Interim Secondary School Principal

BBIS seeks an interim Secondary School Principal (MYP Grades 6 to 10) who can lead teaching and learning during the 2020 to 2021 academic year. We are looking for an experienced IB MYP pedagogical leader who can guide students, parents and teachers in fulfilling the BBIS Mission and values at a time when innovative and creative approaches to teaching and learning are needed during the coronavirus crisis. Courage, optimism, flexibility, emotional intelligence and empathy are key qualities that would help them to be successful over the course of the year. This position is offered as a one year fixed-term full time contract in the first instance. 

BBIS Mission

BBIS is a leading international school, inspiring students in pursuit of lifelong learning and excellence. We celebrate diversity in a caring, internationally minded community. As an inclusive school we empower learners to fulfil their unique potential. We guide our students to become responsible, compassionate global citizens.

Our Values

Pioneering: Most of our students will see the 22nd Century - a journey which we have to equip them for. We take risks to replace the good with the better - ensuring our students are challenged, pushed and supported to the edge of the next generation of learning!

Reflective: We are fortunate to be surrounded by space and nature, we channel this luxury as a mindset - it allows us to grow. Our experience helps us to set the right pace for individual activities and simply give time for development.

Excellent: We pride ourselves on our commitment to excel both in and out of the classroom. Ensuring each student has the chance to fulfil their potential, irrespective of their talents or interests, we build confidence that fosters connections and community.

Caring: Growing up is not easy, but we understand the challenges and changes that occur. We support our 3-year olds to 19-year olds with dedicated, caring professionals at every step of the way. 24/7 security and a strong Child Protection Policy makes BBIS safe in all respects.

History

BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School was founded in 1990, and is an international, inclusive day and boarding school registered as a non-profit organisation. English is the language of instruction. From ten students in 1990 to over 760 students in 2020, BBIS has continued to grow and become a leading international school in the Berlin and Brandenburg area. The school opened BBIS Boarding in 2008 to students in Grades 9 and above.

BBIS is authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years (2001), Middle Years (2005), Career-related (2012) and Diploma (1995) Programmes. The school has been accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA) since 2005. BBIS is currently a member of the Educational Collaborative for International Schools (ECIS), Association of German International Schools (AGIS) and Central & Eastern European Schools Association (CEESA).

Inclusion

BBIS is committed to supporting students with diverse learning needs, including students who would benefit from a higher level of challenge as well as those who require more scaffolding, support or different approaches to teaching and learning. We are seeking educators who value inclusion in a community school context and are knowledgeable in a variety of approaches to teaching and learning that meet the needs of all learners.

Child Protection and Safeguarding

Child protection and safeguarding are priorities for us at BBIS. Policies, procedures and leadership has been established to ensure that children’s safety and well-being is paramount and our most important consideration. 

Positive Education

BBIS has identified that values, self-knowledge and character strengths are important to prepare students for lifelong learning and develop excellence in all areas of their lives. Developing resilience and creating purpose and meaning in our lives are critical for personal well-being and also for having a sense of direction to live a meaningful and balanced life.
 
The Position

Strong leadership of the Secondary School at BBIS has seen the introduction and/ or development of: a focus on Positive Education and a home room programme to develop character strengths, wellbeing and career orientation; the integration of Approaches to Teaching and Learning skills development in planning and reporting; a mobile device policy which has reframed students’ direct social interactions with each other; outdoor and authentic learning experiences that give opportunities for skills development and which help to put classroom learning in a real-world context. There is a very positive learning culture at BBIS where students have high expectations for themselves and high levels of care and compassion for others.

The interim Secondary School Principal (MYP Grades 6 to 10) will therefore have proven leadership experience and personal characteristics to guide students, parents and teachers across this transitionary year. They will have the skills and insights that allow them to guide their teams in finding creative solutions to the various learning challenges we face in the coronavirus crisis. They will be committed to developing young people who are lifelong learners and global citizens prepared to make a positive change in their local and wider communities.

School Principal Responsibilities:

• Ensure the BBIS mission and vision is supported and maintained by the best possible development, implementation and delivery of curricular, extra-curricular, and social and emotional learning
• Create a climate and culture that is learning focussed, reflective, values relationships and collaboration, is internationally-minded, models global citizenship, and values professional accountability
• Develop rich collaborative relationships with students, staff, and parents through meetings, assemblies, focus groups, small group meetings, and other forums, building strong, supportive, solutions-focussed teams
• Lead learning programmes in the relevant section, overseeing, guiding and supporting Curriculum Coordinators and other pedagogical leaders, instructional coaches and faculty
• Ensure consistency and alignment of curriculum, assessment and reporting through cyclical review and curriculum mapping, while using a detailed knowledge of the latest research in pedagogy, assessment and reporting
• Implement and lead the utilization of systems to collect and analyse student data, and lead processes that ensure that data analysis contributes to school improvement planning and the improvement of student learning outcomes
• Work closely with the Head of Student Support Services to ensure learning support, English as an additional language, counselling, college counselling and careers guidance meets the learning needs of students, and that child safeguarding is a priority
• Responsible for a school schedule that maximizes optimal student learning in all areas
• Responsible for ensuring the organisation of internal and external assessments in the relevant section, including the requirement that all guidelines and best practices are rigorously observed, assessment calendars are devised and deadlines met, standardisation of internal assessments by teachers, evidence of students’ own work in development monitored by teachers, supervision of students by teaching staff documented and recorded, the organisation of examinations, training of invigilators, and strict observance of all academic honesty requirements
• Practice and lead positive student behaviour management procedures
• Lead school improvement processes in the relevant section, overseeing, guiding and supporting Curriculum Coordinators and other pedagogical leaders, instructional coaches and faculty
• Contribute to the planning and implementation of school-wide school improvement plans, and provide guidance and support to the Accreditation Coordinator and Curriculum Coordinators in accreditation and programme evaluation
• Ensure that relevant stakeholders are kept informed with up-to-date handbooks and publications, newsletters and briefings, information released by the IB, parent and student information sessions, and individual counselling and advice for students and parents
• Collaborate with the Admissions Office regularly to support prospective and incoming families through the admissions process, and make recommendations for student admissions
• Responsible for decisions on student course choices 
• Supervise and evaluate staff while providing constructive feedback on teaching and learning
• Propose staffing changes and work with the Leadership Team and Human Resources on staff recruitment and recruitment processes
• Collaboratively plan new staff orientation programmes and professional development programmes with the Leadership Team, identifying needs and opportunities, providing approval to requests for training, and ensuring that accurate records are kept
• Prepare the annual budget proposal for the relevant section and manage the budgets approved
• Effectively communicate with various constituencies
• Lead the effective use of technology to extend the student learning environment and increase teacher productivity
• Lead Instructional Assistants to maximize student learning
• Work collaboratively with other divisions to best serve our Early Elementary to Grade 12 students
• Keep the Director regularly informed of critical and strategic matters
• Prepare annual reports for Managing Directors and the Board
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director

Core Competencies and Attitudes:

• Strong core values and a sense of moral purpose, a clear vision, a passion for education
• Enjoys working with teaching staff, children and young adults
• Models emotional maturity, emotional intelligence and empathy, and values care and compassion
• Strong intercultural understanding and global mindedness
• Values openness, fairness, trust, approachability and mutual respect
• Courage, optimism, flexibility, emotional intelligence and empathy are key qualities
• Inspires trust and confidence in his or her leadership
• Positive, proactive, reliable and collaborative
• Commitment to improving student learning and well-being, listening to students’ views and developing their leadership qualities
• Advocate for inclusion, diversity and equity
• Ability to engage in critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and change management
• Respectful for what has gone before whilst leading towards the future
• Ability to motivate and inspire, build a shared understanding and a common language
• Develops leadership abilities and empowers others
• Ability to reflect and demonstrate a growth mindset, setting goals for personal development
• Strong organizational skills
• Energy and stamina
• Models humility and a sense of humour
• Balanced
• Ability to build and maintain a strong, positive organisational culture

Preferred Qualifications and Experiences:

• At least three years’ educational leadership experience is required
• Teaching qualifications and at least five years’ prior teaching experience with the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme are required
• International school and international education experience
• Strong academic background and Master’s level qualification is required
• Training and experience with an IB Educator Network role: Workshop Leader, School Visit Team Member, etc
• Prior experience with international school accreditation
• Demonstrated ability to lead excellence in teaching and learning, and an enthusiasm for professional learning on a continual basis
• High level of professional proficiency in written and oral English with strong and concise communications skills
• Training and experience in staff supervision and evaluation (appraisal)
• Demonstrated experience in leading instruction, programme development, faculty development and faculty evaluation, and improving student learning outcomes
• Good understanding of assessing and teaching for understanding within International Baccalaureate programme frameworks
• Ability to work collaboratively with school stakeholders from diverse backgrounds
• Demonstrated consensus building skills
• Experienced at designing online learning approaches and supporting staff in implementation

Salary and Benefits will be competitive with other international schools in the region.

How to Apply
The successful applicant’s contract will start on August 1st 2020 and the position is offered as a one year fixed-term full time contract in the first instance. The deadline for applications will remain open until June 19th. Candidates should note, however, that in the event outstanding applicants are identified early in the search process, BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School reserves the right to make an appointment. For this reason, it is important that interested candidates apply as soon as possible.

Applications should include the following information compiled as a single .pdf document and uploaded to the BBIS Application Form (see link below):

• A two-page letter of application explaining your strengths as a candidate and why you are interested in the Interim Secondary School Principal (MYP Grades 6 to 10) position at BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School 
• A current resumé, not more than two pages
• Names and positions of at least three and not more than five current or recent supervisory referees, with accurate email addresses, Skype contact, phone numbers, and the position they held when you worked with them. Referees may be asked to submit confidential comments.
• A one-page statement outlining your philosophy of leadership.

Please avoid sending high-density pictures or graphics. The pdf file should be 5 MB or less in size.

Additional information about BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School can be obtained from the School's website at www.bbis.de

Nick Hazell, Director/CEO +49 (0)33203 8036-0 ext 113 (during office hours).

Applications should be addressed to the Search Committee, and uploaded to the BBIS Application Form.