Outstanding Leadership Opportunity

Transcription

1 Outstanding Leadership Opportunity Uruguayan American School (UAS) Montevideo, Uruguay Position: Director (Head of School) Effective: August 2015 Application Deadline: September 26, 2014 Learn More: THE SCHOOL The Uruguayan American School was founded on April 14, The principal founders were two US citizens and one Uruguayan national. Their goal was to promote an intercultural understanding between Uruguayan and North American children by providing an education which include study programs featuring both countries educational programs and by promoting fluency in both English and Spanish. The Uruguayan American School (UAS) is a private college preparatory school enrolling approximately 300 international and host country students in Nursery through Grade 12. The school mission is to be a multicultural, academically challenging learning community that prepares students to be responsible global citizens and lifelong learners through U.S., international and Uruguayan curricula. The school is a tuition-supported, non-profit private day school offering a non-sectarian, coeducational program from Nursery to Grade twelve for students from a multitude of backgrounds. UAS offers a unique educational opportunity unlike any other school in Uruguay, public or private. Founded over 54 years ago, UAS caters to both international and Uruguayan families by providing an international curriculum taught entirely in English and a Uruguayan curriculum for students who plan to attend a university in South America. CAMPUS LOCATION, THE COUNTRY AND CITY The UAS campus is located in the residential suburb of Carrasco, in Montevideo. It is approximately three blocks from the Portones Shopping Mall and behind the LATU (Laboratorio Tecnológico del Uruguay). Uruguay is the second smallest independent country in South America. Most people in this primarily agricultural country are of Spanish or Italian descent and work mainly by raising, processing, or marketing livestock. The country has become the center for the Mercosur. This has increased the country s trade and business relations within South America. Uruguay is mostly hilly, surrounded by coastal lowlands which extend along the water boundaries that exist on three

2 sides of the country. The climate is temperate, and temperatures may range from 4 C in winter to 35 C in summer. Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay, located on the River Plate along the southern coast of Uruguay. Nearly half of the nation s population resides in Montevideo, making it the country s political, financial and cultural center as well as a city of contrasts. It is highlighted by modern office and apartment buildings as well as examples of the baroque construction of the last century. It is a relatively safe place to live and a good place to raise a family. U.S. ACCREDITATION AND URUGUAYAN MINISTERIO APPROVAL UAS is fully accredited by AdvancED, the largest U.S. school accrediting agency, and is approved by the Uruguayan Ministry of Education. UAS has been also approved to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme as from August MISSION The Uruguayan American School is a multicultural, academically challenging learning community that prepares students to be responsible global citizens and lifelong learners through U.S., international and Uruguayan curricula. VISION A multicultural community committed to fostering global citizenship and providing a premier education in South America. BELIEFS Respect and acceptance are vital to a thriving community. Everyone has the responsibility to make decisions that reflect positive global citizenship. Pursuing one s dreams, hard work, persistence and willingness to learn from experiences promotes success. Integrity and a strong moral character promote trust within the community Taking responsibility for one s own decisions is essential for a positive learning environment. GOALS UAS students will demonstrate high academic achievement against world-class standards. We will demonstrate long-term financial sustainability through prudent fiscal practices. We will increase student enrollment. We will position the school in the regional market as a multicultural provider of premier education. CURRICULUM The Uruguayan American School academic program is comprised of three divisions: The Early Childhood Program, the Elementary School, and the Secondary School. The program is modeled on a US-based, English-language, college-preparatory curriculum and is comparable to those found

3 in quality public or private schools. The program is complimented by an optional and fully-accredited Uruguayan program from kindergarten through grade 12, which provides local students with the coursework required to attend local universities after graduation. The Early Childhood Program encourages students to develop cognitive, motor, academic, and social-emotional skills in developmentally appropriate ways. We believe that play is the most powerful way for a child to learn and to interact with other children. Children have access to an assortment of toys, musical instruments, art materials, games and equipment designed to stimulate and stretch their imagination. The Elementary School program provides instruction in language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and Spanish. Students are encouraged to ask questions as they build on prior knowledge to develop thinking, reading, writing, and speaking skills in all subject areas. They read from a variety of genres, including fiction and nonfiction, as they continue to develop reading comprehension skills. They are challenged to think and connect their own life skills and experiences to a balanced curriculum that incorporates specific core content and real life problem solving activities. Study skills become increasingly important as students are asked to write reports and handle long-term assignments Students also receive instruction in the specials subjects of art, computer, physical education, drama and music. The Secondary School is divided into a middle school program (grades 6-8) and high school program (grades 9-12). Classes for middle school students are designed to prepare students for a rigorous college-preparatory four year plan. English, mathematics, social studies, science, and Spanish form the core of the program, while art, drama, computers, music, and physical education are offered as specials courses. In 2013 UAS was authorized as an International Baccalaureate World School, and to provide the IB Diploma Programme. All 11th and 12th grade students are encouraged to earn the full diploma. Courses offered include English Literature, English Literature and Language, Spanish Literature, Modern Languages of Spanish, Portuguese and French, Modern European History, ITGS, Economics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Visual Arts. Students opting to also take the Uruguayan Program are required to take History, Law, Sociology, and IB Spanish Literature in Spanish in order to graduate with both a US High School diploma and the pre-requisites to continue university studies in Uruguay. SCHOOL GOVERNANCE UAS is governed by an active Board of Governors consisting of nine members who volunteer their time and efforts to help improve our school. The main role of the board is to establish school policies concerning the overall operations of the school. Each member serves a three year term and can be re-elected for two additional consecutive terms. Active involvement is encouraged from all sectors of our community.

4 THE POSITION The Board of Governors desires a U.S. certified and experienced international leader committed to a long-range vision of providing an excellent international education for families living in Montevideo. The new Director will have the opportunity to build on the solid International Baccalaureate programmes (PYP, MYP and DP). Using his/her fiscal and administrative management experience, the new Director will lead UAS into a future that allows the school to fulfill its commitment to academic excellence, while maintaining financial sustainability. Candidates with a proven track record in leading schools as Head or Principals and who are committed to the education of young people are invited to apply. Candidates should be dynamic, self-confident and approachable, with excellent communication, leadership and inter-personal skills. In order to help UAS reach its excellence, the successful candidate must be: A visionary and inspirational leader A confident, collaborative decision-maker Committed to incorporate Information Technology based solutions into every facet of education, from computers to social media to web based research An outstanding communicator A skilled recruiter, able to attract, develop, and retain outstanding educators Successful in development efforts such as fundraising, with outreach to alumni Committed and able to ensure the continued implementation and success of the IB program Exceptional interpersonal skills with staff, parents and students Experienced with accreditation processes A pedagogical leader who is able to understand, share, and emphasized research-based best educational practices Experience with and support of extracurricular activities such as music, art, sports. Academic and Professional Qualifications An advanced Educational Degree, with a credential in Administration Previous experience (at least four years) and proven success in an executive or administrative role, if not as a Director, at least as a Principal or Deputy Director Overseas experience, preferably in a Latin American country Strong financial and organizational, human resource, marketing and management skills Proven experience and expertise with International Baccalaureate programs Strong leadership in pedagogical approaches Strength in corporate governance Educational or professional experience in a culturally diverse environment Experience in technology based educational solutions Ability to speak Spanish at a beginning level is desirable but not a requirement. SALARY & BENEFITS An initial, three-year, renewable contract offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, which is commensurate with the responsibilities of the position.

5 APPLICATION PROCESS Application Deadline: September 26, 2014 UAS has retained Dr. Paul DeMinico, Vice President of Administrative Searches with International Schools Services (ISS), to serve as lead consultant for the search. He will be assisted by the ISS staff. Candidates are asked to submit their letter of interest as early as possible as ISS and the UAS Board reserve the right to close the selection process at any time if the right candidate is found. All candidates who wish to apply for the position must establish a professional file with ISS to facilitate the application process and ensure that credentials are provided in a uniform and consistent manner. Since UAS has requested ISS to assist with this search, applicants for this specific position do not need to pay a fee to originate or reactivate their professional file. Merely proceed to the website and use the coupon named UAS2014 when prompted for payment. Candidates who have yet to establish professional files with ISS or who must activate their professional files may find complete application details online: Candidates who currently have active professional files with ISS need only send a cover letter explaining what demonstrated strengths they bring to the position and reason for applying. ISS and UAS reserve the right to contact the writers of open references for confidential statements. The deadline for applications is September 26, Long-listed candidates will be identified by ISS and their dossiers forwarded to the Search Committee. Finalists will be selected in October. Onsite interviews will be arranged in October as well, with the intention to complete the process in November. Application materials should be sent electronically to: Dr. Paul DeMinico Vice President for Administrative Searches International Schools Services PO Box 5910 Princeton, NJ USA Tel: pdeminico@iss.edu Web: