| POSITION STATEMENT
ASSISTANT HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL, GRADES 5 & 6 Start Date: July 1, 2026 OVERVIEW
Brooklyn Friends School (BFS), a thriving Early Childhood-12 grade school located in vibrant Downtown Brooklyn, seeks an Assistant Head of Middle School, Grades 5 & 6 within a dynamic community of colleagues (BFS uses the all-inclusive term, colleagues, to refer to all rather than one that delineates faculty/staff). Founded in 1867, Brooklyn Friends School’s pillars – diversity, equity & belonging; global social impact; and wholeness & wellbeing – serve as guideposts for our action-oriented collective work. Our school’s history has been illustrious and reflective of the expansive nature of human experiences. Guided by our mission, BFS provides a dynamic, diverse, and robust social/emotional environment and academic program that cultivates compassionate, intellectually curious, and confident changemakers. As a school, we affirm that human diversity includes, but is not limited to: race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic class, family structure and physical ability, as well as diversity of thought, talents, and learning style. Brooklyn Friends School does not discriminate based on these characteristics or any characteristic prohibited by law and provides reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified colleagues and applicants. If you need an accommodation related to any part of the hiring process, please send an email to hiring@brooklynfriends.org.
This short video gives you a glimpse into our contemporary experience.. THE POSITION As the Assistant Head of Middle School, Grades 5 & 6, this position will serve as an integral member of a dynamic Middle School Leadership Team and support the Middle School and its place within the context of a thriving PK-12th school. Primarily responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Grades 5 & 6 program - including program oversight, student support needs, student life, and colleague growth, supervision, and evaluation - this role will also be charged with collaboratively contributing to and carrying out the collective vision for the Middle School as an entire learning community grades 5-8. The Middle School at Brooklyn Friends School boasts a strong academic program steeped in skills-based assessment, standards-based grading, differentiated instruction, growth mindset, values-based education, and student-centered learning. We also pride ourselves on a robust advisory program that addresses students’ holistic needs and wellbeing, endeavoring insofar as possible to ensure each and every student feels whole and a clear sense of belonging at Brooklyn Friends School. In addition to overseeing these programs at the designated grade levels, the Assistant Head of Middle School, Grades 5 & 6 will promote a culture of equity, access, voice, and joy for young people in the Middle School at BFS and serve the primary purpose of supporting students’ individual wellbeing as well as the collective student culture within the 5th and 6th grades. Central to the student and family-facing portion of this role and purpose is to be able to resolve conflict through restorative practices, a growth mindset, and in partnership with families. Together with the Assistant Head of Middle School, Grades 7 & 8 and the Head of Middle School, this pivotal position will collaborate to ensure a cohesive, consistent, and communicative program that places students at the center of a values-based, vigorous, yet joyful education. This position will report to the Head of Middle School and will work collaboratively to lead an all-school vision alongside other instructional leaders such as the Lower and Upper School Assistant Heads, the Assistant Head of School, and Department Chairs. The Assistant Head of Middle School, Grades 5 & 6 will work closely with and support the Head of Middle School as specified below or as assigned by the Head of Middle School. This is a non-union position and serves on a 12-month schedule. PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES This position reports to the Head of Middle School. Overall Tasks - Work closely and attend regular meetings with the Head of Middle School, Assistant Head of Middle School for Grades 7 & 8, and the Dean of Student Engagement to develop and implement goals for the Middle School and assess progress in achieving goals throughout the school year
- Collaborate with instructional leaders across the institution in order to ensure a cohesive and aligned curriculum and experience for BFS students with special attention and collaboration given to the transition from Lower to Middle School
- Ensure that the mission and guiding principles of the school are effectively implemented across the 5-6th grade program including curricula, the advisory program, student support, and events
- Be an active, effective, visible, and friendly presence in all areas of the 5th & 6th grade program dealing with routine and extraordinary issues as they arise
- Assist with adequate and clear communication of the 5th & 6th grade program and develop avenues for sharing exceptional learning experiences with the broader school community such as parents and families, alumni, and/or students and colleagues
- Collaborate with Offices of Diversity, Equity and Belonging; Global Civic Engagement & Social Impact; Communications & Advancement; Enrollment; BFX Extended Day; Technology; and Facilities & Operations in order to ensure a smooth and mission-aligned program
- Collaborate with the All-School Scheduler to inform, troubleshoot, and review student and colleague schedules and room assignments
Curriculum - Evaluate and support the development and alignment of curriculum at each grade level and across the span of the Middle School and beyond with particular emphasis on scaffolding and supporting the Lower to Middle School transition
- Provide support and coaching for teachers in the areas of best practice in regard to curriculum design, instructional practices, and assessment with special attention given to inclusive and representative curriculum and equity-based grading
- Facilitate and maintain a regular curricular review process within grades 5 & 6 in partnership with Department Chairs in order to ensure a contemporary, responsive, and exceptional educational experience for BFS learners
- Ensure curriculum across 5th & 6th grade departments and programs prioritizes student wellbeing, inclusivity, and a broad variety of narratives, perspectives, and learning styles
- Support the maintenance and creation of a middle school educational experience at the 5th & 6th grade levels that strives to be: interdisciplinary, experiential, and project-based while giving careful consideration to the value in offering students a range of learning experiences and assessments of learning
- Support and ensure implementation of experiential learning experiences in Brooklyn, New York City, and beyond in connection with 5th & 6th grade curriculum
Advisory & Middle School Program In collaboration with MS Dean of Student Engagement, the Assistant Head for Grades 5 & 6 Will: - Support, develop, and implement a clear and consistent vision for the Middle School Advisory program
- Inform and enhance the advisory program for grades 5 & 6
- Provide training, support, and be a regular presence in advisory spaces across 5th & 6th grades in order to ensure a consistent focus on relationship building, community, Quaker values, Social Emotional Learning, Restorative Practice, Responsive Practice, and student support
- Support grade-wide trips and programming that focus on community, joy, civic engagement, and grade level & advisory bonding experiences
- Observe, evaluate, and provide feedback for growth to 5th & 6th grade advisors
- Ensure all student-based programming and community events for 5th & 6th students are well-organized and in alignment with our values, mission, and identity as a socially conscious and responsible Quaker school
- As necessary, collaborate across the school to support inter-community events, traditions, and mission-aligned student experiences, especially in the case of cross-connections with the Lower School
- Participate in the calendaring and organizing of the full school year including “year-at-glance” programming for grades 5 & 6
Colleagues - Support and coach middle school colleagues in the design of learning experiences that optimize brain-based insights into how students learn with a specific focus on creating equitable learning opportunities and outcomes
- Ensure that instructional strategies utilized within the classroom maximize student growth and are consistent with authentic middle school pedagogy
- Assist in the development and maintenance of a comprehensive professional development and growth plan for 5th & 6th grade colleagues as well as support individual opportunities to meet needs and interests as appropriate
- Observe lessons and provide informal and formal feedback and support to 5th & 6th grade colleagues in all areas of the curriculum and program, including advisory and classroom management strategies
- Conduct and complete evaluation of 5th & 6th grade colleagues as assigned by the Head of Middle School
- Meet individually with colleagues and teaching teams as necessary to provide direction, support, and collaborative partnership amongst and between 5th & 6th grade colleagues
- Assist 5th & 6th grade colleagues in the selection of appropriate and engaging curricular materials such as texts and classroom supplies and ensure a smooth process of procuring such materials as needed
- Serve as an integral member in the search and hiring process for all new 5th & 6th grade personnel and ensure a smooth transition and adequate support for all new colleagues within the program
- Co-plan and/or co-lead colleague meetings which occur on a weekly basis with all middle school colleagues (approximately 35-40)
- Collaboratively develop and oversee classroom and teacher communications to families, including but not limited to their effective use of our Learning Management System
- Support the report writing processes for all 5th & 6th grade teaching colleagues
Students & Families - Oversee and address social, emotional, and academic needs of students in grades 5 & 6, at times in collaboration with the Head of Middle School
- Serve as an integral and central member of the Middle School Student Support Team which includes learning specialists, the School Counselor, nurses, and Head of Middle School.
- Assist the Head of Middle School in supporting colleagues in the development of age appropriate, developmentally-sound expectations for middle school age children
- Collaboratively ensure a smooth transition and adequate support for the transition to Middle School from our Lower School program and for all new students and families entering the BFS community in grades 5 & 6
- Ensure student voices, perspectives, and feedback are amplified as an integral aspect to maintaining child-centered and responsive classrooms
- Contribute to the creation of a developmentally appropriate experience for middle school students by collaborating with the school scheduler and reviewing / finalizing student and colleague schedules
- Ensure all student-based programming and community events for grades 5 & 6 students are well-organized and in alignment with our values, mission, and identity as a socially conscious and responsible Quaker school.
- Positively engage with students in a variety of settings including but not limited to: classroom observations, field trips, activities and clubs, overnight trips, affinity groups, and extracurricular activities and special events
- Serve as the hub for individual communication, support, and success by assembling the appropriate support teams to ensure the success of all students within their grade
- Implement and manage an effective student attendance accountability and attendance intervention system
- Facilitate student scheduling coordination, student leadership and activities coordination, and instructional programs support
- Assume a leading role in monitoring and improving student conduct on campus and outdoors
- Oversee course planning and registration for students in grades 5 & 6 in partnership with Department Chairs
- Communicate with families, students and faculty regarding student social-emotional care, social issues, wellness, field studies and other trips as needed, and ensure the Head of Middle School is appropriately informed of all student concerns, needs, and successes
- Maintain organized student records to track performance, student support, behavioral patterns, and communication with families; which includes creating and monitoring the system for interim reporting and student support communication protocols between school and home
- Actively monitor hallways and common areas during free periods and after school and enlist students to help maintain the cleanliness and organization of the campus
- Lead and attend relevant Middle School Parent & Family events such as Connect & Talks, grade-level, and middle school-wide student-centered sessions for 5th & 6th graders
- Plan and coordinate family education and curriculum events including but not limited to annual curriculum nights, connect & talks, and showcases
- Meet with families to answer curricular questions, monitor and discern parental concern, and advise families on how to get the assistance they are seeking
- Assist the Head of Middle School in providing regular updates to 5th & 6th grade families
- Coordinate with the Enrollment Office in the efficient and successful attraction of new middle school families and students, primarily and customarily for entry into the program in 6th grade
- Develop and maintain systems of orientation and support for new students with a special emphasis on the intentional growth and welcoming of new students to BFS in the 6th grade
- Ensure families and students are receiving adequate and supportive communication from the school regarding academic performance
Qualifications and Characteristics Sought: - Bachelor of Arts in the subject or related area required; Master’s degree preferred
- 3-5 years teaching experience
- Has leadership and/or teacher-leadership experience in a Middle School setting (preferred)
- Has strong relational skills with all constituencies (students, colleagues, families)
- Is invested in continued professional growth
- Demonstrates strong communication skills (oral and written)
- Approaches work with flexibility, patience, grace, connection, and a willingness to learn
- Demonstrates cultural competency and a commitment to diversity, equity, social justice, and inclusion
- Brings a passion and desire to create a joyful learning environment
- Respect for the life of the child
- Compassion, integrity, and open-mindedness in all interactions
- Collegiality, approachability, flexibility, and adaptability
- Ability to partner and collaborate across professional statuses, i.e., with all colleagues (i.e., staff, leadership, families, student body, local and national independent school communities, and the neighborhood community)
Physical Requirements of the Job: - Must be able to work in an office environment including prolonged periods of sitting and standing.
- Must be able to stand, bend over, twist and reach to access file cabinets, bookshelves and navigate office and workstation spaces.
- Must be able to ambulate through a classroom setting, including walking up stairs.
- Must be able to lift and carry small children up to 40lbs in the case of emergency.
Union Status: Non-Union Salary Range: $123,501 - $136,066 This salary range represents the expected annual salary range for this position. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we'll consider your education level, experience, and other job-related factors. - Benefits: Colleagues may be eligible to participate in employment benefits including, but not limited to, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 403(b) retirement plan, life insurance and long-term disability insurance. Benefits are subject to change at any time, and are subject to applicable plan documents.
To apply, please provide the following: - Cover letter addressed to the Head of Middle School, Nayantara Mhatre. Along with punctuating your interest and experience, your cover letter should also address how you feel that your professional journey aligns with our school’s Quaker values and pillars of social justice, social impact, and wholeness.
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- List of three references (with emails, phone numbers, and relationship to you)
- Completed online application.
Please email the above attachments (if possible as a single PDF) hiring@brooklynfriends.org and put Assistant Head of Grades 5 & 6 in the subject line. Qualified candidates will be contacted after materials have been reviewed. |