Founded in 1994, Morning Star Academy is an independent, non-denominational, classical Christian school led by a parent-elected Board of Directors. The school offers preschool through 12th grade. Morning Star Academy heralds the arrival of a new day. In Revelation 22:16, Jesus is described as the "morning star." It is a fitting title since Jesus has indeed ushered in a new day. The age to come has pierced the present age.
At Morning Star, we strive to help students see all of life under the illuminating glow of Christ's Kingdom. Equipping students with a Christian worldview (or better, a Christian consciousness) requires relentless prayer, work, and resolve. This is not an easy task, but the effort is worth it, for there is no loftier aim than building disciples. We believe that Morning Star, working alongside parents, is strategically situated to build disciples capable of thoughtfully engaging the world for Christ.
Mission
Morning Star Academy’s mission is to provide a classical Christian education that teaches truth, trains disciples and equips students to transform their communities for God’s glory.
Vision
The vision of Morning Star Academy is to shape lives beyond a living to serve everywhere and lead anywhere.
About the Headmaster:
Morning Star Academy is seeking its next Headmaster. The Headmaster’s primary duties are to uphold the vision, implement the mission, enforce the policies, embrace the values, and achieve the goals of Morning Star Academy. The Headmaster reports to the Board of Directors for all academic, personnel, business, and fundraising matters according to the policies and procedures established by the Board. This person is expected to pursue the best possible academic and spiritual training for the students of Morning Star Academy.
What it is Like to Live in Bettendorf, IA:
Bettendorf is a vibrant, growing community. It is one of the four cities, called the Quad Cities, that makes up our greater metropolitan area, spanning both Iowa and Illinois. Since 2020, Bettendorf has grown in population 8.6%. It is experiencing significant growth and the population of families with school-aged children is a significant portion of that growth. Situated along the Mississippi River, Bettendorf offers a small town feel with all of the amenities of a large city. Academically, the Quad Cities is home to several colleges and universities, including Augustana College, St. Ambrose University, and Palmer College of Chiropractics. Morning Star Academy is the only classical Christian School in over 150 miles. The Quad Cities is also home to a wide variety of churches, with rich opportunities for Christian fellowship and discipleships. Morning Star Academy serves families from 38 different churches, highlighting the diversity of churches in our area. Culturally, the Quad City area has plenty to offer, including its own symphony. Museums, such as the Figge Museum of Art and the Putnam Museum host rotating exhibits, and music and art festivals are hosted annually. Walking paths, bike paths, parks, and recreation areas allow many opportunities to enjoy all four seasons outdoors. While the shopping and dining offerings are varied and the ease of traffic is refreshing in the Quad Cities, we are also only three hours from the larger metropolitan areas of Chicago, IL, and Des Moines, IA.
Accreditation: Christian Schools International (CSI)
Master’s degree required, preferably from a Christian institution.
Five years’ leadership experience in an educational setting, preferably in a classical Christian school.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Demonstrated ability to build teams, enhance their performance and lead through change.
Demonstrated understanding of the distinctive elements of the classical Christian model of education preferred or demonstrated ability to learn and engage with various teaching methods.
Personal Qualifications
The Headmaster’s personal faith in Jesus Christ and love for God’s Word will permeate all aspects of his or her life.
He or she will maintain a high standard of personal and professional integrity, pursuing excellence at Morning Star Academy through stewardship and service.
The Headmaster will be a person of prayer, and the fruit of the Holy Spirit will be evident as the Headmaster confidently seeks God’s will.
He or she will commit to pray for the school and lead others in prayer.
The Headmaster's Responsibilities Include:
Academic
Oversee curriculum development, collaborating with the administration team; ensure that an appropriate scope and sequence of curriculum is in place.
Oversee annual and college entrance standardized testing with the administration team.
Conduct enrollment conferences and oversee the admission of new students.
Responsible, with administrative staff, for maintaining current and accurate student files and records for all students; develop college transcripts with ACT/SAT scores and respond to student application material for colleges and universities.
Oversee re-accreditation with Christian Schools International on a five-year basis.
Staff Development
Ensure classroom instruction is supervised, regular teacher evaluations occur, and feedback is documented to record teaching performance.
Focus on the development of passion for teaching which leads to passion for learning.
Ensure that the staff uniformly enforces the school’s academic and student conduct policies.
Hire new staff and execute the yearly contract process.
Recruit and retain experienced faculty and staff.
Facilitate staff and faculty development through mentoring and connection to development opportunities.
Plan and conduct staff meetings and in-services.
Community Relations
Proactively represent Morning Star Academy to the local community and local churches.
Serve as the spokesperson of Morning Star Academy to the news media as needed.
Foster a strong and vibrant community of staff, students, and families.
Engage in co-curricular and other school events.
Operations
Oversee the day-to-day operations of Morning Star Academy and implement the policies of the Board of Directors.
Keep school handbooks, employee manuals, and all printed documents up to date.
Enforce school conduct policies in a fair and consistent manner.
Oversee the development of the academic calendar and maintain and communicate the scheduling of school events.
Oversee the management of school facilities, equipment, and property.
Financial / Legal
Undertake specific fundraising tasks to meet the goals of the strategic plan.
Develop and maintain annual fundraising opportunities.
Develop a culture of giving that cultivates people and resources and promotes lifelong community engagement at Morning Star Academy.
Provide financial management by helping establish an annual budget and ensure that expenses and income are tracked and managed.
Oversee financial aid program and, with the Board of Directors, set annual tuition schedule.
Ensure that school policies and practices are compliant with federal, state, and local laws.
Board of Directors Interaction
Maintain a proactive and collaborative relationship with the Board, participating in all regular and special Board meetings as an ex officio member.
Work with the Board on its long-term strategic plan, and set short-term objectives that reflect the school’s strategic plan.
