Deputy Head - Teaching & Learning

We are looking for a dynamic pedagogical leader with concept-based and inquiry-based learning development expertise to join our Secondary Leadership Team (SecLT) as the Deputy Head - Teaching and Learning . You will be responsible for ensuring that our vision for High Quality Learning is embedded in all of the academic learning experiences of our students across the IB Middle Years Programme (11-16) and IB Career-related and Diploma Programmes (16-18). You will have vision, creativity and a passion for designing concept-based and inquiry-based learning experiences that are purposeful and aligned with IB philosophy and programme requirements. 

The Deputy Head - Teaching and Learning will be a senior leader within the school.  You will work in close collaboration with the Deputy Head - IB MYP Coordinator and the Deputy Head - IB DP/CP Coordinator and report directly to the Vice Principal Academic.

The Role

The core purpose of the role is to build on our existing best practice and develop a learning community with an international standard of excellence in concept-based and inquiry-based learning. In this context the Deputy Head Teaching and Learning will:

• Develop a culture that evaluates the effect of teaching on students’ learning and achievement, building on Professor John Hattie’s conclusions that “Teaching effectiveness is determined by the quality of inquiry into the relationship between teacher actions and student learning.”
• Provide high quality internal and external professional learning opportunities
• Develop a shared understanding of the language of learning so that students, parents and teachers understand what learning looks like and how to take the next steps in a learning journey
• Develop strong relationships and trust with colleagues
• Develop effective systems which allow teachers to talk professionally together so they see themselves as agents of change, and that successes and failures in student learning are a direct result of teachers’ and leaders’ actions. 
• Act as a professional role-model and have an ‘open door’ approach to your own classroom so that colleagues can learn from your practice. 

Key responsibilities:

To work with the Vice Principal Academic and Deputy Heads MYP, DP/CP to ensure articulation of learning from Primary into the MYP and from the MYP to the DP/CP.

• Lead the effective application of contemporary educational research, theory and practice in pedagogy
• With other members of SecLT, contribute to and implement the ISH  strategic plan, vision, mission and values while taking a leadership role in the coordination, monitoring and updating of the plan
• Promote good performance and challenge underperformance through effective support, coaching, intervention and follow-up
• Assist other members of the SecLT to review, evaluate and support staff to build capacity and to review performance
• Work with colleagues to produce and implement clear, evidence-based personal and department plans that promote and sustain school improvement
• Use emerging technologies to enhance and extend teaching and learning experiences

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will  display the following skills and understanding:

• Understanding of effective concept-based and inquiry-based approaches to learning and how to lead the development of colleagues in this area
• How to pose questions that capture the main dimensions of the relationship between teaching and learning 
• How to collect valid and reliable information that helps answer the questions about the relationship between teaching and learning
• How to analyse data to inform practice
• How to observe and analyse the teaching of others in ways that identifies actions that impact positively on student learning
• How to locate and evaluate research that provides strong evidence of impact on student learning

Qualifications and experience:

Essential

• Bachelor’s / Master’s teaching qualification to teach all year groups for Secondary Education. Please know that in order to work for us, you must be a fully qualified teacher in accordance with the standards required by the Dutch Education Authorities (DUO).  
• Minimum of 5 years’ teaching experience within a context that is grounded in concept-based and inquiry-based approaches to teaching and learning
• Minimum of 2 years’ successful leadership experience as a middle leader (in a large department) or, ideally, as a senior leader

Preferred 

• Coaching qualifications/training and experience developing colleagues with diverse subject specialisms and cultural backgrounds
• Experience delivering effective pedagogical training and inset to colleagues   

Application Process

All applicants must either be EU citizens or have a valid permit to work in The Netherlands. For any further information, please visit the Government website. 

Applicants are required to complete an online profile, provide a supporting statement, and upload a CV. Applicants must provide details of three referees, of which one must be their most recent supervisor. If shortlisted, we will contact referees prior to interview. For teachers, we require one from the head of school or deputy head. Once shortlisted, interviews will be conducted by Skype or in person, depending on the nature of the position and the applicant's location.

Deadline for applications is Monday, 27 January 2020. Short listed candidates will be interviewed as soon as possible. Please note that the school reserves the right to interview suitable applicants early and make an appointment prior to the deadline. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks after the deadline, then please assume that, on this occasion, your application has been unsuccessful.

The International School of the Hague is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all the students in our care and expects all applicants to share this commitment. We follow safe recruitment practices which are aligned to the recommendations of the International Task Force on Child Protection. We hold ourselves to a high standard of effective recruiting practices with specific attention to child protection. All appointments are subject to an interview, identity checks, criminal record checks, and successful references.

Furthermore, those who are appointed at The International School of The Hague are required to obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct (in Dutch: VOG). Your appointment with The Rijnlands Lyceum Foundation takes place on condition that you obtain a VOG. Needless to say, Rijnlands will reimburse all costs in relation thereto.

What we offer

Please see our Secondary School Recruitment Package (brochure) available as a download below.

In line with local regulations, all appointments are for a fixed term of one year, with a view to extending to a permanent contract after successful appraisal. 

If you are internationally-minded and have the desire to help shape the exciting future of our school, we would love to hear from you.