What is a teacher-led school?
Our school operates by representative leadership and consensus. All staff are participants in our decision-making process and our Leadership Team synthesizes and implements these decisions.
decision making through consensus
how does consensus work?
Consensus is the process by which our staff makes group decisions. The process involves graduated voting whereby members can voice concerns. If even one member of our staff feels uncomfortable about that idea, we work together to figure out a solution.
the a-z of teacher led
Takes care of communications, financial responsibilities, human resources, every day running of the school, admissions, on-site support for teachers and students.
Front office support, communications support, every day running of the school, on-site support for teachers and students.
board of directors
Our board is responsible for financial oversight and fundraising.
Oversees curriculum development, admissions, human resources for primary team members, inter-team communication.
Oversee curriculum development, admissions, human resources for elementary team members, inter-team communication.
Liaison between staff and Board.
Part of the teaching team; supports Lead Teacher in class management and curriculum implementation.
Part of the teaching team; in charge of developing curriculum, inter-team communications, class management, student observations, parent communication.
Comprised of the Administrative, Elementary, and Primary Directors. In charge of general school oversight, collaborate on sensitive decisions, implementation of staff decisions.
YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
No Director? Not exactly.
We no longer have one person holding the position of “Head of School” or “Director,” instead the responsibilities that position usually holds are divided up amongst our staff. The role traditionally held by the Director, is now split between three members of our Leadership Team; Abbie Foley, Frances Serrano, and Liza Frolkis. The Leadership Team has taken on tasks involving admissions, finances, human resources, and curriculum development.
how are decisions made?
The Leadership Team is there to implement decisions made by the entire staff during our consensus-based all-staff meetings. Here big-picture and school-wide decisions are presented and every member of our staff has an opportunity to have their voice heard. Sound tiresome? We’ve actually found the opposite! Since the implementation of consensus-based decision making our meetings have been more productive and even shorter!
how do the teachers feel?
Our entire teaching team, from returning staff to new hires, are excited about our new model. Where the traditional model with a director can be very supportive, not being involved in decision-making can reduce teachers to little islands out in the educational ocean all by themselves. Our staff is ready to jump in and help to shape their work environment and work in teams to create vibrant learning for their students as well as consistency across classrooms and age-ranges. We have built-in time throughout the day where our teachers can do the work they need to do, without sacrificing time with their students.
what does this mean for students?
In the day-to-day? Not much. Students still have the same hours in the classroom, the same wonderful and enriching specials, the same dedicated teaching teams, and the same inspiring Montessori materials and curriculum. In the grand scheme of things, however, students can expect more interaction with different classes, more community-building activities and events, and more opportunities for involvement for themselves and their families.
From Our Teachers
Our teacher led school allows me to use my skills and talents beyond the classroom.
We are ready, willing, and able to take on a new role as a collaborative leadership team.