Opportunity Statement Head of UPPER SCHOOL HAMMOND SCHOOL December 2016 hammondschool.org
About the School Hammond School has been the proud leader of independent education in Columbia, South Carolina for 50 years. Serving over 800 students in grades PK-12, Hammond offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum supplemented by robust artistic, athletic, and service learning 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 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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A school-wide dedication to experiential learning begins in 4th grade and continues into the Upper School, where students explore the Nantahala River or immerse themselves in Latin American culture with travel to Costa Rica.
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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.
Whether performing service learning in Costa Rica, singing before the Pope at the Vatican, or rock climbing in neighboring North Carolina, exerpiential learning differentiates the Hammond experience.
The Upper School
The Upper School is a natural bridge between the Lower and Upper Schools. A place that helps build independence in an emotionally supportive environment, the Middle School helps instill valuable study habits, encourages self-expression, and guides students toward Upper School success.
The Upper School The Upper School is the culminating destination of the Hammond journey following successful Lower and Middle School years. By the time students reach the Upper School, they have become independent learners who know how they learn best. The Upper School provides an emotionally safe place for students to accept new challenges, discover untapped talents, and come into their own without getting lost in the crowd. Hammond seeks a new Head of Upper School effective July 1, 2017, to lead this thriving division where faculty turnover is low, parental support is strong, and where enthusiasm and excitement for the Hammond experience peak. Led by highly credentialed instructors, the college preparatory curriculum of the Upper School guides students to be courageous learners who seize opportunity with confidence. Small class size and an emphasis on active learning continue to be a valuable part of the Hammond experience. Accepting the challenge of all levels of coursework including Honors and Advanced Placement not only prepares our graduates for success in college, but also helps them stand out as competitive applicants for admission to today’s most elite universities. Athletics, the arts, and service learning are vital components of Hammond’s Upper School. Ninety-three percent of students participate in sports, and the school has amassed an impressive record of State Championship wins, as well as an awardwinning athletic department. The arts and service learning are equally important as important as athletics, and Hammond students are likely to be strong participants in all three of these co-curricular programs. One hundred percent of our graduates attend college. Whether close to home or across the country, the application process begins with the Office of College Counseling, a personalized service to assist all Upper School students and their parents. The Upper School is comprised of seven buildings and ample outdoor space for learning and instruction:
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Two classroom buildings Library Art Building Dining Hall Two Gymnasiums Five playing fields, eight tennis courts, and a golf facility • Chapel • 350-seat Theatre
The Ideal Candidate The successful candidate for the Head of Upper School at Hammond will demonstrate expertise in team building, curriculum development employing the use of technology, and in working with all three constituencies of the Upper 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 • Values an 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 collegial, supportive relationship with faculty • Creative at developing pedagogy and a willingness to allow for healthy mistakes as faculty explore and implement new programs • 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 experience • Promotes growth of faculty and staff
Fast Facts Campus Size 107-acre suburban campus in Southeast Columbia STUDENT BODY Enrollment: 840/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 Upper School Enrollment: 275 Faculty:
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Adv. Degrees 65% Student/ Teacher Ratio 8:1 Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Applying for the Position
Interested and qualified candidates should submit electronically as separate documents, the following materials to Tammy Caruk, Executive Assistant to Head of School. •
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.
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Video - 2 to 3 minutes outlining why you are interested in education and this position in general.