St. Martin’s Episcopal School Atlanta, Georgia Head of School July 1, 2017 www.stmartinschool.org
Philosophy St. Martin’s Believes In: • providing students with the opportunity to reach their highest potential of intellectual achievement, aesthetic appreciation, and physical development. • developing within each student spiritual growth based in the Christian tradition, moral standards, sound judgment in ethical decision-making, and self-discipline. • responsible stewardship, citizenship, and community service. • providing each student with experienced, dedicated teachers and administrators working together in an atmosphere of affection, trust and security. • welcoming all students of diverse backgrounds.
The Position As one of the premier pre-K through eighth grade schools in the Atlanta, area and serving more than 600 students, St. Martin’s Episcopal School stands apart from its competitors. Known for its commitment to educating the mind, body, and spirit; small class sizes that allow for individual attention for every student; and dedicated and caring faculty, St. Martin’s provides both a nurturing environment and a challenging academic experience to the children of Atlanta. The school motto expresses the cornerstone of St. Martin’s philosophy: “Quality education in a Loving Environment.” Informally, members of the school community refer to their school as “large enough to excel and small enough to care.” Students are given opportunities to grow into individuals of character and are encouraged to discover and develop their talents and interests. Faculty are recognized as experts in their fields with a myriad of ongoing opportunities for professional development. St. Martin’s has been awarded a 2016 Top Workplaces honor by the Atlanta JournalConstitution, based on the results of an anonymous employee feedback survey administered by a leading research firm. Alumni don’t end their relationship with the school upon graduation and often share their stories of success or return to campus as guest speakers or mentors. After 17 years of effective leadership, Head of School Dr. James Hamner is departing in the summer of 2017. St. Martin’s now seeks a dynamic and committed Head of School beginning July 1, 2017 to partner with the faculty and the board in continuing to advance the school’s mission and success. The successful candidate will be an articulate spokesperson for the school’s mission and the value of a K-8 environment. The next Head will also bring a motivational personality and a commitment to visibility within and outside the school, will exhibit strategic thinking in terms of admissions and direction for St. Martin’s in the 21st century, and will value St. Martin’s Episcopal identity, upholding its values of openness and inclusivity.
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The School Founded as a preschool by St. Martin in the Fields Church in 1959, St. Martin’s School opened the Elementary School in 1983 and the Middle School in 1992. The first eighth-grade class graduated in 1994. Currently, the school enrolls 612 students on its 8.3-acre campus in DeKalb County’s north Brookhaven neighborhood. St. Martin’s provides a quality education of the whole child in a loving, Christian atmosphere that fosters a lifelong love of learning. A small student/teacher ratio of 11.1:1 allows teachers to know their students individually and to give personal attention and care to each student. Students, parents, faculty, and staff comprise a close-knit community in which they support and respect each other. Its Episcopal identity undergirds the core of the school, and students embrace an honor code, developing a sense of personal integrity and pride in their work. Above all, the dedicated faculty, 46% of whom hold advanced degrees, remain steadfast in their mission to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to be responsible citizens in an increasingly complex and competitive world.
Academics The academic program at St. Martin’s focuses on education of the whole child while providing a wellrounded, 21st century education including STEAM-based curriculum. As part of that mission, the school instills what it identifies as Mission Skills into its program. These essential skills—teamwork, creativity, ethics, resilience, curiosity, and time management—are integrated across a curriculum that is developmentally appropriate and carefully planned to ensure students’ engagement and interest as they progress through the grades. The safe and respectful learning environment at St. Martin’s enables students to be comfortable learning, growing, and taking risks together. They develop a lifelong love for The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
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High School Placement Students who graduate from St. Martin’s have been accepted at the following high schools, among others: • Atlanta International School • Baylor School • Blessed Trinity Catholic High School • Choate Rosemary Hall • Darlington School • Episcopal High School • Galloway School • Greater Atlanta Christian School • Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School • Holy Spirit Preparatory School • Kent School • Lovett School • Marist School • McCallie School • Mount Vernon Presbyterian School • Pace Academy • Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School • Saint Mary’s School • St. Pius X Catholic High School • Wesleyan School • Westminster Schools • Woodward Academy
learning as they develop new skills that prepare them for the rigors of high school, college, and the 21st century. Beginning with the early grades, St. Martin’s places a particular emphasis on students speaking and presenting in front of their peers. Students practice and refine their writing skills daily and work to become poised speakers. By developing the ability to communicate publicly and express themselves, students gain valuable self-confidence and become effective communicators often putting them a step ahead of their peers who may not have had similar opportunities. Religious education forms another key aspect of the St. Martin’s curriculum. As students grow inquisitive about their faith and seek to understand right from wrong, the school supports their quest to grow as people of faith. Students take one religion course each year as they explore the beliefs and traditions of the Episcopal Church as well as world religions. Teachers emphasize respect for our differences by sharing the faith rituals of other religious communities. Chapel takes place every Tuesday, and the first Tuesday of each month offers a full Eucharist service.
Early Childhood St. Martin’s strives to nurture the natural curiosity of children. The Early Childhood Program gives students ages 3-6 the freedom to explore and discover while laying
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a foundation for learning. Students have countless opportunities to explore the world around them while teachers integrate activities that aid in developing physical and cognitive skills. Students are supported in a warm and caring environment by teachers who focus on the individual needs of each student. The curriculum sets the stage for academic learning that will increase in rigor as students advance through the grades. Core academic and life skills are taught while students work in a variety of “centers� that focus on refining specific skills. Lessons in reading, language arts, and French and Spanish are presented to students in age-appropriate ways that engage students and challenge them to think critically. In the Early Childhood Science Lab, science, mathematics, and technology are merged to teach students to make connections while developing key subject-area foundations. St. Martin’s award-winning Outdoor Classroom is a Certified Natural Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation and a Nature Explore Classroom certified by the Arbor Day Foundation. The Outdoor Classroom offers many different areas the children can explore: a dinosaur excavation site, a pond with fish and frogs, numerous gardening beds, a large shaded gazebo, open green space, and a greenhouse. Students learn to love nature and to cooperate, collaborate, and appreciate the work of others as they explore the Outdoor Classroom. The visual arts, music, and movement are integrated across the curriculum and often intersect with lessons in science or language arts. Religion classes, Guidance classes, and Chapel also shape the Early Childhood Program. Students learn to develop ethical behaviors while teachers model respect and kindness.
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Elementary School St. Martin’s Elementary program emphasizes the importance of reasoning and inquisitive postures in order to grow in knowledge and understanding. In keeping with its mission to educate the whole child, the school focuses on the development of its students in grades one through five in four critical areas: intellectual, spiritual, physical, and social. Recognizing that each student’s journey is unique, the faculty is poised to assist students individually in order to help them best achieve their greatest potential. Academics in Elementary School foster the continuation of the themes of exploration and discovery while adding instruction in core subjects. Language arts lessons are woven into the whole curriculum as students refine their skills. Through experiential learning activities, students develop reading comprehension, critical thinking, and writing skills as they move through the grades. French and Spanish instruction continues, focusing on reading and writing while also including the study of culture and community. Mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, visual arts, speech and drama, and music round out the robust academic experience. The use of iPads in the classroom augments the learning experience and prepares students to compete in the outside world. Guidance classes also continue at this level, addressing the developmental and social needs of this age group while concentrating on character education.
Middle School To provide a strong foundation for success in high school and beyond, Middle School at St. Martin’s offers a stimulating curriculum shaped to engage and challenge students in grades six through eight. Middle School proves to be an exciting time, and new opportunities challenge students to grow academically, physically, artistically, spiritually, and socially. The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
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Students begin to challenge what they learn and bolster their opinions, and the curriculum in Middle School supports them as they become independent thinkers and learners. The environment is designed to be safe and supportive to allow for inquiry, exploration, and learning from mistakes. English courses focus on key skills students will need in high school, including clear and precise writing, vocabulary, and grammar. Mathematics, social studies, and science classes also continue to spiral in complexity as students progress through grades six, seven and eight. Students in Middle School can elect to continue their study of a foreign language in either French or Spanish. Development of the whole child continues to be emphasized, with physical education, a variety of fine arts offerings, and athletic programs offered. The addition of computer science, programming, and robotics ensures students leave St. Martin’s prepared for today’s interconnected world.
Arts and Athletics Communication and visual and performing arts comprise an integral part of St. Martin’s. At all levels, the school integrates visual and performing arts experiences into the curriculum and often augments lessons in core subject areas. Students have a variety of opportunities to express themselves creatively and to discover talents they might not know they have, such as singing songs and learning to draw in the lower grades or playing an instrument or performing in a play in later grades. Middle School students also have the opportunity to be actively involved in the school’s online newspaper, The Shield; the student-driven TV news program, Warrior TV; the school’s arts magazine, Mosaic; or the yearbook staff for The Legend. The Athletic Program occupies an important part of the St. Martin’s experience. The Warriors compete against similarly-sized schools through the Metro Atlanta Athletic Conference (MAAC) in nine different sports. Since the MAAC was founded in 2006, 32 St. Martin’s teams have won the conference championships. More than two-thirds of Middle School students participate in sports. For students in grades four and five, intramural options are available. In either setting, students learn valuable lessons in teamwork, cooperation, and dedication.
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School Life In order for St. Martin’s students to learn to become the leaders of tomorrow, the school provides a variety of ways to develop leadership skills. Whether through sports teams, clubs, or other school activities, students have the opportunity to participate and lead in some capacity—contributing to the well-rounded St. Martin’s experience. Student Council, the Power over Prejudice program, and serving as campus tour guides comprise just some of the ways students develop as responsible leaders. Clubs and activities also give students valuable opportunities to explore and discover their talents and expand friendships outside the classroom. Community service is built into the St. Martin’s experience through the SOLVE program, Serving Others through Leadership, Volunteerism, and Education. Enhancing the school’s mission to develop students as stewards of faith, this school-wide program allows students to grow closer to God and more fully understand both who they are and who God is.
Atlanta, Georgia Part of the southern Appalachian Mountain foothills, Atlanta is distinguished by rolling hills and broad uplands, with the Chattahoochee River forming the northwestern boundary of the city. Over 130 square miles in size, the metropolitan area of Atlanta has an estimated population of 5.1 million and continues to be one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. In recent decades, the city has attracted business from both domestic and international corporations, hosted the Summer Olympics, greatly expanded its civic and cultural venues and activities, seen exciting growth in the range and interest of its restaurant and food offerings, and is home to the nation’s busiest airport. The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
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As a major business center, Atlanta has more Fortune 500 headquarters within the city than any American city after New York and Houston. Delta Airlines is the city’s largest employer and operates one of the world’s largest airline hubs. Media powerhouses based in Atlanta include Turner Broadcasting Company, which began in the city, and Cox Communications, the nation’s third-largest cable service provider and publisher of over a dozen newspapers, including The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Atlanta is also home to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) with 15,000 employees, as well as Coca-Cola, UPS, and Home Depot. Atlanta’s cultural offerings are rich: the High Museum of Art, a division of the Woodruff Arts Center, includes a permanent international collection of 19th and 20th Century art with a concentration on collecting and supporting works by Southern artists; Atlanta’s museums chronicle the city’s rich history and include the nearby Atlanta History Center, with exhibits of the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the 1996 summer Olympic Games in Atlanta. In the heart of Olympic Centennial Park one will find the magnificent Georgia Aquarium, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and the World of Coca-Cola. Other cultural highlights in Atlanta include The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and Imagine It! Children’s Museum of Atlanta. The Carter Center was founded by Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter to advance human rights worldwide and alleviate human suffering. Atlanta’s classical music scene includes the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Opera, and Atlanta Ballet.
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Opportunities and Challenges The next Head of School will lead an exceptional school, one well known for its balance of rigorous academics and character building. Because the school intentionally maintains a small enrollment, students and teachers know each other well and support one another in a close-knit environment of faith and respect. The next Head will have the opportunity to lead a community characterized by a culture of joyful learning within an environment that is both nurturing and challenging. The next Head of School will embrace the following opportunities and challenges:
Enrollment Management and Marketing The next Head of School will strategically address the ongoing challenge of maintaining and strengthening enrollment. He or she will need to actively champion the school and promote St. Martin’s as a compelling, top tier preK-8 opportunity in a market that is saturated with competitive K-12 schools. Strategic Planning The new Head of School will have the opportunity to work with the Board to craft the next strategic plan to chart St. Martin’s course well into the next decade and beyond. Campus Master Planning The next Head of School will invest in planning that considers opportunities for renovations, facilities additions, and overall utilization of space for St. Martin’s campus. Finance and Advancement The next Head of School will maintain St. Martin’s financial stability and devote significant energy to friend raising and fundraising.
Desired Qualities of the Next Head of School St. Martin’s School seeks a visionary leader with the experience, skills, and personal qualities necessary to sustain that which is remarkable about St. Martin’s and to identify new directions in which to innovate and grow. The primary attributes and experience sought are: • • • • • • • •
An excellent communicator who connects well with students, families, and staff A visionary with the ability to implement and passion for excellence and continuous improvement A strategic thinker in the areas of admissions and direction of education in the 21st century A person of faith who will champion St. Martin’s Episcopal identity, partner with St. Martin’s church in areas of common interest, continue the school’s ethos of care and inclusiveness, and strive to increase its diversity A visible and engaged leader, both within the school and outside its campus A charismatic leader with strong inter- and intra-personal skills An educator who understands children and best practices in curriculum and pedagogy, and is comfortable making decisions that will improve the quality of the educational experience at St. Martin’s A leader with business acumen to ensure attention to funding, spending, and developing additional revenue streams
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• A leader with expertise in or affinity for development and fundraising • An active spokesperson for articulating St. Martin’s mission and opportunity within the broader Atlanta community.
To Apply Interested and qualified candidates should submit electronically in one email and as separate documents (preferably PDFs) the following materials: • • • •
Cover letter expressing interest in this particular position; Current resume with appropriate dates; Statement of educational philosophy; A list of five (5) l references with name, phone number, and email address of each (references will be contacted only with the candidate’s permission).
Bill Clarkson Practice Leader, Executive Coaching bill.clarkson@carneysandoe.com Marguerite Lloyd Senior Search Consultant marguerite.lloyd@carneysandoe.com
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