Head of Secondary (Middle & High School)

The Head of the Secondary School is the educational and administrative leader of the Secondary school of El Alsson American International School. S/he provides strategic and pragmatic direction to the Middle and High School through leadership and management of staff, students and school programs. The post holder leads the Senior School Leadership Team and is an active participant on the PK-12 Leadership Team. Since the school currently shares buildings and facilities with the British Senior School, the jobholder must work closely with the British Head of Secondary School on policies/procedures affecting the 11-18 schools and joint events. Likewise, a successful working relationship with the Head of Guidance and Student Services and Heads of Elementary and Early Childhood is essential to ensure smooth transitions for students and coordinated development of the American School. The jobholder may delegate certain areas of accountability to other members of the Senior Leadership team, whilst keeping oversight of goals and objectives. The post holder has initiative, can work both collaboratively and independently, is a change leader and facilitates positive working relationships with staff, students and parents.

To provide professional leadership and management to the American Middle and High School in order to ensure high quality teaching and learning and an overall school environment and ethos which are aligned to the Vision, Mission and Aims of the school.

Principal Accountabilities:

1. To promote the vision, mission and aims of the American school through establishing and communicating goals and expectations, leading the school program and service provision and school improvement planning involving SLT, teachers and students as appropriate.

2. To serve as the educational leader and manager for the school division thorough supervision of the school’s programs and services and the provision of an orderly and supportive environment both inside and outside classrooms through: developing appropriate policies and procedures and ensuring their consistent application, and ensuring effective communication throughout the school in order to promote suitable conditions for effective teaching, learning and social development of all students.

3. To manage the strategic (a) human and (b) material resourcing of the school so that it meets the needs of the school’s goals, programs and teaching and learning objectives.

4. To oversee, provide for and participate in teachers’ professional development and growth, both formal and informal, ensuring that it takes account of the school’s goals, individual needs, and best practice in American international schools.

5. To direct, monitor and evaluate the work of the Head of teaching and learning and Assistant head of teaching and learning, and HoDs, and other academic and pastoral leaders in order to ensure curriculum, instruction and assessment meet the needs of the school and result in maximized student potential.

6. To direct, monitor and evaluate the work of Assistant Heads of Division and to collaborate closely with the Head of Guidance and Student Services in order to ensure that the social, emotional, behavioural and academic progress and performance of students meets the expectations of the school as well as of individual students and parents.

7. To work closely with other Senior Leaders in the school, including the School Directors, British Head of Secondary and Heads of Elementary and Early Childhood in order to ensure consensus and alignment on matters concerning the school as a whole.

8. Build effective and supportive relationships, within a culture of respect and inclusion, with all members of the school community, intervening to resolve conflicts effectively as they arise, and ensuring that all members of the contribute to discussions, developments and decision-making.