Description
The WISE K-9 Charter School (formerly the Waldorf Independent School of Edmonton) is seeking a dynamic and visionary candidate for the part-time position of Superintendent. Situated in the vibrant city of Edmonton, Alberta, the WISE boasts a rich history of providing a holistic Waldorf education that nurtures the development of the whole child.
The Waldorf pedagogy emphasizes educating the whole child through Head, Heart, and Hands with a keenly developmental understanding of the students. Our goal is to help each child realize their full potential while nurturing through the development of a wide range of skills balancing academics, arts, and experiential outdoor learning for our students. In this way, a lifelong love of learning is cultivated by nourishing the spirit of curiosity. The school enrolls 180 students from Kindergarten to Grade 9, has an annual operating budget of approximately $2.7 million, and employs 28 staff members. Please visit The WISE Charter School for more information about the school. Learn more about Alberta Public Charter schools via Alberta Education Charter School page.
Role of the WISE Charter School Superintendent:
The part-time Superintendent will provide leadership to our school community, overseeing educational and operational aspects in alignment with Waldorf principles and Alberta Education legislation and regulations. The successful candidate will demonstrate a profound understanding of educational leadership, administrative acumen, and a willingness to embrace the unique aspects of Waldorf pedagogy.
Overview
This part-time position has an FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) to be determined upon hire between 0.2 - 0.4 FTE. The WISE Charter School Superintendent is the Chief Executive Officer of the WISE Charter School Board and the WISE Charter School. Reporting directly to the Board, the Superintendent is accountable for the conduct and operation of the school, with all Board authority delegated through this role. Designated as the FOIP head under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Superintendent must fulfill the functions and exercise the powers legislated by the Education Act and other provincial legislation, carrying out duties assigned by the WISE Charter School Board.
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Education degree
Permanent Alberta Teaching Certificate
Superintendent Leadership Certificate and CASS Membership or eligibility to obtain
Master’s degree
Experience working in Waldorf education or willingness to embrace the principles of Waldorf pedagogy and collaborative leadership model
Minimum of 3 years' successful experience in an educational leadership role in Alberta or equivalent
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective relationships
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in education
A valid criminal record check and child welfare (vulnerable sector) check will be required from the successful candidate.
Areas of Responsibility:
Leadership and School Culture
Builds effective relationships and networks that promote a culture that nurtures student engagement and well-being
Ensures all students and staff enjoy a welcoming, caring, respectful, and safe learning environment that values diversity and fosters belonging
Promotes a leadership style that is based on partnership and collaboration across all levels of the school community
Prioritizes a shared vision for student success among all stakeholders
Establishes and maintains a productive relationship with the board, characterized by mutual trust, respect, and integrity
Supports the integration of learning spaces and teaching practices that reflect and celebrate Indigenous ways of being, knowing, and learning
Leads the school in sustainable practices that reflect the WISE Charter School’s commitment to environmental stewardship and experiential learning
Policy and Governance
Upholds the vision and mission of the school, ensuring the charter guides decision-making at all levels
Assists the Board in developing, communicating, and implementing policies and procedures to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the school
Provides information and advice to the Board to support its members in exercising their duties as Trustees
Ensures that policies, legislation, and local requirements are aligned with Waldorf educational principles, ensuring congruence between provincial educational standards and Waldorf pedagogy
Ensures the WISE Charter School operates in compliance with all legal, Ministerial, and Board policies and timelines
Complies with duties and obligations assigned by the Minister of Education and the WISE Charter Board
Ensures the development and maintenance of an Administrative Procedures Manual consistent with Board policy and provincial regulations
Adheres to FOIP requirements and establishes protocols for the retention and release of records
Communications and Community Relations
Ensures internal and external communications are open, transparent, accurate, and positive
Reports to the Minister on matters required by the Education Act and provincial legislation
Works closely with Indigenous partners and First Nations rights holders to ensure the school adopts Indigenous ways of knowing while decolonizing its curriculum and processes
Promotes the school’s unique educational programs, particularly those that emphasize experiential learning, arts, and environmental stewardship, central to Waldorf education
Organizational Leadership
Works closely with the Principal and WISE Administration, who report directly to the Superintendent, under the guidance and direction of the Superintendent
Attends monthly Board meetings, making recommendations and providing accurate information and reports for informed collaborative decision-making
Defines processes for gathering, analyzing, and using data for informed, collaborative decision-making
Develops, implements, and monitors change processes to build capacity to serve students
Ensures the adherence to regulations and codes for school operations
Maintains accurate fiscal reporting
Optimizes human, material, and financial resources to effectively ensure student success
Leading Learning
Organizes and runs school in accordance with the philosophy, vision, and mission stipulated by the WISE Charter Society and Board policies
Leads the development and implementation of a Waldorf-inspired curriculum that emphasizes creativity, personal growth, and holistic learning
Encourages focus on activities and teachings that align with the distinct developmental stages of students, supporting their age-appropriate emotional and cognitive growth
Fosters interdisciplinary teaching approaches that integrate arts, sciences, and humanities, reflecting the interconnectedness of knowledge
Integrates environmental stewardship into learning, encouraging students to connect with and care for the natural world as part of their educational journey
Promotes student-centered learning environments that encourage self-expression, imaginative play, and emotional resilience
Ensures each student has access to an educational program that meets their personalized learning needs
Commits to support Indigenous ways of being, knowing, and learning
Identifies assessment practices to support instruction as well as to provide evidence of student learning
Establishes opportunities for educators to continually learn and implement innovative best practices, integrating Waldorf pedagogical principles and teacher training
Establishes mentorship programs where experienced Waldorf educators guide newer teachers through the nuances of Waldorf pedagogy, ensuring consistency and depth in educational delivery
Prioritizes and supports comprehensive professional development opportunities for the staff by inviting in knowledgeable experts from Waldorf education methodologies, general educational fields, and surrounding Indigenous communities
Leadership Development and Employee Engagement
Exhibits a commitment to a collaborative leadership model based on mutual trust, respect, and integrity
Works respectfully within the framework of collective and contractual agreements
Enables the school to attract, hire, and retain skilled leaders and employees committed to learning
Recognizes strengths, and motivates staff to work to their potential to achieve school goals
Contributes to building leadership capacity within the WISE Charter school
Holds authority and responsibility for all personnel-related matters unless precluded by legislation or Board policies
Salary and Benefits:
The WISE Superintendent is a salaried position. The salary range responds to the FTE, and the base salary range set out in the Superintendent of Schools Regulation. The employee is responsible for tracking their hours and flexing their time accordingly. Joining the benefits program is optional.
Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed beginning 4:00 pm MST on July 10th, 2024.
Submission: Please email resume, cover letter, and three professional references (preferably including one trustee). Please provide phone contact information for references, as well as qualifying documents and certifications listed above to: Attention Steven Barnett, WISE Charter Board President, at lht@thewise.ca.
We wish to thank all applicants for their interest in The WISE Charter School. Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
