JOB DESCRIPTION Elementary Principal Beginning August, 2016

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1 JOB DESCRIPTION Elementary Principal Beginning August, 2016 THE POSITION The Universal American School in Dubai (UAS) seeks an experienced and motivated educational leader to be its new Elementary Principal beginning in the summer of This position provides an exceptional opportunity for a forward-thinking educator with a global perspective and a desire to become part of a learning community characterized by strong relationships, diverse interests, and a rigorous educational mission. The school enrols 1450 students (over 740 in the elementary school) of 75 nationalities from both the local and international communities in Dubai. UAS employs a predominantly American faculty of 132 international teachers and a comprehensive support staff. Established in 2005 to provide high quality American international education to both expatriate and local children, UAS has quickly grown and progressed to become one of Dubai s best and most highly regarded American schools. In less than a decade, the initial enrolment of approximately 300 students has more than quadrupled. Today, UAS is a vibrant school, rich with academic resources and extra-curricular opportunities, all aimed at enriching students lives and connecting them to a greater global community. UAS is part of Esol Education group of nine American and British schools spanning five countries and three continents. Beginning in September of 2015, UAS is will be organized as an elementary school (Pre-K through Grade 5), a middle school (grades 6-8) and a high school (Grades 9-12). A Principal and an Assistant Principal, reporting to the school Director, lead each of the three divisions. Counselors, International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB DP) and International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (PYP) Coordinators, PreKindergarten-12 Curriculum Coordinator, Prekindergarten -12 Arabic Coordinator, Prekindergarten-12 Islamic Coordinator, Prekindergarten-12 Technology Coordinator, and others support the leadership team of each of the three divisions. The new elementary principal must be a strong educational leader, excited by and committed to the ongoing development of the elementary school consistent with the mission and beliefs of the Universal American School and the educational principles of Esol Education. Borrowing from the international school principal standards established by the Principal s Training Center, the UAS elementary principal will be: an inspiration to teachers to achieve maximum student learning. a model global citizen. a developer, leader, and manager for all aspects of the processes that will ensure that there is an outstanding teacher in every classroom, every day

2 a leader for the school s adopted curriculum system and can apply contemporary best practices about learning, including processes that address developing, implementing and monitoring curriculum and learner progress. a leader of learning who fosters a vision and a practical culture of maximum achievement and development potential for the full range of diverse learners who represent the UAS student body. a promoter of professional growth focused on improved student achievement that connects and strengthens teaching and learning. a leader and manager in an organizational and operational sense, who seeks to find resources for the learning community, and provides for a productive environment for learning. a developer and mobilizer of resources for active parent-community involvement to improve student achievement. an advocate every day for every learner. The Elementary Principal has overall responsibility for the organizational, operational and academic functions of the elementary school, including working with the Director and other UAS leaders to recruit, develop and retain outstanding faculty and staff. The Principal will work with the Director and fellow school leaders to formulate the school s strategic plans and programs, and will direct the day-to-day operation of its elementary programs. THE SCHOOL UAS offers a full K-12 American curriculum, taught in English by a highly motivated staff of certified and experienced teachers. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for entry into highly competitive colleges in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and elsewhere. It offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB DP) as an option for students in Grades 11 and 12. Students who do not choose to pursue the full IB Diploma may still earn IB certificates in specific subjects. The school has also integrated the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (PYP) into its elementary school program. In Grades 7-10, UAS follows its own independently developed inquiry-based curricular program. Detailed descriptions of the academic program at every grade level can be found on the school s website, The UAS curriculum includes a full complement of arts, drama, music, foreign languages, and athletic programs, and its students enjoy a broad range of extracurricular activities. The school s sports teams, as well as groups such as the Model United Nations Club, travel regularly to take part in international tournaments and other events. The school s goal is to develop students core and essential skills, as well as their capacities for critical thinking and creativity. In addition to cultivating a passion for learning, UAS promotes students development of their character, their skills as young leaders, and their sense of civic responsibility. UAS s student body is remarkably diverse, with 75 nationalities represented among its 1,450 students. Host country nationals make up approximately 11 percent of the Page 2 of 5

3 student body. Admission is competitive and last year, 1,500 students applied for 350 places and 80 percent of students who were offered admission enrolled. UAS is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) and the Council of International Schools (CIS). UAS PHILOSOPHY Universal American School provides an American and international program of instruction and co-curricular activities that aim to develop the full potential of all students. The curriculum for Pre-K to 6th grade is the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). A conceptually-based curriculum in grades 7 to 10 prepares students for entry into the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in grades 11 and 12. Teaching and learning are dedicated to high standards of academic achievement, active inquiry, and the development of leadership, service, and creativity. The school actively promotes life-long learning, respect for diversity, and opportunities for intercultural learning. ORGANIZATION AND GOVERNANCE The Director reports to the school s Board, which is comprised of three or more members of the Esol leadership team. Esol executive team, including its Chief Information Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Education Consultants, and others, provide support to UAS and other Esol schools in their respective areas of expertise. ESOL EDUCATION Operating since 1976, Esol is an organization specialized in the establishment and management of high-quality international schools. Esol currently operates a total of nine international schools in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Egypt, Cyprus, and Lebanon. Each of the ESOL schools follows an American or British curriculum and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) and the Council of International Schools (CIS). Seven Esol schools currently offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) with some offering the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (PYP). The Esol schools enjoy the benefits of experienced leadership and management, excellent facilities, and caring and dedicated teachers. Since its inception, Esol s focus has always honored the founder s commitment to the attainment of the highest standards of educational excellence. For more information about Esol, please visit CAMPUS AND FACILITIES UAS enjoys one of Dubai and the region s best school campuses, designed by THA Architects, a leading American firm specializing in campus design. Purpose- built to high standards in 2005, the campus covers 70,000 square meters and is part of Dubai Festival City, a self- contained development located close to Dubai's heart, along the city's famous Creek. The campus includes spacious and well-resourced classrooms, computer and science labs, a Library/Media Center, a large gymnasium, a swimming pool, and a regulation-size soccer field and running track. A new multi-purpose hall, serves as a venue for arts, athletics, assemblies, and Page 3 of 5

4 other activities, is currently under construction and was completed in 2013, and the final stage of development of the campus is scheduled for completion by August The school also benefits from excellent IT infrastructure and resourcing. DUBAI AND THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Wikipedia describes Dubai as a cosmopolitan metropolis that has grown steadily to become a global city and a business and cultural hub of the Middle East and the Persian Gulf region. Although Dubai's economy was historically built on the oil industry, the emirate s Western-style model of business drives its economy with the main revenues now coming from tourism, real estate, and financial services. Wikitravel.com notes: Dubai is essentially a desert city with superb infrastructure, liberal policies (by regional standards), that became popular for its excellent tourist amenities. Just five hours from Europe and three hours from most parts of the Middle East, the Near East, and the subcontinent of India... it is a city of superlatives: for the fastest, biggest, tallest, largest and highest, Dubai is the destination. Life in the UAE is safe and provides a range of cultural and recreational experiences. Dubai is a modern metropolis providing excellent transport (taxi and Metro), a range of shopping opportunities, and many ways to explore the city in both its modern and traditional aspects. Beaches are near and safe on both sides of the UAE, and the mountains also provide unusual excursion opportunities. Restaurants abound and offer a wide range of international foods at all price ranges. STRENGTHS OF THE SCHOOL Strong sense of community spirit within a truly international community A culture of collaboration and teamwork throughout the school Excellent academic program culminating in the International Baccalaureate s Primary Years Programme Varied curriculum with valuable extra-curricular programs Spirit of openness, warmth and friendliness, where everyone is welcomed Student-centered program and focus Distributive, inclusive leadership and support of the faculty and staff by administration Passionate, well-qualified, caring teachers Motivated, intellectually curious students Opportunities for growth within the school Growing reputation for excellence Significant improvement in IT / school portal Facilities/ resources Dramatic and continuing growth and improvement of the school QUALIFICATIONS The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications: A proven track record in educational leadership, including at least three years of experience as a principal at a quality American or international school The ability to lead and work collaboratively with a large and talented team of teachers, administrators, and other school personnel Page 4 of 5

5 A strong and outgoing personal presence Proven commitment to a well-balanced program that focuses on the whole child Strong communication skills, with the ability to reach out to many constituencies The ability to recruit and retain highly qualified teachers The flexibility to learn and adapt to new cultures and situations Familiarity with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program is preferred UAS BELIEVES: That each employee makes a significant contribution to our success, That each employee s contributions should not be limited to the assigned responsibilities. Therefore, this position description is designed to outline primary duties; qualifications and job scope, but not limit the employee or SAS to only the work identified. It is the expectation of the School, that each employee will offer his/her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our organization. Page 5 of 5