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Director for Teaching and Learning
International Schools Group - District Office (Saudi Arabia)

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS GROUP

AL-KHOBAR, SAUDI ARABIA

 

is seeking a

 

Director for teaching and learning

EFFECTIVE AUGUST 2021

OUR MISSION

The International Schools Group (ISG) is a not-for-profit organization of accredited schools in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offering a rigorous, world-class education across multiple operational divisions. At ISG, "We inspire innovation and compassionate action". This mission will be achieved through excellent programs implemented by dedicated professional educators in a safe and nurturing environment.

 

OUR LEARNING PRINCIPLES

• Students learn best with voice and choice.
• Learning is a reflective practice.
• Learning requires a safe, collaborative environment.
• Learning requires feedback for growth.
• Learning inspires passionate engagement.
• Learning from failure requires a growth mindset.
• Appropriate challenge engages and motivates learners.

OUR CORE VALUES

• Integrity
• Respect
• Responsibility
• Acceptance
• Commitment to Act

OUR ASSESSMENT BELIEFS

Purpose: The purpose of assessment is to improve learning.

AT ISG WE BELIEVE THAT:

• The student is the first and most important user of assessment data.
• Reflection is integral to deep learning.
• Assessment should be aligned with adapted standards.
• Feedback to students should be timely, targeted, accurate, actionable, ongoing, and embedded in the assessment process.
• Assessments should give students opportunities to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways.
• Creating and upholding structures that support teacher collaboration around assessment practices will enhance student learning

 

OUR PROFILE OF GRADUATES

•  Leadership - inspire and motivate others
• Collaboration - purposeful and effective interaction with others
• Individuality - self-development, confidence, and motivation
• Open mindedness - embrace and respect diverse ideas to refine perspective(s), balance judgment, and inspire compassion
• Balance - well-roundedness, focus, and sustenance of a healthy mental and physical lifestyle through an efficient and proficient use of time
• Integrity - willingness and desire to do the right thing
• Growth mindset - belief that talents may be learned and perfected through perseverance
• Critical thinking - apply multiple perspectives and deep reasoning to real world situations

OUR SCHOOLS

The International Schools Group (ISG) consists of three divisions: the American Division schools, of which there are three; the British Division schools, of which there are two; and the International Division, consisting of one school, is engineered to follow the U.S. curriculum.

ISG currently operates six individual schools in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enrolling approximately 4,000 students. Driven by the Mission, Beliefs and the Graduate Profile, ISG schools are learning-focused and student-centered.

The student population is multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and represents more than 70 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.

Dhahran Elementary/Middle School/High School and Dhahran British Grammar School will relocate to a new purpose-built campus in August of 2021.  Please read more about current progress on the new campus at: www.isg.edu.sa

OUR CURRICULUM

AMERICAN 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 and include offerings in 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 National Curriculum for England and Wales. 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 and 13 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 from which students have the opportunity to study Arabic and French.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) AND AP CAPSTONE PROGRAM

Dhahran High School and ISG Dammam offer a range of excellent Advanced Placement courses in high school. Our rigorous AP courses challenge our students to excel and allow them the opportunity to earn college credit while in high school. In addition to stand-alone AP courses, Dhahran High School also offers the Advanced Placement Capstone Diploma. AP Capstone is an innovative diploma program that gives students an opportunity to apply critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and research skill in a cross-curricular context. To earn an AP Capstone Diploma, students must earn a 3 or higher on six Advanced Placement exams, including AP Seminar and AP Research. Students may choose the remaining four necessary AP classes from the additional AP courses that we offer.

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). In addition, ISG Jubail recently began offering the IB Diploma Program in 2018-2019 with the first graduates in the 2019-2020 academic year. Successful completion of the program leads 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 nearly 300 members at ISG. About 68% are local-hired teachers and the other 32% come from predominantly the United States, United Kingdom 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, school psychologist, counselors and learning support professionals.

THE GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE

The ISG Board of Trustees is composed of up to thirteen members who represent various stakeholder groups and commercial 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 structure which will provide the means for 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.
• Partnering with senior administration in the implementation of strategies that lead to mission-achievement.
• Providing financial oversight to ensure that ISG resources and needs are aligned and balanced.

DIRECTOR FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING JOB DESCRIPTION

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 RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

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 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 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 (Doctorate preferred).
• 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 EXPERIENCES AND SKILLS IN THE NEW DIRECTOR FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING

Experience

• Five years previous leadership experience, preferably international experience (Head of School, Principal, Director for 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 two years, but the Superintendent's desire is to retain the Director for Teaching and Learning significantly longer.

PROCEDURE FOR FILING AN APPLICATION

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 August 31, 2020.  However, candidates are encouraged to submit a letter of interest and the requested material as early as possible as the Superintendent 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 forwarded 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 for Teaching and 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.

 

Finalist candidates will be invited to visit ISG in October/November and will have the opportunity to meet with students, parents, faculty, staff, administrators and the Superintendent with the goal of an appointment announced in late November/early December in preparation for assuming the leadership role in August of 2021.

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