Lower School (Primary) Principal

Thuringia International School, Weimar, is looking for the next Lower School (Primary) Principal to join the school's Leadership Team and shape the learning environment for the younger students in our IB Continuum school community.

Salary: 65k - 75k Euro depending on experience and qualification

Job Type: Full time, initial contract of two years to be extended permanently my mutual agreement.

Start date: 1. August 2024

Apply by: 28. April 2024

Job Summary

The Lower School Principal is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Lower School (Early Primary - Grade 5) and the delivery of high-quality teaching and learning that aligns with the International Baccalaureate (IB) PYP Framework. The Lower School Principal serves as the instructional leader and has also served as the school’s PYP Coordinator*. This is a pivotal leadership role in the school and one given a great deal of agency and latitude.

Your job will be to provide leadership, to effectively manage, and to nurture an environment to support the educational development of students, the professional development of teachers and teaching assistants and to promote parent and community engagement. The students in your care should be ready to leave Grade 5 and move into our MYP programme with the foundation and skills to become active learners who promote positive change in the world, in alignment with our school's Mission and Vision.

The Lower School Principal reports to the Director and is a member of the school’s Leadership Team.

*It is possible that, for the right fit, the PYP Coordinator’s role could be separated from the Principal’s role.

This is looking for a person who leads by example, who learns and understands the people they work for and who brings people together around shared values and aspirations. We are a smaller school of 340 students that believes in talking to and knowing each other, in making connections and in collaborating with those in the building and in our vibrant city. Weimar itself has a population of 65,000 and sits halfway between the cities of Erfurt, the state capital, and Jena. Together these three cities form the central metropolitan area of Thuringia, with approximately 500,000 inhabitants. This is a beautiful part of Germany that has all of the cultural, social and outdoor benefits one could wish for.

Qualifications and Experience

The Lower School Principal shall possess the following qualifications and/or experience:

Essential

• A degree and teaching qualifications recognized by the State of Thüringen’s education authorities. 
• At least five years of Lower School teaching experience.
• Experience in a school leadership position.
• Experience of leading staff toward instructional improvement and conducting staff development.
• A portfolio of continuing professional development.
• Ability to speak and write fluently in English and to speak to the audience in front of you, whether it is Grade 1 students, their teachers and teaching assistants or their parents.

Preferred

• A Masters degree in the field of education or educational leadership.
• Experience working with the IB PYP.
• International work experience and profile.
• The ability to communicate in German.

Benefits:

• Living and working in one of Germany’s most beautiful small cities.
• Membership of a dynamic and innovative educational environment where students and staff are motivated, respected, and challenged to make a positive impact in the world.
• Competitive salary and benefits package, including medical, German pension and schooling for two children (taxable benefit). The cost of living and transport is relatively low in the region.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth within the IB framework, through AGIS and in alignment with the school’s Mission and Vision.

Applicants can learn more from the school's website www.this-weimar.com. Any applicants wishing to have an informal conversation with the Director about the position can contact matthew.raggett@this-weimar.com to arrange a convenient time.

Applicants should send a cover letter and CV including the contact details of three referees, including your current Head. The cover letter should include their core values and how they put them into practice as a school leader, why Lower School is where education really happens, and an example that would help someone understand what sort of a colleague you are to work with. 

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Sunday 28 April 2024.

This is a CIS Accredited and IBO Authorised school committed to providing equal employment opportunities and fostering diversity in the workplace. We encourage qualified individuals of all backgrounds and profiles to apply for this position.