Head of School

Changchun American International School, China Seeks an Head of School Commencing August 1st, 2015 Changchun American International School (CAIS), an IB World School, is seeking a Head of School 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.

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, wellstructured
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. The biggest 3 nationalities are host country, German, Korean. 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 students.
Head of School – Job Description The Head of School supervises all schools activities and areas and is responsible to carry out the schools’ mission and to fulfill its objective.

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

• Implement and monitor the strategic plans for the school development goals set up by the Board;
• Develop and meets annual goals, in support of the overall strategic plan. Complete an annual written self-appraisal against annual goals and job description to School Board.
• Run the day-to-day operations of the school.
• Carrying out established school policies, review school policies and make recommendations for changes, and keep the board informed on all key aspects of the school’s operation; Keep up-to-date parent/student and faculty handbooks with recent policies.
• Provide professional leadership in organizing, administering, supervising and evaluating all school programs and activities;
• The supervision and administration of all students staff and programs; ensure student learning, 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 School.
• Support and attend multiple co-curricular and weekend school sponsored community events.
• Developing and effectively managing the school budget.
• Lead the school through an accreditation process
• Keep up to date with developments in iPad teaching and E-learning
• Coordinating the work of the Senior Management Team

Qualifications and Experience

1. A highly qualified educational administrator with a minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in a school;
2. Knowledge and experience of international schools, and the International Baccalaureate curriculum
3. Strong management and diplomatic skills and a demonstrated ability to lead and to inspire the teachers and staff;
4. Experience with and desire to work in a multi-cultural environment;
5. Collaborative leadership style - a team builder;
6. A high energy person who will be visible on the campus and in the community
7. Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with highly diverse and multicultural constituents: teachers and staff, parents, students, alumni, government officials, communities;
8. Be a decisive and dynamic instructional leader with knowledge of relevant and current best practices;
9. The ability to delegate effectively, and the wisdom to determine who needs follow-up supervision and who does not;
10. Strong leadership skills are essential: outstanding communication skills (oral and written), ability to motivate and delegate effectively, ability to inspire.

Salary Package

Salary is competitive and will be dependent upon the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. Benefits include furnished housing, Car provided, 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 School Board 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 Head of School position; full Curriculum Vitae with current photo, Statement of Educational Philosophy and Leadership, and a list of 3-5 referees with full contact information.