New York, New YorkJuly 1, 2021

Bank StreetSchool for

Children Head of School Position Statement

Head of School July 1, 2021

BANK STREET SCHOOL

Whenyouenterthemulti-storiedcampusoftheBankStreetSchoolforChildren,youfeelthegenuinewelcome,thewarmthandtheenergyofthisspecialoasisforchildrenandfamiliesinNewYorkCity.ThisisacityschoolthatholdsanunequalledreputationintheworldofprogressiveNursery-Grade8education.FamilieschoosetosendtheirchildrentoBankStreetSchoolforChildrenbecausetheprogramauthenticatesitsvaluesandembodiesajoyful,safe,andexpansivehomeforyoungandmaturealike.Adynamicacademicprogramthatisbalancedwithagenuinededicationtoservingchildren,ages3through14,characterizestheSchool.Thereisanunmistakableintentionalitywithmeaningfulconnectionsasstudents,teachers,staff,andparentscometogetherinaremarkablyclose-knitandcaringlearningcommunity.ThistreasureofaSchoolnurturesandignites

Page2ResourceGroup175

THESCHOOL

SchoolforChildrenservesasaneffectiveandinformedsitefortheprogressivepedagogiesdeveloped,enrichedandconstantlyrefinedinthegraduateschool.TheSchoolembracesitsstrongprogressiveandwhole-childheritage,translatingthelatestneuroscienceresearchintopractical,strength-based,child-drivenandchild-basedteachingandlearning.TheSchoolisauthenticinitscommitmenttoensuringthatchildrenareknown,understood,respectedandempowered,andisundeniablycommittedtodiversity,equity,andsocialjustice.

“Wehopetoimbuestudentswithanexperimental,critical,ardentapproachtotheirworkandtothesocialproblemsoftheworld.Ifwecandothis,wearereadyto

leavethefuturetothem.”LucySpragueMitchell,Founder

younglearnersandproducesgraduateswhothriveinthecompetitivehighschoolsofNewYorkCity.

BankStreetSchoolforChildrenisanon-sectarian,501(c)(3),fullyaccredited,coeducational,independentdayschool.Itisa

multigenerationalcommunityoflearnersonalifelongquesttoreflect,grow,engage,andflourish.OperatingasanindependentschoolwithinthelargerBankStreetCollegeofEducation,the

Head of School July 1, 2021

BANK STREET SCHOOL

Page3

THEMISSIONANDCREDO

ResourceGroup175

TheheartofBankStreetliesinitseffortstokeepthejoyoflearningalivebyfillingchildren’sdayswithwonder,play,laughter,connectionanddiscovery.

Itsmissionisclear:

ThemissionofBankStreetistoimprovetheeducationofchildrenandtheirteachersbyapplyingtotheeducationprocessallavailableknowledgeaboutlearningandgrowthandbyconnectingteachingandlearningmeaningfullytotheoutsideworld.Insodoing,weseektostrengthennotonlyindividuals,butthecommunityaswell,includingfamily,school,andthelargersocietyinwhichadultsandchildren,inalltheirdiversity,interactandlearn.Weseeineducationtheopportunitytobuildabettersociety.

TheSchool’sCredodefinesthespiritofimaginativeandcriticalinquirythatinformstheprogram:

Whatpotentialitiesinhumanbeings–children,teachers,andourselves–dowewanttoseedevelop?

• Azestforlivingthatcomesfromtakingintheworldwithallfivesensesalert

• Livelyintellectualcuriositiesthatturntheworldintoanexcitinglaboratoryandkeeponeeveralearner

• Flexibilitywhenconfrontedwithchangeandabilitytorelinquishpatternsthatnolongerfitthepresent

• Thecouragetowork,unafraidandefficiently,inaworldofnewneeds,newproblems,andnewideas.Gentlenesscombinedwith

justiceinpassingjudgmentsonotherhumanbeings

• Sensitivity,notonlytotheeternalformalrightsofthe“otherfellow,’buttohimasanotherhumanbeingseekingagoodlifethroughhisownstandards

• Astrivingtolivedemocratically,inandoutofschools,asthebestwaytoadvanceourconceptofdemocracy

TheCredodemandsethicalstandardsaswellasscientificattitudes.Theworkisbasedonthefaiththathumanbeingscanimprovethesocietytheyhavecreated.

TheBankStreetmethodologiesarebasedonholdingtheutmostrespectforchildren,honoringtheirindividuality,understandingtheirlearningstyles,andguidingthemtobecomethebestpossibleversionofthemselves.Childrenaregiventimeandspacetogrow,towonder,toquestion,todiscover,andtomature.Adeepunderstandingofthedevelopmentalstagesofcognitive,social,emotional,andphysicalgrowthinformsthecurriculum,

pedagogy,andpractice.Itisnosecretthatthefacultyandstaffkeepcontinuallyinformedofbestpracticesandcriticallinksbetweenrelationalengagementandlearning,cognition,physicalhealth,occupationalfunctioning,communicationandanyotheraspectoftoddler/child/adolescentdevelopment.Carefullydesignedteachingandlearningexperiencesareintegratedacrosssubjects,drawingonpowerful,relevantcontentandstudentintereststostrengtheninternalmotivationandconfidentvoices.

ActivelearningandquestioningareencouragedatBankStreetandstudentsareexpectedtoutilizetheirknowledgeandskillscreatively.Highexpectationsarecoupledwithappropriateframingandscaffoldingthroughouttheentiretyoftheprogram,sostudentsreceivetheoptimalamountofchallengeandsupport.Inthisway,BankStreetexpertlypreparesstudentstobeinnovatorsandachieverswhohavetheflexibility,skills,andinclinationstosolveproblems,oldandnew,andtakeresponsibilityforthoughts,beliefs,articulationsandactions.

Head of School July 1, 2021

BANK STREET SCHOOL

Page4ResourceGroup175

THEPOSITIONTheSchoolseeksanenergetic,purposefulandaccomplishedDeanofChildren’sPrograms/HeadoftheSchoolforChildrentopartnerwiththePresidentoftheBankStreetCollegeofEducationandhiscabinetinbuildingupontheSchool’shistoryandreputationforprovidingawell-roundedandexcellenteducationalexperience.ThisdeanwillalsoworkcloselywiththeDeanoftheGraduateSchooltoensureasolidfoundationbetweentheschoolsandpurposelyfurthertheeffectivenessofcurrentandfutureBankStreetprogramstrengthsandofferings.ThisisanexcitingopportunityforanewleadertoembraceallthatBankStreetstandsfor,tocontinueits100+yearlegacyasaleaderandinnovatorinprogressiveeducation,topropelsocialjusticeandequityinitiatives,andtosharewithothersavisionforitsdevelopment,growthandeffectiveandsustainedservicetothelargercommunityandworld.TheFamilyCenter,aninclusiveearlychildhoodprogramforchildrenages6monthsthrough5years,andSummerCampalsofallundertheDean’sresponsibilities.

BankStreetCollegeofEducationwasfoundedin1916inNewYorkCitybyvisionaryeducatorLucySpragueMitchellasTheBureauofEducationExperiments(BEE),alaboratorynurseryschool,staffedbyteachers,psychologists,andresearcherswhoworkedcollaborativelytodiscovertheenvironmentsinwhichchildrengrewandlearnedtotheirfullpotentialandtoeducateteachersonhowtocreateandsustaintheseenvironmentsinandoutoftheclassroom.TheSchoolforChildrenbeganwithitsfirstclassin1954andgraduallyexpandedtoincludechildrenages3through13.

THEHISTORY

Head of School July 1, 2021

BANK STREET SCHOOL

Page5ResourceGroup175

MitchellwasinfluencedbytheworkofJohnDeweyandbuiltapowerfulnetworkofresearchersandeducatorscommittedtoreimagininghowchildrenlearnanddevelop.TheSchoolbecameknownnotonlyforitscontributiontotheeducationofyoungchildren,butforthedevelopmentofitsteachersskilledinhands-onlearningdesignednotonlytounderstandtheworld,butalsohowtochangeitforthebetter.

TheSchoolforChildrentodaystandsasanindependentdemonstrationschoolfortheBankStreetCollegeofEducationandisaworkingmodeloftheCollege’sapproachtoeffectiveteachingandlearning.Educationattheschoolisexperience-based,interdisciplinary,collaborativeandwithanemphasisoneducatingthewholechild.ThefocusonsocialjusticehasalwaysbeencentraltoaBankStreeteducationandisadeeplyheldvaluethroughouttheSchoolcommunity,intentionallywovenintoallaspectsofschoollife.

Thefounder’sspiritofinnovationandgenuine“joyforteachingandlearning”arecommonthreadsintheschool’shistory,growth,anddevelopment.Today,thisphilosophystillguidesanddistinguishestheschool.Everyday,BankStreetSchoolforChildrenteachersthinkoutsidetheboxandexplorefreshwaystoengageandchallengetheirstudents.

"MydaughterstartedatBankStreetin2ndgrade,andcomingfromapublicschool,wewerelookingforanurturingenvironmentthatencouragedlearningthroughplay.Aswemovedthroughthegrades,itwashearteningtoseethatthecurriculumbecamemoreacademicallyrigorousandpreparedstudents

forthechallengesofhighschool."—MotherofanEighthGrader

Head of School July 1, 2021

BANK STREET SCHOOL

Page6ResourceGroup175

THEPLACEBankStreetSchoolforChildrenandtheCollegeofEducationhaveacommonadministrationandsharethebuildingat610West112thStreetbetweenBroadwayandRiversideDriveonManhattan’sUpperWestSide.

VeryfewschoolscanrivaltheuniqueWestSidelocationinManhattan,thepresenceofastrongandeffectivenursery/elementary/middleschool,anexemplarycollegepartnerdedicatedtograduate-onlyteachertraining,andtheBankStreetEducationalCenter,whichisthepublicimpactarmoftheCollegesupportingtheschoolsystemsacrossthecountryinimprovingteachingandlearning.

NestledwithintheUpperWestSide,theSchoolcombinesthevibrancyofacityenvironmentinthemidstofamulti-useneighborhoodwithpurposefulprogrammingforactivelearning.Thisincludesexpansiveoutdoorlearningspacesthatareextensionsoftheclassrooms,andopenandlight-filledplayscapes.Withdistinctiveplaygroundsandplaydeckssettledamongtheindoorandoutdoorspacesandcommonareas,BankStreetisawarmandwelcominghabitatforstudents,teachers,andschoolfamilies.

TheSchool’sfacilitiesarewellmaintainedandcomplementarytothesurroundingarea.Studentartgracesthehallwaysandcommonareasandcelebratesthestrongcommitmenttocreativity,diversity,

inclusion,socialjusticeandindividualexpression.Thesespacesinclude:

• Light-filledclassrooms,

• Artandworkstudios,

• Science,classroom,andcomputerlaboratories,

• Awelcomingand68,000+book-filledchildren’slibrary,

• Readingandmeetingareasadjacenttoclassrooms,

• Amulti-purposemeetingspace,

• Innercourtyardsanddistinctiveplayareas,and

• Openspaceswherefamilies,parentsandguestscongregateatalltimesoftheday.

Head of School July 1, 2021

BANK STREET SCHOOL

Page7ResourceGroup175

BankStreetpeopleexudeapalpablewarmth,charm,andenergy.Whetherintheclassroomoronanoutdooradventureoracommunityserviceprojectinpartnershipwithalocalornon-profit,thereisapurposefulagendathatbothstudentsandadultsatBankStreetfullyembrace.MembersofthislearningcommunityareunitedintheirdedicationtothemissionoftheSchool.

TheStudentsTheSchoolservesastudentbodyof400+students,manyofwhomarriveascuriousthree-year-oldsandwholeavereadytotacklehighschoolconfidently,preparedintheiracademic,ethical,andpersonalgrowthtojointhemostrigorousareaschools.

Thesestudentscanbethemselves,astheytacklenewchallenges,learnfrommistakes,andcometoappreciatetheimportanceofworking,playing,engaging,andsolvingcollaboratively.BankStreetisaschoolpoisedforcontinuededucationalexcellence.Itsnurserythroughmiddleschoolprogramisdeeplyrootedinwell-researchedteachingandlearningprinciplesandpractices,includinganextraordinarilywell-articulatedcommitmenttosocialandemotionallearning,socialjustice,diversityandinclusion,andwhole-brainandbodydevelopment.Strongintellectualengagementandacademicgrowthareevidentatallgradelevels.Learningthroughinquiryfindsstudentsaskingquestions,investigating,gatheringdata,consideringpossible

outcomes,anddeterminingviableconclusions.Smallclasssizesandflexiblegroupingsencourageinteraction,conversations,andcollaboration.AhallmarkoftheSchoolistheconstanthumofexplorationandengagementthatemanatesfromthehalls,classrooms,meetingandplayareas.ThereareStudentAffinitygroupsthatinviteconversation,trust,respectandcollaborativediscussions.TheseincludeKidsofColor(KOC),TouchedbyAdoptionandBananaSplits(forchildrenwithdivorcedparents).

TheStaff“Passionate,energetic,insightful,caring,loving,andinnovative…”ThesearewordsthatcharacterizethefacultyandstaffatBankStreet.TeachersbelievewholeheartedlyintheSchoolandarededicatedtothenotionthata“hands-on”andcollaborativelearningenvironmentcanempowerchildrentoactivelydiscover,question,understand,innovate,andsucceed.Withanemphasisonself-advocacy,staffcreatesanempoweringcommunityforstudents,developinghighly

THESCHOOLCOMMUNITY valuedskillsthatmakeBankStreetstudentsvaluablemembersandleadersoftheirfuturehighschoolcommunities.

Over2/3oftheteachersaregraduatesofCollege.SteepedinBankStreet’sdistinctivedevelopmental-interactionapproach,teachersaredeeplyattunedtoeachchild’sdevelopmentalpathandworkhardtodesigncurriculumandingratematerialsthatarejustrightforthechildastheyinteractwithotherchildren,teachers,andtheworldaroundthem.

StaffconsistentlymodelstheSchool’scommitmentstorespect,socialjustice,inclusion,humanrights,andrestorativepractices.Thereisamutualrespectforall,andstudentsandstaffareknownandaddressedbytheirfirstnames.Assuch,staffandstudentsarepartnersinteachingandlearning.StaffAffinityGroupsincludetheEducatorsofColor(EOC)andtheWhiteAnti-RacistAffinityGroup(WAAG).

Head of School July 1, 2021

BANK STREET SCHOOL

Page8ResourceGroup175

TheCabinetTheDeanofChildren’sPrograms/HeadoftheSchoolforChildrenreportstothePresidentoftheBankStreetCollegeofEducationandworksalongsideanoutstandingteamofadministrators.TheCabinetiscomposedofthePresident,aChiefofStaff,Vice-PresidentsoftheBankStreetEducationCenter,Development,andGovernanceandCommunityEngagement,theChiefOperationOfficer,theDeputyChiefOperatingOfficer,andtheDeansoftheGraduateSchoolofEducationandChildren’sPrograms.CabinetmembersmaintainadynamicrelationshipwiththePresident,andeachhasoversightoftheprogramsandactivitiesofthemanyorganizationsoftheBankStreetCollegeofEducation.Althoughalargeandrelativelycomplexorganization,eachdivisionischaracterizedbysharedpurposeandclearboundaries.SingularlyapparentisCabinetmemberdedicationtotheentireBankStreetmissionandpractice.

TheSchool’sAdministrationBankStreetSchoolforChildren’sadministrativeteamistalentedanddedicated.TheDean/HeadofSchoolissupportedby:

consciousness,forthepriorityplacedonstudents’social-emotionaldevelopment,foritsqualityteachingandlearning,andforitsaffiliationwithapracticingandsuccessfulteacher-traininggraduateprogram.ManyparentsmakeapersonalsacrificeforthecostofindependenteducationandalsodevotevolunteerhourstotheSchool.ParentsclearlyunderstandthatBankStreetisdedicatedtomakingeachchild’searlychildhood,elementaryandmiddleschoolexperiencesrich,diverse,personalized,challenging,andfocusedontheoutcomesthatwillservethemforalifetime.

Parentsareactivevolunteersthatplanandhosteventsandprogramsthroughouttheschoolyear.FromBack-to-SchoolGatheringstotheFallFair,TalentShow,SpellingBee,BookFair,GreenActionTaskForceGatherings,FamilyPotluck,andathemyriadofotheractivitiesthroughouttheyear,parentinvolvementisparamountandveryimportanttothelifeatSchool.

BankStreetalsosupportsparentsandfamilymemberstoparticipateinaffinitygroups.Theseaffinitygroupsstrengthenthetieswithinthecommunityandarecentraltocreatinganinclusiveandthrivingconstituency.ActiveaffinitygroupsincludeParentsofChildrenofColor(POCOC),Lesbian,Gay,Bisexual,Transgender,QueerandAllies(LGBTQA),LearningDiversitySupportGroup,WhiteAnti-RacistsGroup(WAG),andTouchedbyAdoptionGroup.

• Academicdivisionleaderswhoarepedagogicalfacilitatorsintheareasofearlychildhood,elementaryandmiddleschool,

• AnAdmissionsDirector,

• ADirectorofDevelopment,

• ADirectorofTechnology,

• ACampDirector,

• ADirectorofDiversityandInclusion,

• FamilyCenterDirector,

• AnExtendedDayandSummerProgramDirector,and

• ADirectorofSecondarySchoolPlacement.

Thisadministrativeteamworkshand-in-handwiththeDean/HeadofSchooltomanagetheday-to-dayschedule,activities,studentengagement,operations,andprogramming.

TheFamiliesFamiliesselectBankStreetSchoolforChildrenbecauseofitspremierereputationforprogressiveeducation,foritscommitmenttosocialjusticeandanti-racist

“Buildingmaterialsawaitthearrivalofchildren...stacksofhollowblocks—bigandsmallrectangles,squares,andramps—linethewalls…thenthechildrencome,withtheirstoriesandtheirpretending,andtheirwilltobuildeverythingtheyneedtomaketheirimaginaJontakeformintoarealnewworld…theyseemtoknowjustwhattodoortheyteacheachotherabouttheendlesspossibiliJesofbuildingandplayingwithblocks.”

—4/5sHeadTeacher

Head of School July 1, 2021

BANK STREET SCHOOL

Page4ResourceGroup175

THEPOSITIONTheSchoolseeksanenergetic,purposefulandaccomplishedDeanofChildren’sPrograms/HeadofSchoolforChildrentopartnerwiththePresidentoftheBankStreetCollegeofEducationandhiscabinetinbuildingupontheSchool’shistoryandreputationforprovidingawell-roundedandexcellenteducationalexperience.ThisdeanwillalsoworkcloselywiththeDeanoftheGraduateSchooltoensureasolidfoundationbetweentheschoolsandpurposelyfurthertheeffectivenessofcurrentandfutureBankStreetprogramstrengthsandofferings.ThisisanexcitingopportunityforanewleadertoembraceallthatBankStreetstandsfor,tocontinueits100+yearlegacyasaleaderandinnovatorinprogressiveeducation,topropelsocialjusticeandequityinitiatives,andtosharewithothersavisionforitsdevelopment,growthandeffectiveandsustainedservicetothelargercommunityandworld.TheFamilyCenter,aninclusiveearlychildhoodprogramforchildrenages6monthsthrough5years,andSummerCampalsofallundertheDean’sresponsibilities.

BankStreetCollegeofEducationwasfoundedin1916inNewYorkCitybyvisionaryeducatorLucySpragueMitchellasTheBureauofEducationExperiments(BBE),alaboratorynurseryschool,staffedbyteachers,psychologists,andresearcherswhoworkedcollaborativelytodiscovertheenvironmentsinwhichchildrengrewandlearnedtotheirfullpotentialandtoeducateteachersonhowtocreateandsustaintheseenvironmentsinandoutoftheclassroom.TheSchoolforChildrenbeganwithitsfirstclassin1954andgraduallyexpandedtoincludechildrenages3through13.

THEHISTORY

Head of School July 1, 2021

BANK STREET SCHOOL

Page9ResourceGroup175

THECURRICULUMANDPROGRAMTheSchoolisdividedintoLowerSchool(nursery,Pre-KindergartenandKindergarten),MiddleSchool(Grades1-4),andUpperSchool(Grades5-8)divisionsthataccommodatethedifferingdevelopmentalstagesandcurricularneedsofstudents.

Theentirenurserythroughgrade8curriculumembracesaphilosophyofvaluingandaddressingdifferingratesandstylesoflearning,whilestrivingtodevelopbasicskills,criticalthinking,self-awareness,andrespectofselfandothersandaredetailedincurriculumstatementsforeachdivisionandforeachgradelevelwithaccompanyingresponsibilityaccountabilityassignments.

ChildrenattheSchoolareattheverycenterofthelearningprocess.TrulyincorporatingthetenetsofJohnDeweyandhisbeliefthat“educationistheprocessoflivingandisnotmeanttobethepreparationoffutureliving”(Dewey,1897),theprogramreflects

progressiveeducationatitsbest.Teachersworkcollaborativelytocreaterisk-friendlyenvironmentswhereeverychildisencouragedtodeveloptheiruniqueinterests,talents,motivations,andskills.Studentsaregiveneveryopportunitytosucceedandtogarnerconfidenceintheirundertakingsandtheirinterdependentrelationships.Mathematics,literacy,science,andsocialstudiesarecontentareasthatstudentsexplorethroughproject-basedmodulesandactivelearningthroughoutthegrades.Inaddition,physicaleducation,music,visualandperformingarts,visualliteracyandcreativeexpression,acting,SpanishandFrench,librarystudies,technologyexperientiallearningandsocial-emotionallearningactivitiesarealsointegralpartsofthecurriculum

throughoutallgrades.

ThesubjectmatterstudiedatBankStreetcomesalivefromtheNurserythroughMiddleSchoolbecausestudentsareengaged,connected,andaffirmedintheirquesttoestablishindependence,interpersonalskills,andidentity.Students

tackleincreasinglysophisticatedconceptsandquestionsateachgradelevel,whileacquiringcriticalcontent-areaknowledgeandskills.Individual,smallgroup,andwholeclassactivitiescultivateintellectualcuriosityandinventiveness,fosterempathyandindependence,encourageperseverance,andnurtureself-confidence.

LowerSchool(3/4s,4/5s,5/6s)TheLowerSchooliscomprisedof3and4-year-olds,4-and5-year-oldsandKindergarteners.Caringandwarmadultteachersandspecialistswhoformstrong,nurturingandtrustingrelationshipsembracetheyoungestchildrenattheSchool.Individualattentionandcarearepivotalforchildrenandtheirfamilies.Thesetrustingfoundationalrelationshipswiththeirteachersandtheexpertteachingstaffformthebasisforresponsibleengagementandchildconfidence.

Childrentakeseriouslytheirimagining,questioning,

Head of School July 1, 2021

BANK STREET SCHOOL

Page4ResourceGroup175

THEPOSITIONTheSchoolseeksanenergetic,purposefulandaccomplishedDeanofChildren’sPrograms/HeadofSchoolforChildrentopartnerwiththePresidentoftheBankStreetCollegeofEducationandhiscabinetinbuildingupontheSchool’shistoryandreputationforprovidingawell-roundedandexcellenteducationalexperience.ThisdeanwillalsoworkcloselywiththeDeanoftheGraduateSchooltoensureasolidfoundationbetweentheschoolsandpurposelyfurthertheeffectivenessofcurrentandfutureBankStreetprogramstrengthsandofferings.ThisisanexcitingopportunityforanewleadertoembraceallthatBankStreetstandsfor,tocontinueits100+yearlegacyasaleaderandinnovatorinprogressiveeducation,topropelsocialjusticeandequityinitiatives,andtosharewithothersavisionforitsdevelopment,growthandeffectiveandsustainedservicetothelargercommunityandworld.TheFamilyCenter,aninclusiveearlychildhoodprogramforchildrenages6monthsthrough5years,andSummerCampalsofallundertheDean’sresponsibilities.

BankStreetCollegeofEducationwasfoundedin1916inNewYorkCitybyvisionaryeducatorLucySpragueMitchellasTheBureauofEducationExperiments(BBE),alaboratorynurseryschool,staffedbyteachers,psychologists,andresearcherswhoworkedcollaborativelytodiscovertheenvironmentsinwhichchildrengrewandlearnedtotheirfullpotentialandtoeducateteachersonhowtocreateandsustaintheseenvironmentsinandoutoftheclassroom.TheSchoolforChildrenbeganwithitsfirstclassin1954andgraduallyexpandedtoincludechildrenages3through13.

THEHISTORY

Head of School July 1, 2021

BANK STREET SCHOOL

Page10ResourceGroup175

experimenting,anddiscovery.Thesuperiorprogramignitescuriosity,problemsolvingandcreativity.Lovingteachersandassistantteachersensureawarm,safe,andnurturingenvironmentfortheircharges.Outdoorplay,socialdevelopmentandexperientiallearningareparamountastheyoungestchildrenoncampusquestionandprocesstheworldaboutthem.

MiddleSchool(6/7s,7/8s,8/9s,9/10s)InGrades1-4,studentsaredevelopingfascinatingtheoriesabouttheirworldwhilehoningtheirskillsthroughpurposefullearningacrossdisciplines.Anintentionalclimateofinquiryencourageschildrentotakerisksasanaturalpartoftherichacademicexperiences.Thus,studentsintheLowerSchoolcelebratecuriosity,questioning,andjoywhileengagedinthepursuitofknowledge,relationships,andunderstanding.

TheMiddleSchoolprogramexposesstudentstoexcitinginvestigationsthatallowthemtowonderandrefinetheirthinking.Acombinedfocusonlearningcollaboratively,whilealsobuildingontheindividualskillsofstudents,helpsthemsolidlygraspage-appropriateconcepts.

Speakingandwritingteacheschildrentoengageinalloftheprocessesthatrealauthorsuse,includinggeneratingideas,creatingdrafts,editing,conferencingwithpeersandteachers,and"publishing"booksonsubjectsthatinterestthem.Servicelearningisanintegralpartofthecurriculum.

TheMiddleSchool,offersincreasinglysophisticatedconceptsacrosssubjectareas—mathematicalthinking,challengingliteratureandliteracyprojects,scientificexperimentation,worldstudies,USgovernment,drama,Spanish,physicaleducation,arts,musicandpurposefulopportunitiestoengagetheworldcreatively.Teacherspartnerwithstudentsastheyinvestigate,analyze,question,experiment,reflect,andcollaborate.

UpperSchool(10/11s,11/12s,12/13s,13/14s)Uppergradestudentsassessprogressandsetgoalsfortheirownfuturegrowth.Thegiftofself-discoveryandunderstandingempowersBankStreetUpperSchoolstudents,providingopportunitiesforgrowthandreflectionthathelpeachbecomemorehonestandsuccessfulintheirquestformeaningfulchange,maturity,andgrowthinanuncertain,complex,anddiverseworld.

UpperSchoolathleticsreflecttheSchool’sprogressivevalues.Studentscompeteinsoccer,basketball,track,

andsoftballagainstotherindependentschoolsandhavebroughthomeconferencebanners—aswellasfrequentsportsmanshipawards.

AcursoryinspectionofthecurriculumstatementsforUpperSchoolevidencesindependentthinking,openmindsettheoriesandpracticesthatadvocatecontinuingquestsformoreinformationtoformulateactionplanswithaccountabilityandself-reflectionprotocols.

Student-ledconferencesalsodeepenself-analysisandself-awarenessforstudentsintheUpperSchool.

AfterSchool,AuxiliaryPrograms,AthleticsandSummerCampBankStreethasastrongcommitmenttoservingstudentsandfamilieswhoneedprofessionalcareandenrichmentbeyondthenormalschoolday.ExtendedDayprogramming,availableeachschoolday,includesfreeplay,activities,

Head of School July 1, 2021

BANK STREET SCHOOL

Page11ResourceGroup175

andhealthysnacks.Alsoduringthisafterschoolperiod,optionalmini-coursesandenrichmentclassesprovidestudentswithavarietyofexcitingandalternativelearningexperiences(e.g.,RockBank,Chess,Minecraft,Art,Woodworking,MusicLessons,Cooking,Sewing,ScienceWizards,Clay,Coding,andTaeKwonDo).

UpperSchoolstudentsinterestedincompetitivesportsmeetafterschooltwiceaweekforpracticesandgames.OfferedinthefallareVolleyball,SoccerandRunning,inthewinter,Basketballandinthespring,SoftballandRunning.

BankStreetalsohostsaSummerCampeachyearanditisopentoallchildrenages4through13.TheCampisarecreationalandeducationalprogramthatisaccreditedbytheAmericanCampAssociation.TheSummerCampStaffisBankStreettrainedandmanyaregraduatesoftheBankStreetSchoolforChildrenandtheGraduateSchool.Thecampisfilledwithenthusiasticyoungsterswhoparticipateinoutdoorandindoorsportsandfieldadventures.ThematicexperiencesincludeSpanishImmersion,BroadwayBound,SportsCampandTechnology.

SchoolTraditionsandCommunityServiceOpportunitiesDuringthecourseoftheyear,manyspecialtraditionsmaketheBankStreetexperienceunique.Numerousall-schooleventsandculturalactivitiesencourageentirecommunityparticipationandrangefromtheSpringAuctionandBenefit,SpiritDay,FieldDay,WinterandSpringConcerts,divisionspecial

overnighttripstosleepawaycamps,PhiladelphiaandWashington,D.C.trips,theParentBandAssemblies,theLowerSchoolHoedownandtheFallFair.Thehighlyanticipatedall-school“BankStreet’sGotTalentShow,”presentedbyParentsofChildrenofColoraffinitygrouptothemockelectionstotheBuddyClasswhereolderstudentsmentoryoungerones,furtherevidencethatadeeplyenrichedprogressiveeducationproducescitizenswhoarecreative,productiveandcontributingmembersofsociety.

THEFAMILYCENTER

TheBankStreetFamilyCenterisaninclusivecenterthatprovideschild-centered,developmentallyappropriate,andculturallysensitiveservicesandsupportforfamiliesofchildrenage6monthsto5years.GroundedinBankStreet’sprogressivephilosophy,TheFamilyCenteroffersachildcareprogramwithaGeneralEducationProgramandPreschoolSpecialEducationProgramsharingthesameclassrooms.SpecialEducationServicesareofferedbyTheFamilyCenterinchildren’sschoolorhomesettings.Playgroupsofferinfantsandtoddlerssafeopportunitiesfordevelopmentallyappropriateplaywiththeirpeersandparents/caregivers.

TheFamilyCenterfacultyandstafffullyembracethoughtfulpathsandusestrength-basedindividualizedapproachestonurtureeachchild’spotential.

"ItwasclearthattheteachersatBankStreetwereanextraordinary

bunch."BankStreetAlumni

Head of School July 1, 2021

BANK STREET SCHOOL

Page12

THESTRENGTHSOFTHESCHOOL

ResourceGroup175

ThenewDeanofChildren’sPrograms/HeadoftheSchoolforChildrenwillbenefitfrommanystrengths,including:

• Eager,motivated,active,andhappystudentswhothriveacademically,socially,morally,physically,andemotionallyandwhoexhibitastronglovefortheirschool;

• Caring,competent,anddedicatedteachersandstaffwhoareskilledinteachingandlearning,andversedincurrentbestteachingpractices,includingbannerprogressiveeducationpractices,developmentofthewholebrain,social/emotionallearning,relationalengagement,criticalthinkingskilldevelopment,restorativepractices,andactive-learningknowledge.Inaddition,allstaffintentionallypromoteand

mentormutualrespectandemotionalliteracyamongthestudentsandaretrueadvocatesforjustice,diversityandequityinacontinuingquestforapeacefulworldsociety;

• Astrongpartnershipwiththe

BankStreetCollegeofEducationandacollaborativerelationshipwiththeDeanoftheGraduateSchool,acknowledgingeffectiveresearchandgraduatetrainingforprofessionalsandaqualifiedsourcefortalentedandskillededucators;

• AtalentedBankStreetCabinetandSchoolforChildrenAdministrativeTeamthatarewillingtogotheextramileinmakingtheSchooloperatesmoothlyandeffectively;

• AdedicatedparentcommunitythatstronglysupportstheSchool’smissionandphilosophy;

• AhardworkinganddedicatedCollegePresidentwhopartnerswiththeDeanofChildren’sPrograms/HeadoftheSchoolforChildren,understandsindependentschoolgovernance,thinksstrategically,andisanearneststewardandleaderoftheCollegeanditsdivisions;

• Ahighlyintentionaland

well-developedcurriculumthatprovidesclearguidelinesforlearninggoalswhileallowingflexibilityinteachingmethodology;

• Well-maintainedfacilitiesthatenhancetheSchool’sprogram;

• Alonghistoryofinclusionandequitystemmingfromthelearnings,experiencesandwilloflegendaryfounder,LucySpragueMitchell;and

• AschoolfullyaccreditedbytheNewYorkStateAssociationofIndependentSchools(NYSAIS),havingrecentlycompletedasuccessful10-yearNYSAISaccreditationprocess.BankStreetSchoolforChildrenisalsoamemberoftheNationalAssociationofIndependentSchools.

Head of School July 1, 2021

BANK STREET SCHOOL

Page13

THECHALLENGESANDOPPORTUNITIESFORTHEYEARSAHEAD

ResourceGroup175

Initscommitmentforsustainingexcellence,BankStreetSchoolforChildrenfacessignificantchallenges.LikemanyindependentschoolsinAmericatoday,theSchoolisfacedwiththeneedtogrowitsfinancialbasetoensureitscontinuingabilitytoattractandretainoutstandingstaff,toremainaccessibleandaffordableforabroadrangeoffamilies,andtosustainitsexemplaryprogressiveeducationalprogram.Atthesametime,demographics,costs,andothereducationaloptions(includinggoodpublicandcharterschoolsandmanyprivateandindependentschoolchoices),havecombinedtoimposeincreasedcompetitionforpreschool,elementary,andmiddleschool-agedchildreninManhattan.

Theprinciplesofprogressiveeducationhavebecometrendyasmoreandmoreindependentschoolsmarkettomillennialparents.However,BankStreetremainsasNew

YorkCity’sleadingNursery-8thGradeProgressiveSchool,activelyandcreativelypromotingtheschooltothelargercommunityastheoriginalandpremiereleaderinprogressiveeducationandmakingapubliccasefortheSchool’suniqueandunparallelededucationalexperiencesarekeyopportunities.

Inaddition,thenextDeanofChildren’sPrograms/HeadofTheSchoolforChildrenshouldbepreparedtoworkinclosepartnershipwiththePresidentofBankStreetCollegeofEducationandthefaculty,staff,andadministrationtoaccomplishthefollowing:

• SuccessfullyleveragetheuniquerelationshipsandresourcesthatexistwithintheBankStreetCollegeofEducationtothemutualbenefitoftheFamilyCenter,SchoolforChildren,GraduateSchool,andtheotherdivisions;

• Addressenrollmentchallengesinthefaceofrisingtuitions,changingdemographics,andincreasedcompetitionfrompublic,charter,andindependentschools;

• PreserveandamplifyBankStreetSchoolforChildren’scommitmenttoprogressiveeducation,withsocialjusticeatitscore;

• Workeffectivelywithinanorganizationalstructurethatincludesseveraldivisions,allreportingtothePresidentofBankStreetCollegeofEducation;

• MakeacompellingcasefortheBankStreetmodel,curriculum,andtrackrecordofsuccesswithprospectiveandcurrentparents,donors,andthewidereducationalcommunityinNewYorkCity;

Head of School July 1, 2021

BANK STREET SCHOOL

Page14ResourceGroup175

• Balancetheneedtoberesponsivetocommunityinputwithanabilitytoarticulateavision,makedecisions,andexecute.

Thesuccessfulcandidatewilllikelyexhibitthefollowingcharacteristics,qualities,skills,andexperiences:

• Loveandrespectforchildren;

• StrongadvocatefortheBankStreetmodelofprogressiveeducation;

• Bridge-builderwhocanworkeffectivelywithinacomplexorganization;

• UnderstandingoftheindependentschoolcultureinNewYorkCity;

• Creativeproblem-solverwithapenchantforcontinuingprofessionaldevelopment;

• Abilitytostriketherightbalancebetweenmaintainingawarm,approachablepresenceandbeingaclear,visionary,anddecisiveleaderwhocanalsomanagedifficultconversationsandworkthroughdifferencesofopinion;

• Capacitytodevelopandnurtureinstructionalgrowthoffacultyandtheschool’sleadershipteamwithacommitmenttocultivatingteacherleaders;

• Strongplanningskillsandtheabilitytoskillfullysupportcomplexorganizationalchange;

• Abilitytodevelopstrategiesandformulateprovenmarketingandbrandingapproachestooptimizeenrollmentandcurtailattrition;

• SkilledcommunicatorwhoisenergizedbymarketingtheSchooltobothinternalandexternalconstituents;

• Connectorwhoenjoysknowingandbeingknownbystudents,faculty,staff,parents,andalumni;

• AbilitytofundraiseandtosharetheuniquestoryoftheBankStreetexperience;

• LivedexperienceapplicabletotheuniqueprogressivemissionoftheSchoolandunwaveringcommitmenttodiversity,equityandsocialjustice;

• Aresourceandpartnertoparentsandchildrenrangingfromearlychildhoodthroughadolescence;

• Senseofhumorandtheenergyandoptimismnecessarytofindjoyintheleadershipofadynamicschoolcommunityandtopropagatethatjoythroughouttheentirecommunity;and

• Empathetic,flexible,warm,connectedandapproachable.

Head of School July 1, 2021

BANK STREET SCHOOL

Page15ResourceGroup175

APPLICATIONPROCESSBankStreetSchoolforChildrenhasretainedTonyFeatherstonandDoreenOlesonfromResourceGroup175toleadthesearch.Toapply,qualifiedcandidatesmayapplyonlineathttps://rg175.com/candidate/signupbeforeFriday,September10,2020.

Theapplicationincludes:• Acoverletterexpressinginterestinthe

position• Acurriculumvitae• Apersonalstatementand/orwriting

sample

Pleasedonothesitatetocalloremailyourquestionsto:

TonyFeatherston646-753-1548tfeatherston@rg175.com

and/or

DoreenOleson626-676-5203doreenoleson@gmail.com

WearegratefulforyourinterestintheBankStreetSchoolforChildrenandlookforwardtohearingmoreaboutyourbackground,experienceandinterestinthisopportunity.BankStreetSchoolforChildrenwelcomesandencouragesapplicationsfromdiversecandidates.BankStreetSchoolforChildrendoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,color,religion,gender,sexualorientation,genderidentity,disability,nationalorethnicorigin,orotherlegallyprotectedstatusinadmissionofotherwisequalifiedstudentsorinprovidingaccesstotherights,privileges,programs,oractivitiesgenerallyavailabletoallstudentsandtheirfamilies,includingeducationalpolicies,scholarshipandotherfinancialaidprograms,orathletic,extra-curricular,andotherschool-administeredprogramsandactivities.