Head of School

Bannockburn School

A leading independent Montessori school for over thirty years, Bannockburn School is recognized throughout North Toronto for its outstanding academic standards, its steadfast commitment to Montessori education, and its deep respect for the potential in every child. The school’s vision is to provide a well-rounded education for its students through the application of Montessori philosophy, principles and methodology. The School’s community of learners, families, and educators support and contribute to the lives of the students by developing responsible, nurturing, and peaceful young people who are self-motivated and curious. Bannockburn is a member of the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators, and of the Conference of Independent Schools of Ontario.

It is within this context that Bannockburn School welcomes applications and nominations for the appointment of its Head of School, commencing summer 2024, or soon after.

Reporting to the volunteer Board of Directors, the Head of School (“Head”) serves as the chief educator and administrator of Bannockburn School and is responsible for the organization and management of the school and its quality of instruction. The Head creates a high calibre educational environment at the School through setting and leading the School’s strategic direction, building a high-performance team of staff members, and promoting positive relationships within the School and the broader community.  Working with an excellent team of dedicated teachers and staff, the Head will also ensure the culture of the School supports the entire School community, which can be seen through strong retention numbers of its teachers, staff, students and families. As the main spokesperson of Bannockburn, the Head must advocate for, and be an ambassador of the School to external parties and prospective parents by increasing the awareness of the School and promoting enrolment, fundraising, alumni engagement, and public relations activities.

As the ideal candidate, you are a respected Montessori educational leader and school administrator. During your career, you have fostered a collaborative, dynamic and healthy school culture that encourages strong connections with your school’s community of parents and families. As a leader, colleagues refer to your commitment of supporting, mentoring and developing teachers and staff, and of encouraging students to excel in their studies and as individuals. You are an excellent and open communicator who excels at building relationships within the school’s community and externally with partners including other Independent and Montessori schools. You bring experience managing a complex budget that affects multiple constituencies. Governance knowledge and experience working with, or ideally reporting into, a Board of Directors is also required. The next Head of School must embody exceptional integrity and character, a commitment to the Montessori traditions, and be committed to ensuring the School’s short- and long-term viability. Candidates must hold a Bachelor of Education degree, and a Masters and/or Montessori certification are strongly preferred.

To apply or explore this opportunity at Bannockburn School, please submit a comprehensive curriculum vitae along with a cover letter in confidence to Jane Griffith ([email protected]) and Caroline McLean ([email protected]).

Please note, all applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. ET, Friday May 3, 2024.

Bannockburn School welcomes and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including, but not limited to women, Indigenous persons, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and persons of all sexual orientations and/or gender identities.

All qualified candidates are welcome to apply; however, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Bannockburn School and Griffith Group are committed to an inclusive, accessible and welcoming hiring process that provides reasonable accommodation to all applicants. Please advise Jane Griffith ([email protected]) should you require any accommodation to participate in the recruitment and/or assessment processes.