Head of School

St. Martin’s in-the-Field Episcopal School (SMES) seeks a Head of School to begin July, 2026. SMES is an Episcopal, AIMS accredited, Preschool through 8th grade school located in Severna Park, MD.

SMES was founded as a mission of St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal Church in 1957. Our child-centered education is centered in Episcopal values of peace, integrity and equality. SMES strives to develop the whole child by valuing each individual’s capacity to think critically, creatively, and compassionately. Our teachers are invested in sparking a love of learning and teaching students to live with Confidence, Compassion, and Character.

The SMES Head of School will lead a faculty of 40+ professionals, paraprofessionals and staff. The SMES community is seeking an individual who is naturally engaging and understands the dynamic church/school governance model. A primary responsibility will involve maintaining collaborative relationships between Church and School. The Head should also possess experience in fostering a culture of continuous professional learning among faculty/ staff, Experience with and knowledge of enrollment management, school finances, and marketing/fundraising are essential.

The ideal candidate will:
• Have earned an advanced degree (Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision preferred)
• Have a minimum of five (5) years of Head of School experience (teaching experience preferred)
• Be able to demonstrate an understanding of current research and thinking in education, including knowledge of child and adolescent development
• Be able to demonstrate strong business and financial judgment, advancement, and enrollment management
• Have the ability to partner with staff and governance leaders in establishing solutions to financial challenges
• Have experience in Episcopal schools and/or an understanding of church-school relations and an eagerness to serve in an Episcopal school

Mission
The mission at St. Martin’s is clear and based firmly in Episcopal principles. We seek to inspire in students a love of inquiry, a sustaining faith, and a generous spirit open to ideas, peoples of the world, and a call to service. At St. Martin’s, students discover who they are as learners, leaders, and friends. St. Martin’s creates a welcoming community encouraging each individual to grow in Confidence, Compassion and Character, grounded in the knowledge that each is a child of God. Every student, every teacher, every staff member and administrator live our mission.

Educational Philosophy: Educating the Whole Child
The educational philosophy at SMES is centered on educating the whole child and is inspired by a core belief that each student is blessed with unique intellectual, social, emotional, and spiritual promise. Each student is supported by caring staff to discover their learning strengths and styles and to reach their potential for success, leadership and service to others. We inspire the students to become inquiring learners, to lead with humility and the courage to care, and to be a good and compassionate friend to all. These goals are captured in these words from our mission: Learners, Leaders, Friends.

Meeting the Needs of Each Student
Each child’s needs are met through enrichment, support, and differentiation in small classes led by dedicated teachers. Our interdisciplinary approach combines aspects of the humanities, mathematics, arts, technology, and the sciences from Preschool through grade 8. We emphasize innovative and problem-based learning, engaging play, and meaningful practice, giving students many resources to draw from in finding their way forward. In our small community, students learn to self-advocate and to respect one another’s ideas, growing in their sense of self. We have high expectations of our students, and we are mindful that success in the 21st century requires our students to practice the foundational skills of critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity.

Statement of Inclusion
All are welcome at St. Martin’s. We seek to embrace and promote diversity among our students, faculty, administration, and trustees. Our learning community recognizes and respects the diversity of modern society. We provide our students with opportunities to gain exposure to a multicultural curriculum that celebrates individual differences. All students are considered without regard to gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, and national or ethnic origin. Parents and School Partnership We recognize the special relationship with the families of the students entrusted into our care and guidance. Parents, teachers, and administrators form a close partnership with the good of the child at its heart. Oriented toward fostering successful outcomes, this triad is an integral part of our whole-child educational philosophy. Ultimately, at St. Martin’s each child is known and loved, and by understanding each individual student, teachers build supportive relationships focused on fostering academic and personal success.

Accreditations and Memberships
St. Martin’s is fully accredited by AIMS (Association of Independent Maryland Schools), the governing body of 120 independent schools in Maryland and DC, placing us in the company of the most distinguished schools throughout the region. St. Martin’s has been a member school of the National Association of Episcopal Schools since its inception. This puts St. Martin’s in the company of more than 1200 schools around the world whose Episcopal identities foster a welcoming faith tradition that celebrates inclusion and diversity, as well as a commitment to academic excellence and service.

Facts at a Glance
• 234 students enrolled from 19 different zip codes and multiple counties
• Average class size in core academic subjects is 14
• Target class size in lower school is 16 and middle school is 18
• Student-Teacher ratio is 7:1
• 100% of students are accepted in their first choice of high school
• Interscholastic sports for middle school students include soccer, cross country, basketball, and lacrosse

How to Apply

Candidates may apply by submitting a single PDF file that includes the following:

• Cover letter with reflection on community engagement, management style, leadership journey, and commitment to Episcopal values
• Resume/CV
• Statement of educational philosophy
• List of three references with contact information (references will not be contacted until the candidate is notified.) Please submit your letter of interest and supporting documents by December 31, 2025 to boardchair@stmartinsmd.org.

Contact Information