Title: School of Rhetoric Head

Overview: The School of Rhetoric Head shall be a born-again college graduate who feels called by God to use his/her administrative gifts within a Christian school.  Other qualifications may be added by the Head of School as deemed appropriate.

Reports to: Head of School

Evaluation: The School of Rhetoric Head performance will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the school’s policy on evaluation of professional personnel and this job description.  

Status: Full-time

BASIC FUNCTION 

The School of Rhetoric Head oversees the School of Rhetoric (grades 9-12) at Veritas Academy through providing leadership to faculty, staff, and students while ensuring the integrity of the mission and vision of the school.

Duties & Responsibilities  

Leadership

1. Provide Christ-centered, biblically-directed, spiritual leadership to the School of Rhetoric faculty and staff.
2. Provide visionary leadership for the future of the School of Rhetoric and to motivate others to unite in pursuit of the school’s mission.
3. Meet regularly with the Administrative team—Head of School, Director of Family Ministries, Director of Advancement, Athletic Director, Chief Business Officer, and School Heads of Grammar and Logic—regarding operational issues.
4. Assist in developing/revising course schedules and the course catalog.
5. Develop procedures for smooth, effective, and efficient operations of the School of Rhetoric.
6. Oversee the formation of school policy for the School of Rhetoric.
7. Attend conferences selected to improve ability in leadership and knowledge of our models of schooling.
8. Be visible on campus and at school activities and recognize the sensitive nature of his/her presence.
9. Ensure the safety of students and teachers by working with the school’s safety and security team to plan for regular drills.

Parent and Constituent Relations

1. Assist the Head of School, Director of Family Ministries, Director of Advancement, Director of Operations, Athletic Director, Fine Arts Dean/Director, and School Heads of Grammar and Logic in planning and implementing strategies for organized parent input and involvement in the School of Rhetoric.
2. Plan and present at parent training sessions in order to better equip parents as co-teachers and mentors.
3. Meet with parents to discuss students' academic and behavioral progress.
4. Present at school informational sessions for prospective families.
5. Conduct and participate in family interviews for prospective families.
6. Attend parent/teacher conferences as needed.
7. Provide support for other classical, Christian, collaborative schools as requested and approved by the Head of School.

Faculty & Staff Management

1. Inspire, guide, direct, and evaluate School of Rhetoric faculty and staff.
2. Work with the Human Resources Manager to recruit, hire, and supervise School of Rhetoric faculty and staff.
3. Model biblical principles of leadership in relationships with and treatment of the faculty and staff.
4. Develop and maintain programs for professional growth and development for School of Rhetoric faculty and staff, including regular observation and feedback.
5. Coordinate and lead faculty meetings and in-service training based on needs throughout the school year.  
6. Assist Academic Dean in overseeing and training faculty.
7. Mentor and oversee School of Rhetoric support staff.

Academic Oversight

1. Assist/oversee the Academic Dean and Department Heads (AD/DH) in curriculum development and approval of the yearly syllabus for each course.
2. Assist/oversee AD/DH in the review of lesson plans to ensure that they follow the curriculum as outlined in the yearly syllabus and that they adhere to the overall vision of the department/school.
3. Observe teachers to ensure that the best instructional techniques are being used, the classroom atmosphere is conducive to learning, and that the chosen curriculum is being followed.
4. Oversee budget development for the School of Rhetoric and work with Team Leaders to approve purchases.
5. Attend regular Academic Team meetings consisting of Department Heads and administration.
6. Plan and organize strategies for keeping current with educational innovation and improvement in line with the school's mission.
7. Review yearly standardized tests in order to provide advice to parents regarding individual student performance and in order to improve curriculum and instructional strategies for the school.
8. Articulate a Christian (biblical) and classical philosophy of education and implement this philosophy at all levels of the school.

Student Relations

1. Foster positive and productive spiritual and educational development of students.
2. Meet with students as needed to discuss their academic, spiritual, and behavioral progress.
3. Oversee student discipline at the School of Rhetoric in accordance with the discipline policy defined by the school.

Qualifications

Required Personal Qualities

1. Have received Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and believe that the Bible is God’s Word and standard for faith and daily living.
2. Be in whole-hearted agreement with Veritas Academy’s Statements on Faith, Life, and Conduct.
3. Be a Christian role model in attitude, speech, and action toward others (Luke 6:40). This includes being committed to God’s biblical standards for sexual conduct.
4. Be a Christian who is, and will remain during the period of employment, an active member of a Christ-centered church, growing in his/her Christian relationship with God, and actively practicing and exhibiting Christian principles of the Christian faith. 
5. Be spiritually mature and consistently maintain a daily devotional and prayer life.
6. Recognize the role of parents as primarily responsible before God for their children’s education and be prepared to assist them in that task.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, both one-on-one and in front of an audience.
2. Ability to quickly establish rapport and work well with others.
3. Demonstrated ability to make thoughtful decisions and to do so quickly when needed.
4. Ability to spiritually lead others and demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit.
5. Ability to quickly and efficiently find solutions to problems and diffuse difficult situations.
6. Strong organizational skills even while multitasking.
7. Proven ability to work with little supervisory direction.
8. Extensive knowledge of classical, Christian, University-Model/collaborative education.

Required Education and Experience

1. Bachelor’s degree
2. 2+ years experience in a classical, Christian, University-Model/collaborative school
3. 5+ years of teaching experience

Preferred Education and Experience

1. Master’s degree or higher in Education
2. 5+ years experience in a classical, Christian, University-Model/collaborative school

Physical Demands

1. Successfully complete CPR and first aid training every two years and be willing and able to render such aid when necessary.
2. Perform child restraint if necessary.

The purpose of this job description is to describe the basic function, major responsibilities/tasks, and essential functions of each job so that employees can better know what is expected of them.  The descriptions also provide information useful for recruiting, training, and performance appraisal.  This document does not create an employment contract, nor does it modify the at-will employment status of any employee.  This job description is not meant to inhibit employee creativity or innovation.  It may be revised when necessary.

Veritas Academy has a racially nondiscriminatory employment policy.  Veritas Academy does not discriminate against applicants and employees on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin.