools National Association for the Education of Young Children

THE LOWER SCHOOL Enrollment: 360 Faculty:

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Adv. Degrees 65% Student/ Teacher Ratio 8:1 Elementary Accreditation National Association for the Education of Young Children

Applying for the Position Interested and qualified candidates should submit electronically as separate documents, the following materials to John Faubert, the search consultant, at jfaubert@carneysandoe.com •

Formal letter of application for the position;

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Current resume;

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Statement of educational philosophy and practice;

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List of at least five references with name, title, phone number and e-mail address of each.