Director of Teaching and Learning - SaudiArabia

Location: Saudi Arabia
Company Name: Search Associates

Director of Teaching and Learning
International Programs School, Al Khobar (Saudi Arabia)

Position PostedOct 26, 19

DeadlineDec 1, 19

International Schools Group

Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia

is seeking a

Director for Teaching and Learning

August 2020

Our Mission

The International Schools Group (ISG) is a multi-faceted organization of accredited schools in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offering a rigorous, world-class education across multiple operational divisions. The mission of ISG is to endeavor to ensure that our students aspire to their fullest potential to become capable of a lifetime of high achievement, driven by integrity, acceptance of others and personal ambition. This will be achieved through excellent programs implemented by dedicated professional educators in a safe and nurturing environment. Open communication and honesty are at the heart of the partnership with students, parents and community.

Our Beliefs

At ISG we believe that:

• Student learning must be the primary focus of the decisions affecting each school.
• Development of the whole child socially, physically, intellectually and emotionally is imperative to success.
• We value students as unique individuals and treat them with dignity; all students are worthy of this respect.
• By inspiring students, they will contribute to society as knowledgeable, responsible and cultured citizens.
• Differences in learning styles exist; therefore, students have the right to learn in a way that brings them personal success.
• Activities beyond the curriculum that foster leadership, confidence and teamwork are essential to the development of the whole child.
• Students learn best and are most successful when the learning environment is safe and secure.
• Understanding and acknowledging the values of all cultures and diversity is essential and enriches the learning environment.
• Effective education requires appropriate facilities where student experience security, care, dignity and respect.
• The recruitment, professional development and retention of excellent employees are of vital importance to our success.
• Good morale is critical to the success of our schools.
• Our co-educational programs must be accomplished in a manner consistent with the regulations of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Education.

Our Schools and the Position

The International Schools Group (ISG) consists of three divisions: the American Division schools, of which there are three, each modeled on a U.S. curriculum; the British Division schools, of which there are two, each deliver the British National Curriculum; and the International Division, consisting of one school, engineered to follow the U.S. curriculum with the addition of a National Languages Program offering Arabic, Filipino, Hindi and Urdu.

ISG currently operates six individual schools in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enrolling approximately 4,500 students. Driven by the Mission, Beliefs and the Graduate Profiles, ISG schools are learning-focused and student-centered. A shared focus is further complimented by the diversity of our community and core divisional curricula as we work in partnership with the community to educate tomorrow’s future leaders.

The student population is multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and represents more than 40 different countries. Both the American and British Divisions are staffed with primarily western-trained educators. The International Division delivers education to a diverse student population with an equally diverse faculty and staff that have been prepared through a variety of professional preparation programs.

ISG has launched a continuous curriculum review cycle that drives initiatives across six schools and compliments school improvement processes and strategic goals. ISG seeks an exceptional candidate who can support the highly collaborative leadership team and implement the components of the continuous curriculum review cycle. The successful candidate embraces the challenge of shifting practice in the classrooms and in leading administrative colleagues to offer outstanding support to classroom teachers.

ISG is committed to four strategic goals. Three of these are student-centered and focus on learner agency, compassionate action and growth in literacy. The fourth goal is an organizational capacity goal that strives for system coherence. The Director for Teaching and Learning serves the student goals by leading the implementation of the school improvement process and organizing professional development that supports the necessary shift in professional practice.

The Director for Teaching and Learning will have direct responsibility to oversee all components of curriculum, instruction, assessment and school improvement and direct all communications related to the initiatives. The Director for Teaching and Learning also oversees professional development across the system, including leading the growth and appraisal model and coordinating systemic professional learning opportunities including building internal capacity, liaising with consultants and planning for cohorts and conferences as necessary.

The Director for Teaching and Learning leads a highly collaborative Learning Office team that includes the Coordinator for School Improvement, Professional Development Facilitator, and Personal Assistant to the Learning Office. The created norms for the Learning Office are “purposefully organized, dynamic and collegial environment, with active contributions by all.”

The Director for Teaching and Learning joins a Senior Leadership Team that includes the; Superintendent, Directors and school Principals/Headteachers.

ISG is committed to the safety and protection of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Our Curriculum

American Schools Division

The American Division schools (Dhahran Elementary/Middle School, Dhahran High School and ISG Jubail) follow a U.S. standards-based program inclusive of courses in English/language arts, mathematics, science and social studies. Elective courses are offered at each of the schools consisting of offerings in: Advanced Placement, art, choral music, instrumental music, physical education, technology and world languages (Arabic, French and Spanish).

British Division

The British Division schools (Dhahran British Grammar School and Sara Village School) follow the British National Curriculum. Dhahran British Grammar School is organized into the Foundation Stage, Key Stages 1, 2, 3 and 4. Students are class-based while in the Foundation Stage and Key Stages 1 and 2. In Key Stages 3 and 4, students are engaged in specialist lessons. Specialist subjects include; Arabic, art, business studies, design technology, French, geography, history, information and communication technology, mathematics, music, PSHE (personal, social and health education), physical education and science. Key Stage 4 students (Years 10 and 11) take an IGCSE program of study leading to examinations in Year 11. Year 12 students may apply to sit the Cambridge A-Levels. Sara Village offers a Foundation Stage through Year 6 program on the purpose-built BAE Systems residential community located south of Dhahran. Students completing the Sara Village program generally transfer to Dhahran British Grammar School.

International Division

The International Division, consisting of ISG Dammam, follows a U.S. curriculum with an integration of other subjects that meet the learning needs of a diverse student population. Core courses include; English/language arts, mathematics, science and social studies. Students also choose from a variety of elective offerings. A distinctive element of the International Division is the commitment to the National Languages Program which enables students to study; Arabic, Filipino, Hindi and Urdu.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program

The Dhahran Baccalaureate Center (DBC) is authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) to offer the two-year program culminating in the awarding the IB Diploma. Students begin the program in Grade 11 (American Division) and Year 12 (British Division). Successful completion of the program will lead to the IB Diploma which has served as currency for post-secondary options across the world.

The Faculty and Administration

The professional staff consists of 665 members at ISG. Approximately 68% are local-hired teachers and the other 32% come from predominantly the United States and Canada. There is a strong administrative team in place including principals in the Elementary School, Middle School and High School, as well as assistant principals, instructional coaches, curriculum support personnel, a school psychologist, counselors and learning support professionals.

The Governance Structure

The ISG Board of Trustees is composed of seven members who represent various stakeholder groups and companies within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Trustees serve two-year terms with the potential for serving multiple terms to ensure continuity in Board governance.

ISG Board member responsibilities for the District include:

• Creating the structures which promote educational excellence across the entire organization.
• Working collaboratively with the administration and community to develop a shared vision for excellence at each of the ISG schools.
• Adopting academic standards that when successfully achieved will provide students with multiple options for post-secondary education.
• Ensuring that assessment systems are designed and implemented to measure academic performance and make the necessary adjustments to ensure continuous improvement.
• Partner with senior administration in the implementation of strategies that lead to mission-achievement

Director for Teaching and Learning Job Responsibilities

The International Schools Group Director for Teaching and Learning is expected to provide leadership to successfully achieve the mission of ISG within the framework of existing Board Policies. In addition to a collaborative working relationship with the Superintendent, the Director for Teaching and Learning works with the entire leadership team to establish appropriate immediate, intermediate and long-term direction for teaching and learning within the schools that comprise ISG.

Specific job responsibilities include the following:

Administration

• Support the Superintendent in leading and supervising all educational efforts of the school, ensuring data in all areas are collected and communicated to the Superintendent and Board of Trustees.
• Organize the Continuous Curriculum Review to include development and implementation phases and support the system as the various components are developed and implemented.
• Participate fully in the senior leadership meetings.
• Systematically assess and monitor the Professional Growth Plan (PGP) across the system, assisting in the data review to show growth in goals and initiatives.
• Acquire and maintain an excellent working knowledge of the International Schools Group organizational policies, practices and procedures.
• Develop and lead a systematic approach to professional learning to ensure that staff continue to develop and are able to make progress on the change initiatives.
• Management of oversight of the Learning Office budget.

Communication

• Communication with the Superintendent, Principals/Headteachers and District Office administrators specific to progress and challenges.
• Serve as the catalyst for ongoing purposeful conversations with the wider ISG community, including the oversight and maintenance of the “ISG Learns” website.

Teamwork

• Lead collaborative groups in order to achieve each of the components of the Continuous Curriculum Review cycle; this is a multi-year initiative that includes the development of scope and sequences for ach discipline, developing cornerstone assessments and coordinating curriculum mapping and unit planning across the system.
• Set and hold staff accountable to high standards of performance; facilitate teams of teacher leaders including lead teachers, coaches and subject coordinators.
• Collaborate with and support the school Principals/Headteachers for on-going curriculum review and implementation.
• Lead and oversee ISG’s school improvement plan for each school.

Liaison and Networking

• Collaborate with and facilitate external consultants in support of the strategic goals.
• Networking with relevant professional organizations on behalf of ISG.

Other

• Demonstrate a commitment to the safety and security of children and young people.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

Ideal Qualifications in the new Director for Teaching and Learning

• Advanced degree in education.
• Knowledge of current trends in American, British and International education.
• Knowledge of current trends and educational resources available in technology.
• A sound understanding of each discipline, content and best practices.
• Broad knowledge of instructional practices, assessment literacy and resources.
• Knowledge of ISG adopted Standards, Guiding Principles and Goals.

Ideal Personal Experiences and Skills in the New Director for Teaching and Learning

Experience

• Five years previous leadership experience (Principal, Curriculum Coordinator, Director of Teaching and Learning, etc.).
• International school experience and teaching experience.
• A record of excellence in teaching.
• Experience with change management, comfort with leading change through collaborative working relationships.
• Proven track record in collaboratively leading change, school improvement initiatives and curriculum review and revision.

Skills

• Excellent command of English, both written and oral.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to communicate and liaise effectively.
• Confidentiality and discretion in responding to sensitive issues.
• Positive attitude toward continuous self-improvement.
• Enthusiasm for ISG’s guiding principles and strategic goals.
• Proven ability to use a range of IT resources, including social media.
• Ability to gather and analyze data.
• Ability to manage a diverse schedule while addressing educator needs.
• Ability to successfully facilitate group work.
• Ability to work in a self-directed and proactive manner, and under direction, according to need.
• Ability to think creatively in responding to ISG’s leadership and support needs.
• Ability to use initiative and sound judgment.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a focused team environment to meet common goals.
• Ability to communicate and liaise effectively.
• Strong analytical and synthesis skills.

Salary and Benefits

The ISG Board of Trustees is committed to attracting and retaining a highly qualified candidate. Salary and benefits will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and will be highly competitive. The initial term of the contract will be a minimum of three years, but the Board’s desire is to retain the Director of Learning significantly longer.

Procedure for Filing an Application

ISG has appointed Search Associates to facilitate the search with Dr. Brent Mutsch serving as the primary consultant. The deadline for applications is December 1, 2019. However, candidates are encouraged to submit a letter of interest and the requested material as early as possible as the Board reserves the right to accelerate the selection process if the right candidate is identified in advance of the application deadline. Semi-finalist candidates will be selected by Search Associates and the applications and supporting materials will be forward to the ISG Search Committee on a rolling basis. Candidates who wish to apply should submit the information requested below in the form and manner requested.

• A letter of application, no longer than two pages, explaining your strengths as a candidate and why you are interested in the ISG Director of Learning position.
• A current resume not to exceed two pages.
• A one or two-page statement outlining your philosophy of education.
• A one-page list of at least four references who have directly supervised the performance of the candidate with current phone numbers and email addresses.
• A maximum of four letters of recommendation which you may already have in your possession.

Final candidates (with spouses if applicable) will be invited to ISG and will have the opportunity to meet with students, parents, faculty, staff, administrators and the Board of Trustees. The new Director of Learning will be appointed shortly after the interviews have been completed in preparation for assuming the leadership role in August of 2020.

Please send all materials in a single pdf attachment to Brent Mutsch at: bmutsch@searchassociates.com

For further information about the International Schools Group please see the School’s website: www.isg.edu.sa

Brent Mutsch Tel: 970-368-6879 USA – Mountain Time Zone

Skype – brentmutsch Email: BMutsch@searchassociates.com