Elementary Principal

Changchun American International School, China Seeks an Elementary Principal Commencing August 1st , 2015 Changchun American International School (CAIS), an IB World School, is seeking an Elementary Principal to lead our school in its next phase of its development.

The School

Changchun American International School (CAIS) is the first and only IB authorized international school for Pre-K- 12 in Northeast China. The school serves children of China’s Global expatriate communities. CAIS offers nearly 40 different courses. Some of these include English, Mandarin, German, French, Spanish, Korean, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, History, Business and Management, Economics, Geography, Psychology, IT Global Society (ITGS), Art, Music and Dance. An extensive co-curricular program is offered to students, allowing them to develop hobbies and interests. In 2009, Virtual World 3D technology was introduced to CAIS. In 2013 CAIS began its 1:1 iPad pilot program embracing the iPad as a valuable teaching tool. Since 2014, DeutscherSchulverein Changchun e.V. started cooperating with CAIS and arranged to have Deutsche International School Changchun join the CAIS as German Section.

School website: www.caischina.org

Mission

The mission of Changchun American International School is to educate all students with a high quality, international curriculum in a safe, well-structured and loving atmosphere; to assist all students to develop and refine their academic, social and ethical character; and to encourage all students to use what they learn to improve themselves, their families, their countries of origin, and the world, even as they develop into the citizens of the world and life-long learners.

Faculty

CAIS employs 62 full-time and 4 part-time faculty members. Ninety percent of the teachers are expatriates with the majority coming from the U.S., and Canada with 20 countries represented. Changchun is a safe and interesting place to live with the North Korean and Russian border being approximately 300 km away.

The Student Body

There are currently 360 students enrolled in the school, from Nursery to Grade 12 representing 39 different countries. Of the 190 students in the Elementary section, approximately 65% are host country nationals, 15% Korean, 10% German, and 10% other. The average class size is sixteen students.

Curriculum

The school offers the IBPYP, IBMYP and IBDP with instruction in English. An extensive English Language Learners program is provided to students needing additional support. Also, CAIS provides limited Learning Support for

Principal of the Elementary School – Job Description

The Principal of the Elementary School is responsible for the overall educational leadership and management of Nursery to Grade 5 (PYP 5). The Principal serves as a member of the School Leadership Team, and reports directly to the Head of School.

Working Assumptions

• Supports and advances the Mission and Vision of Changchun American International School.
• Supports student learning and achievement through cooperative effort and best practices.
• Supports and promotes the Pre-School-12 curriculum based upon the IB goals and mission.
• Supports and advances international education.
• Incorporates current research and best practices in decision-making.
• Promotes CAIS as an inclusive, community school.

ESSENTiAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Elementary School Principal’s focus is on students’ learning and educational advancement, within the context of the IB curriculum. Specifically, the Principal will:

• Run the day-to-day operations of this section of the school.
• Provide students, faculty and staff with a rigorous academic program and ensure that the evaluation of student assessment be performed and the learner profile modeled.
• Ensure compliance with accrediting agency standards, implement procedures outlined in the faculty handbook, and action steps highlighted in the school’s long term plan.
• Supervise teachers to ensure student learning, provide feedback on performance, encourage professional development and support and supervise teachers informally and formally through regular visits to classrooms.
• Ensure parent meetings, conferences and timely communication about the Elementary School.
• Support and attend multiple co-curricular and weekend elementary school sponsored community events.
• Develop, with the Head of School, the divisional budget within approved parameters.
• Develop and meets annual goals, discussed with and set by the Head of School, in support of the overall strategic plan. Complete an annual written self-appraisal against annual goals and job description
• Lead the school through an accreditation process
• Keep up-to-date parent/student and faculty handbooks with recent policies.
• Assume other responsibilities assigned by the Head of School.

Qualities Sought

• Persistence in overcoming and removing obstacles to goal achievement
• A drive, commitment and sense of urgency that inspires others to achieve results
• Proactively approaches others with a view to engaging in dialogue and building strong working relationships
• Recognizes “change agents” in the school and be able to empower them to develop professionally
• Holds employees/colleagues accountable for achieving results and publicly acknowledges effective performance
• Likes and is able to multi-task
• Demonstrates good judgment; approachable and professional; solid problem solving skills
• An outgoing, community-oriented, passionate, student-centered educator;

Qualifications and Experience

It is expected that candidates for this position will be highly qualified educators able to lead a faculty in order to make a distinct improvement in the learning environment and learning outcomes of our students. Characteristics of the ideal person for this position would include:

• A Masters Degree in Education, Education Administration or Curriculum Studies;
• A minimum of ten years teaching experience, with at least five in a senior administrative role, at least of Head of Division status; prefer international school experience
• An outstanding track record of educational leadership in the Primary section of an international school.
• Experience in developing and implementing professional and school development;
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability and desire to work collaboratively within the school community;
• Experience in the IB; including the PYP evaluation process;
• A high level of competence in IT and a working knowledge of ManageBac (or similar)

Salary Package

Salary is competitive and will be dependent upon the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. Benefits include furnished housing, health insurance, annual home leave, relocation allowance, and tuition waivers for dependent children. The initial contract will have a term of three (3) years, with subsequent annual renewal at the Head of School’s discretion.

Application Procedure

Interested and qualified candidates should apply directly to recruit@caischina.org (Applications will be reviewed as they are received).

All applicants should enclose a cover letter explaining your strengths as a candidate and why you are interested in the Elementary Principal position; full Curriculum Vitae with current photo, Statement of Educational Philosophy and Leadership, and a list of 3-5 referees with full contact information.