Head of Lower Primary at Silverleaf Academy Ltd

Silverleaf Academy Ltd is seeking a qualified and experienced Head of Lower Primary to oversee academic, developmental, cultural, and operational excellence for Grades 1 and 2 at its Usa River Campus in Tanzania.

Job details

Organization: Silverleaf Academy Ltd
Position: Head of Lower Primary, Grade 1 and 2
Location: Silverleaf Academy, Usa River Campus, Tanzania
Contract type: Full time
Contract duration: 2 years
Line manager: Head Teacher
Direct reports: Grade Leads and Teachers

Organization overview

Silverleaf Academy is a chain of affordable private pre-primary and primary schools in Tanzania, providing high-quality education to lower-middle-income families.

The academy uses Tanzania’s national curriculum while incorporating a tech-supported and inclusive learning approach. Silverleaf emphasizes mastery of basic foundational skills such as reading, writing, and mathematics, while also nurturing critical thinking, collaboration, and entrepreneurial abilities.

Silverleaf Academy’s mission is to prepare students for the future with well-rounded skills. The academy is currently scaling up its Usa River Campus to serve over 1,000 students by January 2025.

Role overview

The Head of Lower Primary will be responsible for overseeing the academic and developmental progress of students in Grades 1 and 2.

Reporting to the Head Teacher, the role involves implementing the curriculum, managing the teaching team, tracking student progress, and ensuring that learners meet the desired learning outcomes.

The Head of Lower Primary will also play a key role in supporting the holistic development of students through co-curricular programs and active engagement with parents to promote a strong home-school partnership.

Key responsibilities

School culture and team development

The Head of Lower Primary will support a strong school culture and help develop a high-performing teaching team for Grades 1 and 2.

Responsibilities include:

• Conduct performance evaluations for teaching staff in Grades 1 and 2, providing feedback on strengths and areas for development.
• Work in partnership with the Head Teacher to implement:
  • A yearly professional development vision for the school.
  • A yearly development calendar.
  • Weekly coaching and development experiences for teammates.
  • A strong performance appraisal system.
• Foster a positive and collaborative environment among teachers and staff for Grades 1 and 2.
• Implement and lead cultural activities and rituals for Grades 1 and 2.
• Facilitate a culture of self-awareness where teammates value personal and professional development and are invested in feedback and growth.
• Conduct daily, bi-weekly cultural, academic, and tech walkthroughs and observations for Grades 1 and 2.

Student experience, academic performance, development, behavior, and co-curriculars

The Head of Lower Primary will support academic achievement, student development, behavior management, wellness, and co-curricular programming for Grades 1 and 2.

Responsibilities include:

• Support the Head Teacher in implementing a yearly student experience vision and plan for the school.
• Support the Head Teacher in implementing a yearly and measurable plan to ensure students are developed:
  • Academically.
  • Socially.
  • Emotionally.
  • Through co-curricular experiences.
• Partner with the School Manager and Head Teacher to set targets for all academic metrics by grade level and by student.
• Attend weekly academic data meetings to ensure academic targets are being met.
• Implement targeted intervention programs for struggling students in Grades 1 and 2.
• Facilitate health and wellness programs that support physical and mental well-being for Grades 1 and 2.
• Facilitate student leadership opportunities, such as student councils for Grades 1 and 2.
• Attend biweekly Student Leaders meetings to ensure student voice guides decision-making and development.
• Ensure the child protection policy and child wellness policies are followed.
• Lead the campus AAR as needed for Grades 1 and 2.
• Conduct weekly audits to ensure child protection and child wellness policies are followed in Grades 1 and 2.
• Ensure positive behavior practices are implemented in Grades 1 and 2.
• Ensure the use of Class Dojo to reinforce behavior management in Grades 1 and 2.
• Ensure all behavioral concerns are addressed or escalated before the end of the day on which they occur.
• Ensure the execution of co-curricular activities by coordinating with the co-curricular coordinator and external partners.
• Ensure activities are diverse, engaging, and aligned with student development goals.
• Ensure a well-rounded club and sports program.
• Support participation in extracurricular competitions.

School sustainability and operations

The Head of Lower Primary will support smooth academic operations and ensure compliance with key school policies for Grades 1 and 2.

Responsibilities include:

• Work with the Head Teacher to ensure smooth day-to-day academic operations, including:
  • Scheduling teaching timetables.
  • Scheduling assessments.
  • Managing teaching and learning resources.
• Ensure compliance with all health and safety protocols for Grades 1 and 2.
• Ensure compliance with child protection policies for Grades 1 and 2.

Community engagement

The Head of Lower Primary will help strengthen relationships with parents, community members, partner organizations, and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities include:

• Support the Head Teacher in implementing regular feedback mechanisms for all stakeholders, including:
  • Parents.
  • Community members.
  • Partners.
• Support the Head Teacher in organizing regular parent-teacher conferences to:
  • Discuss student progress.
  • Set student goals.
  • Provide academic updates.
  • Provide behavioral updates.
• Ensure communication channels with parents are clear and consistent.

Education and experience requirements

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Education: Must have a teaching degree from a recognized institution approved by the Government of Tanzania.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of teaching experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role, such as Grade Coordinator or Head of Department.
• Leadership skills: Proven ability to lead and inspire teachers to achieve academic goals.
• Curriculum and training experience: Experience in curriculum development and teacher training.
• Student-centric approach: Strong background in student assessment, student development, and creating student-centered learning environments.
• Community engagement: Experience in building relationships with parents and communities to support student success.
• Languages: Proficiency in both English and Kiswahili.

Values

The Head of Lower Primary is expected to embody and promote the core values of Silverleaf Academy.

Lead the way

Practice empathy, serve as a role model, and demonstrate servant leadership.

Speak, listen, and learn

Foster collaboration, share ideas, and respect diverse perspectives.

Ask why and why not

Encourage critical thinking, innovation, and evidence-based decision-making.

Build for the future

Equip students with the skills and mindsets needed for the world of tomorrow.

Mission focus

Commit to achieving clear goals and maintaining focus on academic and developmental outcomes.