Head of School
The Willow School
Gladstone, New Jersey
Founded in 2000 with the distinctive mission
of
promoting
language,
mastery
strong
of
virtues,
the
English
and
a
deep
connection to the natural world, The Willow
School
educates
students
in
preschool
through eighth grade in an atmosphere of
joyful learning. For a position to begin in July
2015, the school seeks an accomplished and
visionary Head of School to lead Willow to
its next level of excellence.
The Willow School offers a rich, interdisciplinary
curriculum with a clear emphasis on
sustainability to 131 children. Located in a rural
setting near the center of Gladstone, New Jersey,
the campus is a model of environmentally
sensitive and energy-efficient design. Making the
most of its beautiful natural surroundings,
Willow has constructed stunning facilities that
embrace the environment.
Families come to Willow for its high-quality
academic program, dedicated and talented
teachers, and small class sizes. The school is
highly praised for its deep sense of community
and faithfulness to its mission.
Already recognized as a leader in sustainable
building, Willow deserves wider attention for an
excellent educational program that features a
unique synthesis of academics, core virtues, and
environmental awareness. The development of
ethical relationships between humans and the
natural world is as essential to the Willow
experience as the mastery of the English
language.
With an interim Head of School already in place
for 2014-15, The Willow School is positioned to
continue its focus on academic program
enhancements,
enrollment
growth,
and
institutional advancement efforts. This headship
is an exciting leadership opportunity for a
confident and experienced leader who is eager to
cultivate an inspirational, young school into a
premier independent school.
On the web:
www.willowschool.org
APPLICATION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 4, 2014
MISSION
The Willow School, a small, independent coeducational day school for
students in preschool through eighth grade, is committed to combining
academic excellence and the joy of learning and to experiencing the wonder
of the natural world. Mastery of the English language is an essential
element in an integrated curriculum that helps students comprehend the
patterns of how things are connected and prepares them for all areas of
their secondary education.
The school is dedicated to maintaining an environment where respect for
the individual, an outstanding faculty, and an understanding of place
foster independent thinking, creativity, responsibility, and integrity. The
Willow School education enables children to develop an ethical approach to
all relationships, to realize their full potential, and to believe in their power
to effect positive change.
Vision Statement
The Willow School helps children discover who they are, the joy of
learning, and the wonder of the environment around them. Our purpose in
doing so is to develop people who make a meaningful contribution to others
and the world in which we live.
VITAL STATISTICS
HISTORY:
OPERATING BUDGET, 2013-14:
Founded in 2000
$3.4 million
ENDOWMENT:
LOCATION:
$410,319
34-acre campus in Gladstone, NJ
ENROLLMENT, 2013-14:
Preschool:
Lower (K-5):
Middle (6-8):
TOTAL FUNDS RAISED, 2013-14:
131
$519,000
12
84
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ANNUAL FUND GIVING, 2013-14:
$360,000, with 100% parent participation
TUITION, 2013-14:
STUDENT DIVERSITY:
Preschool:
Lower School:
Middle School:
8% of students identify as members of minority racial
and ethnic groups
$11,150-$15,300
$25,000-$26,800
$28, 175
FINANCIAL AID, 2013-14:
FACULTY TO STUDENT RATIO:
22% of students received a total of $370,000
1:8
ACCREDITATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS:
FACULTY:
Accredited by New Jersey Association of Independent
Schools; member, National Association of Independent
Schools
16 full-time faculty with an average tenure of 5 years;
34% with advanced degrees
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DEFINING STRENGTHS AND UNIQUE ATTRIBUTES OF THE SCHOOL
When Pearl and Mark Biedron founded The Willow School 14 years ago, they envisioned a school that would
emphasize the mastery of the English language, combine academic excellence with the joy of learning, and promote a
strong virtues program. They quickly realized the link between human virtue and ecology, and from there evolved
the commitment to sustainability that has become another hallmark of the school.
Families love the close-knit community, the devoted teachers, and the opportunity for students to engage in joyful
learning within the framework of an established virtues program. A signature aspect of the Willow experience is
Morning Gathering, where students and faculty join together to reflect on that month’s virtue in ways that inspire
learning and promote a deeper understanding.
Prospective candidates wishing to understand the distinctive culture of The Willow School would do well to read the
school’s statement of philosophy (www.willowschool.org/about-us/statement-of-philosophy), which outlines the
educational experience and the school’s major themes.
THE STUDENTS
Students love the Willow experience. Whether collecting water samples from
the stream, participating in a lively class discussion about To Kill a Mockingbird,
or sharing lunch together, children at The Willow School bask in a nurturing
environment that encourages them to become independent, responsible, and
resilient. They are a smart, thoughtful, and creative group who come from a
range of neighborhoods in northern New Jersey.
The Willow academic program prepares students exceptionally well for
secondary school, placing graduates in fine schools including: Blair Academy,
Choate Rosemary Hall, Deerfield Academy, Delbarton School, Gill St. Bernards
School, Groton School, Kent Place School, The Lawrenceville School, Miss
Porter’s School, Morristown Beard School, Science Academy at Morristown
High School, The Pingry School, Princeton Day School, Rutgers Preparatory School, St. Paul’s School, and The
Thacher School.
FACULTY, STAFF, AND ADMINISTRATION
The faculty members at Willow, known for their dedication, caring, and thoughtful
approach to teaching, get to know students exceptionally well. Small class sizes allow for
the development of close relationships that benefit each and every student. Teachers are
supported by division directors, a school psychologist, and a librarian/reading specialist.
The senior administrative team includes the Head of School, Director of Business and
Finance, Director of Admissions and Marketing, Director of Operations and Service
Learning Coordinator, Director of Development, Assistant Controller, and Secondary
School Placement and Alumni Affairs Coordinator. Operations and support staff
members include the Director of Facilities and the Director of Technology.
GOVERNANCE
Board of Trustees. The 12-member Board of Trustees is an able, generous, and dedicated group committed to the
long-term success of the institution. The Board includes a mix of current parents, members of the community, and
one of the school’s founders. The Board’s comprehensive strategic plan, which will take the school through 2018,
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targets an enhanced educational experience; an improved marketing plan to grow enrollment; a continued emphasis
on campus development; and the financial stability of the school going forward.
Parent Association. Willow parents invest themselves deeply into the life of the school. The association meets every
other month and takes responsibility for planning events such as Harvest Soup Day, the Holiday Bazaar, Teacher
Appreciation Day, and the Green Gala, the school’s premier fundraiser.
LOCATION, CAMPUS, AND FACILITIES
The Willow campus, sited on 34 picturesque acres in the affluent
countryside of Gladstone, is one of the most impressive and
environmentally innovative school facilities in the country, with a
list of accolades attesting to its achievements. In 2002, Willow
became the first independent school to design and build a LEED
gold-certified building, the 13,000-square-foot “Schoolhouse.” In
2004, NAIS recognized Willow as “the prototype school” for
accomplishing the tasks of the 21st century. In 2007, the school’s
second building, “The Barn,” became one of only seven structures
to receive LEED platinum certification. Willow has also been awarded the U.S. Department of Environmental
Protection’s Environmental Quality Award and the Department of Education’s Green Ribbon School award.
Sited to take best advantage of natural light, the buildings’ clerestories
provide passive solar heating. Terrazzo glass tile comes from recycled
airplane windshields, while nearly 80 percent of the lumber used in the
school’s construction is salvaged. In addition, 600 tons of hand cut limestone
blocks were recycled from demolished barns for exterior walls, and rapidly
renewable raw materials such as cork were used for flooring. Water
conservation is another key feature of campus planning, with stormwater
managed on site. Rainwater runoff is recycled to flush the buildings’ toilets
and maintain the surrounding plantings, which are native and droughtresistant species that require no fertilizers or pesticides. Willow also installed the first constructed wetlands
wastewater treatment in New Jersey.
Phase III of Willow’s master plan involves the ongoing construction of a 20,000-square-foot Health, Wellness, and
Nutrition Center designed to meet the criteria of both LEED Platinum standards and the Cascadia Living Building
Challenge, making it the first educational building in the country to meet both green building standards. When fully
built, the center will produce more energy than it uses and generate no waste that is not re-used. Slated for
completion in September 2014, the structure will house a commercial kitchen, teaching kitchen, dining hall,
movement and performing arts space, health and wellness room, four
Middle School classrooms, and educational and producing agricultural
gardens. The added space will allow the school to grow to its intended
capacity of 250 students.
The campus also includes a three-story colonial farmhouse dating from
1875 that houses the preschool and administrative offices, extensive
outdoor play space, a synthetic turf field for athletics, and both gardens
and woodlands. Beautiful, light-filled classrooms in The Schoolhouse
open directly to the grounds, encouraging interaction with the
landscape.
The Willow School is conveniently located about halfway between Princeton and Morristown, and it is in easy
commuting distance of a number of communities, including Bedminster, Bernardsville, Chester, Far Hills,
Morristown, and Oldwick.
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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
As befits a school committed to mastery of the English language, Willow places a high value on language arts. The
integrated curriculum promotes the development of strong communication skills across the disciplines. Also
significant is the relationship between the school’s campus — both its outdoor features and environmentally sensitive
building designs — and the academic program. Interaction with the natural world enhances student understanding
of history, ecology, economics, problem-solving, and conservation. For a detailed look at the curriculum school-wide,
visit www.willowschool.org. Here are some highlights:
THE PRESCHOOL
The multi-age preschool program for students ages three through five offers the
youngest Willow students an enriching, early academic experience. Lessons in
language arts, math, science, and social studies are complemented by classes in
art, handcrafts and practical life skills, cooking and snack preparation, and
gardening. Cooperative learning and sensory experiences figure prominently.
LOWER SCHOOL (K-5)
Students in the Lower School enjoy a rich curriculum that features a strong emphasis on language arts; the program
incorporates aspects of Montessori Grammar, Daily Oral Language, and Words Their Way to deepen student
understanding and English language skills. The core curriculum also introduces students to Singapore Math, inquirybased science that makes the most of the Willow setting, social studies with a focus on global citizenship, and the
study of French or Spanish. In all areas of study, students learn the importance of ethical relationships among
humans and between humans and the environment. Rounding out the Lower School program are daily music
opportunities, art activities, physical education, drama, and dance.
MIDDLE SCHOOL (6-8)
The Middle School program is guided by unifying themes at each grade level. In sixth grade, students focus on
“Understanding Our Place in the World.” The seventh grade examines “Understanding Vulnerability, Power, and
Change.” For the eighth grade year, students explore “Self Discovery.” The
integrated curriculum promotes connections across the disciplines. In addition to
the core subjects of English, math, science, social studies, and world language, Latin
is taught to students in grades six through eight. Students also have the
opportunity to select from an array of electives that include specialized music,
architecture, art, science, and math classes. In addition, sixth and seventh grade
students take a research skills class, and eighth-graders participate in an internship
and take a Skills for Tomorrow class that prepares them for the transition to high
school. An advisory program helps students reach their academic and social
potential.
Middle School students (and fifth-graders) publish a literary journal and school
newspaper as part of the creative arts program. Athletics options include cross
country, fencing, soccer, and track and field. Student interests determine the variety
of committees offered each year; in the past, students have led groups for outdoor
learning, sustainability, leadership, and publicity. Several annual traditions such as an adventure trip, Kindness
Week, and Spring Sing are important facets of the Middle School experience.
THE VIRTUES PROGRAM
From its founding, Willow has embraced a character education program that anchors the school community.
Modeled on Mary Beth Klee’s core virtues curriculum, the Willow program focuses on a different virtue each month
over a three-year rotation. Through this program, the faculty teaches and models virtuous behavior by integrating
the approach at every grade level. Students are invited to understand and assimilate moral virtues such as honesty,
5
integrity, respect, responsibility, compassion, generosity, courage, and diligence. While Morning Gathering provides
an essential way to learn more about the virtues, there are ample opportunities for teaching and living the virtues
across the academic program. In this way, The Willow School educates students to lead ethical lives.
SERVICE LEARNING
In keeping with both the academic and virtues program, service learning is an
integral part of a Willow education. When a need in the larger community is
identified, it is matched with a grade focused on that particular area of study. The
kindergarten collects used bottle caps and sends them to Aveda for recycling efforts;
the first grade, through their study of Community in the Woods, supports an
organization in Africa that builds schools; and fourth grade students raise funds and
awareness for Heifer International. Middle School students select an independent
community service project and serve on committees such as Youth Council, which
supports the Community Soup Kitchen in Morristown, and the Sustainability
Committee, which encourages campus efforts to maintain the garden and reduce
waste.
LUNCH AT WILLOW
Willow students praise the daily lunch program, which provides teachers and students with an ever-changing menu
featuring fresh, local, organic, and seasonal foods. Signs on each table provide nutritional information and food facts.
Lunch is served buffet style with students assisting in the operation of the program. Students are assigned jobs that
enable the lunch session to run smoothly; after meals, students clear their plates, compost, dispose of waste, and load
dishes, then clean tables and set places for the next group. Washable plates and utensils, handtowels for cleaning,
and napkins with high recycled content demonstrate the school’s commitment to sustainable practices. When the
Health, Wellness, and Nutrition Center opens in the fall of 2014, the teaching kitchen will offer myriad opportunities
for students to participate in the growing, preparation, and consumption of their own food.
OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES FOR THE NEXT HEAD OF SCHOOL
The headship of The Willow School offers an exceptional career
opportunity for a talented and experienced academic leader
with the vision and energy to advance a young and innovative
school. With its strong academic program, environmentally
sensitive facilities, and dedicated teachers, Willow has created a
solid foundation for growth. Specific opportunities and
challenges awaiting the next Head include the following:
Admissions and Marketing. In a competitive educational
landscape, The Willow School stands apart with respect to its
mission and its commitment to sustainable living. Going
forward, the school needs to increase marketing efforts to bring greater attention to Willow’s strong academic and
virtues program. Enrollment has been relatively steady as the school has grown, but an aggressive plan for building
future growth is necessary. The next Head of School will be expected to play a significant role in representing Willow
to the community and attracting more families who align themselves with the unique focus of the school.
Finance and Development. While the generosity cultivated by the school’s founders has successfully launched The
Willow School, a need for immediate and long-term fundraising exists. The school is in the midst of a $7 million
campaign to finance the construction of the Health, Wellness, and Nutrition Center, with some revenue from that
6
campaign being dedicated to endowment and scholarships. The school employs a part-time development director
who oversees the annual fund and Gala, which generate additional funds. Given the school’s limited, tuition-driven
budget, the next Head will need to make fundraising and the cultivation of new donors a top priority.
The Educational Program. Willow offers a thoughtful and thorough academic
program that stays true to its mission. With a reaccreditation visit scheduled for
September 2014, efforts to articulate scope and sequence and to enhance
curricular offerings are under way. In particular, the math program in the Middle
School will benefit from careful review; opportunities for enhanced technological
offerings also exist.
Administrative Structure and Governance. To meet the needs of the academic
program going forward, the next Head of School may want to examine
possibilities for restructuring the administrative team to include an Assistant Head of School and/or a curriculum
director. Additionally, the Head of School will join a community guided by both a Board of Trustees and the two
founders, who remain invested in the school’s operations and future path. Defining and managing these
relationships will benefit the school as it moves forward under new leadership.
WHO SHOULD APPLY: DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS & QUALITIES
The headship of The Willow School requires an experienced and self-assured leader who will move the school
forward; build upon its culture of excellence, joy, and environmental awareness; and keep virtues at the forefront of
school life. The ideal candidate will offer most or all of the following:
LEADERSHIP AND PERSONAL QUALITIES

A decisive and strategic thinker with proven leadership and
management experience.

A confident leader with personal integrity and a commitment to living
the virtues.

A visionary educational leader who is knowledgeable about best
practices in 21st-century and STEM learning, and eager to pursue
curriculum development and thoughtful innovation in the academic
program.

A personable, grounded, smart, and energetic leader with superb
communication and public speaking skills.

An environmentally minded leader with an inviting public presence, one who will enthusiastically represent all
facets of the school’s mission to the broader community.

An approachable leader who loves children and is eager to engage genuinely with students, faculty, and parents.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Excellent academic credentials, including an advanced degree, coupled with evidence
of a commitment to lifelong learning and clear mastery of the English language.

Exceptional management skills, including a demonstrated ability to oversee
operations, manage a budget, and work effectively with a Board of Trustees.

A substantial record of success as a teacher and administrator, preferably with
experience in independent schools of high quality.

The ability and willingness to participate fully in the external aspects of school
leadership, including playing a leadership role in fundraising.

Demonstrated ability to lead, hire, mentor, evaluate, and develop talented
administrators, faculty, and staff members.
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ANTICIPATED SEARCH CALENDAR
Application Deadline:
September 4, 2014
Selection of Semifinalists:
September 16, 2014
Semifinalist Interviews:
September 27-28, 2014
Finalist Interviews:
October 2014
Appointment:
Fall 2014
Start Date:
July 1, 2015
THE SEARCH PROCESS & APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Acting on behalf of The Willow School, Wickenden Associates is actively recruiting talented
administrators for this exciting career opportunity. Prospective candidates may contact the lead
consultant, Jim Wickenden ([email protected]), to discuss the opportunity and the process.
Applicants should submit no later than Thursday, September 4, 2014, the following:

A cover letter indicating why they are particularly interested in
and qualified for the position.

A current résumé.

A statement of educational philosophy and/or other supporting
material (e.g., articles or speeches) that would be useful to the
Search Committee.

The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three
references. (We will obtain permission from candidates before
contacting references.)
These materials should be transmitted via email attachment to [email protected].
Note: Candidates who are new to Wickenden Associates are encouraged to initiate the application process as soon
as possible and well before the deadline.
After an initial review of applicants, the Search Committee will conduct
interviews with selected candidates over the weekend of September 27-28.
Finalists will be invited to The Willow School for a more comprehensive
series of interviews shortly thereafter. Ideally, a final selection will be made
by late October.
Wickenden Associates will keep all applicants informed of their status
throughout the process.
1000 Herrontown Road, Princeton, New Jersey 08540-7716
Tel: 609-683-1355
Fax: 609-683-1351
Website: www.wickenden.com
Email: [email protected]
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