- Middle School Head. The Nichols School seeks a Middle School Head to guide and inspire the faculty and the almost 200 students who form its Middle School community (grades 5-8). As the pre-eminent independent school in western New York, Nichols enjoys a reputation for providing outstanding academics in a nurturing environment that supports students as they learn to balance classroom studies with artistic, athletic and co-curricular involvement. The mission statement, honor code and commitment to excellence provide the framework for students to develop as responsible, compassionate, confident and self-disciplined members of society. The next head of the Middle School will play a key role in the visionary leadership of this outstanding school. Click here for a full description and qualifications.
- Director of Development. A member of the school’s administrative team reporting to the Associate Head of School – Director of Institutional Advancement. The primary responsibilities of the Director of Development are: [1] Direct and manage the Nichols Annual Fund Program; [2] Direct and manage staff responsible for Marketing/Communications, Alumni/Parent Relations and Special Events; [3] Direct/manage staff responsible for cultivation of Nichols Development supporters. Click here for a full description and qualifications.
Nichols School is committed to attracting and maintaining an outstanding faculty. The Board of Trustees recognizes that the quality of our institution is measured by the people who comprise it and who support the necessary intellectual, physical and character development for our students.
Simply stated, Nichols School seeks a faculty of men and women, who are competent and excited about their teaching field, are committed to a high standard of academic excellence, and who are sensitive and respectful of the needs of young people. The school maintains a well-rounded faculty of diverse background. We expect our faculty to commit to the School's procedures, philosophy, and standards, and serve as worthy role models for its students.
Selection
Faculty are appointed after a careful review of their academic and professional background and an evaluation of their personal commitment on the basis of interviews with members of the faculty and staff. Nichols School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or national origin in the administration of its educational, admission, scholarship, or employment policies or any other programs administered by the school.
Appointment, Reappointment, and Advancement
The selection, appointment, retention and remuneration of the faculty is the responsibility of the Headmaster. All faculty appointments are for one year only; there is no tenure in the public school sense. The first three years of full-time employment or the first five years of part-time are considered "probationary". Beginning with the fourth year of continuous employment, a teacher may expect his or her contract to be renewed on an annual basis unless probation status is reactivated. Nichols is committed to the professional growth and job satisfaction of the faculty and will provide every encouragement and help to create an optimum atmosphere in which to teach. Ongoing professional evaluation is a vital part of the Nichols teaching experience. All faculty appointment decisions are made by the Headmaster on the basis of his knowledge, the recommendation of the Division Head and Department Chairman, and the faculty member's own assessment.
Duties and Responsibilities
Full-time teaching at Nichols encompasses a number of major areas of responsibility.
1. Instruction: Teachers in Upper School English, Arts, History, and Lab Science generally have four sections. As a rule, two to three preparations are required. Teachers are expected to be available to students throughout the school day, 8:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
2. Extracurricular Duties: Typically, these include two major assignments - either administrative or guidance in nature, coaching, club/activity advisor, or directing student publications and productions. Further, there are additional duties of a minor and limited nature such as proctoring study halls, late duty, and monitoring lunch tables. In making such assignments, the schedule, talents, and interests of the faculty member will be taken into account in order to be fair and equitable, as well as meet the needs of the School.
3. Advisors: Faculty are expected to be advisors to a group of students, assisting the class Deans or the grade coordinators in helping and caring for the concerns of Nichols students. In addition, faculty must be available for parent nights and conferences, attend periodic faculty and department meetings, serve on faculty and trustee committees, and participate in school events.
Compensation
Nichols seeks to provide its faculty and staff with a competitive salary/benefit program in which the median salary is currently close to the 65% level of co-ed independent day schools in the country.
Benefits
Over the years, the administration and trustees have increased benefits offered to faculty members and they now amount, in dollar value, to approximately 16% of the cash salary for a typical full-time faculty member. These include:
1. TIAA/CREF Retirement Program: Nichols contributes 2-5 percent if matched by teacher's 2-5 percent. After 10 years, a 6% match is offered.
2. Medical Insurance: One HMO is offered. Nichols pays for individual coverage and the teacher pays the balance if family coverage is desired.
3. Life Insurance: 2 times salary - 0-5 years; 2 1/2 times salary - 5-10 years; 3 time salary - over 10 years. Nichols pays the life insurance premium.
4. Wage Continuation: Short-Term Disability: Nichols continues normal wages during a disability of up to six months according to the following schedule: 100% for the first two months; 80% for the next two months; 70% for the last two months.
5. Long-Term Disability: Nichols pays for long-term disability insurance (over six months), which provides replacement income up to 60% of salary.
6. Tuition Remission: After one year, available to full-time faculty at a 50% level and can also apply for Financial Aid over and above this benefit.
7. Financial Aid: Financial Aid is granted for full-time faculty children, with a cap of 20% of the tuition level.
Perquisites
1. Professional Growth Grants: Faculty may apply for grants and stipends to be used for study, travel, conferences, or enrichment opportunities related to their professional development. Faculty at Nichols is encouraged to take advantage of this benefit. There is also a fund available for summer enrichment of the faculty.
2. Sabbaticals: A full year or semester sabbatical is available for faculty after seven years of employment.
3. Sick Leave: The School normally assumes the maintenance of salary and benefits for faculty members in the event of illness or personal emergency.
4. Lunch: The School provides lunch to the faculty and staff.
5. Computer: The School provides a laptop computer to full time faculty members.
For further information contact:
Richard C. Bryan
Headmaster
1250 Amherst Street
Buffalo, New York 14216
TEL: (716) 875-8212
FAX: (716) 875-2169
rbryan@nicholsschool.org
Aranya Maritime
Head of Upper School
1250 Amherst Street
Buffalo, New York 14216
TEL: (716) 875-8212
FAX: (716) 875-2169
amaritime@nicholsschool.org
John Munro
Head of Middle School
1 250 Amherst Street
Buffalo, New York 14216
TEL: (716) 876-3500
FAX: (716) 877-1090
jmunro@nicholsschool.org