Upper School Head

The Opportunity 

Carolina Friends School (CFS) is seeking an Upper School Head, referred to on campus as “Upper School Head Teacher.” The Upper School Head is responsible for the implementation of the School’s Quaker philosophy and mission as well as equity and inclusion goals in the curriculum and day-to-day operations of the Upper School. The Upper School Head facilitates the development of the unit’s programmatic vision; supervises, evaluates, and supports the professional growth of staff members; oversees scheduling; is an active collaborator in the admissions and enrollment process; oversees student discipline for the unit; and stewards the unit budgeting process. The person in this role also serves on the School’s leadership team. 

This position will include working with approximately 175-180 students and 25 full-time and 5 part-time staff members, as well as the larger Carolina Friends community. The Upper School operates on a trimester system, giving students more opportunities to participate in electives that help them individualize their high school experience. 

The Upper School Head reports to the Head of School and receives support from the Assistant Head for Teaching and Learning. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Ensure all Upper School activities and culture remain congruent with the CFS mission and Quaker values. 
• Act as the educational leader of the unit, responsible for its day-to-day operations. 
• Serve as the lead communicator for Upper School programs, academic expectations, and behavioral policies. 
• Proactively engage students, staff, and families to foster deep relationships and resolve conflicts.
• Advise the Head of School on the hiring, retention, and strategic assignment of staff. 
• Advocate for Upper School needs while collaborating with the School’s leadership team to achieve institutional goals. 
• Conduct formal and informal evaluations, providing actionable feedback to support professional excellence. 
• Mentor staff on instructional techniques and co-author professional growth plans. 
• Coordinate orientation for new hires and ongoing in-service training for all unit staff. 
• Drive curricular improvements and collaborate with other units to ensure schoolwide programmatic alignment. 
• Oversee the student restorative discipline process in partnership with the Dean of Students. 
• Serve on the Upper School Admissions Committee and actively support all Upper School recruitment and retention efforts. 
• Monitor daily staff activities, including classroom management, administrative duties, and parent communications. 
• Produce weekly correspondence for families to highlight accomplishments, upcoming events, and essential updates. 
• Facilitate the planning and execution of student trips, special programs, and school events. 

Requirements 

• Deep knowledge and understanding of curriculum design and implementation, pedagogy, and professional growth relevant to secondary education 
• A view of adolescent development that encompasses intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual growth 
• A proven record of success as a teacher and instructional leader of secondary school-age students, with experience with block schedules preferred
• An advanced degree in Education or related field (preferred) 
• Experience and skill in supervising teachers and providing productive feedback for growth 
• Experience and skill in supporting new teachers and their growth
• Skill in strategic visioning and goal-setting 
• Demonstrated skill in developing and supporting a sense of teamwork among teachers 
• Strong intra/interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills
• Strong communication skills reflecting intelligence and heart—writing and speaking with clarity and grace, editing well, and listening closely
• The ability to respond to varied demands with integrity, energy, courage, creativity, resilience, flexibility, and humor
• A focused and collaborative leadership style, skill at building relationships, shared decision-making, and resolution of problems in a manner aligned with the Quaker process 
• Demonstrated interest in and affinity for Quaker philosophy and the School’s mission 
• Demonstrated commitment to understanding and exploring how power and inequality, influenced by factors such as race, class, gender, sexuality, neurodivergence, and differing physical abilities, impact our students, families, and colleagues 
• Enthusiasm for engaging with students through large and small group opportunities (e.g. teaching elective courses, student leadership development)
• A delight in getting to know students, parents, colleagues, trustees, and friends of CFS 

This is a 12-month role with a hiring range of $100,000-$120,000 based on experience. Carolina Friends School offers a comprehensive benefits package, generous holidays and vacation time, and a supportive, inclusive work environment. 

The Upper School 

The Upper School at CFS strives to be a learning community rooted in Quaker philosophy and values, where teenagers can find and help create a supportive place for exploring themselves and the world. Students and teachers address one another without titles as an expression of the equality we see in one another. We believe that a child’s secondary education experience should challenge them to develop the critical thinking, reading, and problem-solving skills that not only prepare students for life beyond graduation, but also for participation in the world as active agents right now. We require students to have a wide variety of curricular experiences, from traditional academic requirements to extensive work in the arts and community service. Upper School students are asked to see themselves as stewards of the whole community. 

Teachers at CFS enjoy a school community committed to a pedagogy based on Quaker thought and practice. We strive to collaborate toward the realization of every child’s highest potential in the classroom, community, and wider world. The School is fortunate to attract outstanding educators who see teaching as a calling, as an art, and as an opportunity to nurture the whole child. CFS staff possess strong academic backgrounds and enthusiastically embrace the habit of lifelong learning. They are self-directed thinkers, always considering how to best meet the needs of their students. We welcome new teachers to the School who share similar educational goals and whose philosophy and practice resonate with Carolina Friends School’s. 

Building on our roots as one of the first purposefully integrated schools in the region, CFS actively seeks students and staff from a diverse range of backgrounds.

How to Apply: 

Interested candidates should submit, when possible, in one complete PDF file, the following: 

• Cover Letter 
• Resume 
• Statement of Educational Philosophy 
• Names and contact information for 3 references 

Please combine all these documents into a single packet and submit it to jobopenings@cfsnc.org. Please indicate “Upper School Head Teacher” in the email subject line. 

Resume reviews will begin immediately and continue until the position has been filled. CFS reserves the right to close the recruitment at any time. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as all materials can be compiled. 

APPLICANTS: Please review the Who We Are, Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity, and Important Information for All Applicants sections on the CFS Job Seekers page. 

Carolina Friends School actively strives to be a community of staff, students, and families of diverse backgrounds. CFS does not discriminate based on age, race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, socio-economic background, family structure, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, or military service in the administration of its policies and programs.