Ariel Weissburg has been hired as the next Director of the American International School in Cochabamba, Bolivia, starting in July 2024.
Ariel is currently in her third year as the Primary School Principal of Country Day School in Costa Rica. Previously, she was Elementary School Principal at Meridien Public Charter School and Elementary School Director at Sela Public Charter School, both in Washington, DC. Prior to becoming a Principal, Ariel was an Instructional Coach at The Next Step Public Charter School in D.C and a secondary math teacher.
We wish Ariel and her family well as she embarks on her first headship.
American International School of Bolivia (AISB)
In Cochabamba, Bolivia
seeks a
General Director
Effective February 24 or July 24, 2024 (Based on availability of selected candidate)
http://www.aisb.edu.bo
We are excited to announce a significant and promising opportunity within our esteemed institution. AISB is embarking on a journey to find a visionary and passionate School General Director to lead us into a new era of educational excellence.
School background
The American International School of Bolivia (AISB) was founded in 1993 in Tiquipaya. It is a non-denominational, non-profit, private, co-educational, Pre-K3 to Grade 12-day international school which offers instruction in English and Spanish and is legally registered as a non-profit association. Since its foundation, AISB has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)/AdvancED (now Cognia) and has been authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, making AISB the only IB World School in Cochabamba and one of three IB World Schools in the country. AISB operates on the Southern Hemisphere School Calendar (February to November).
The school’s infrastructure is designed to meet the academic needs of different levels: early childhood, primary school, and secondary school. This infrastructure includes specialized classrooms equipped with the necessary technology for each discipline, a science and biology lab, physics lab, chemistry lab, computer labs, technology classroom, digital library, school psychologists’ office, technological resources in each classroom, sports fields (multi-sport court, soccer fields, pool), recreational areas (playground and gardens), cafeteria, nurse’s office, and a recently added gross motor skills gym for early childhood.
Our school community is made up of approximately 84% Bolivian families and the remaining 16% is mostly represented by students and families primarily from the United States, Argentina, Spain, Brazil, and Mexico, many of whom are doctors, lawyers, businesspeople, engineers, and architects. A number of our international families have connections with multinational companies, and international governmental and non-governmental organizations. Most of our families reside in Cochabamba, a very safe metropolitan area.
AISB’s Vision
A challenging, multicultural and inclusive education providing the tools to shape independent thinkers and engaged leaders who can affect change in a globalized society.
AISB’s Mission
To promote critical and creative individuals that can reach their full potential through experiential learning, innovative technology, and effective instruction in a multicultural and multilingual context.
AISB’s Core Values
Tolerance – accepting differences
Integrity – incorruptible coherence between what one says and does
Respect – for ourselves, others, and the environment
Honesty – being true to oneself and others
Empathy – to understand and share the feelings of another
Solidarity – to support, work, and care for others
Responsibility – being accountable for your actions
Perseverance – to strive for excellence
AISB’s Motto
Vision, Principles, Transformation
Our students
775 students from 21 countries, including Bolivia, are currently enrolled. In September 2014, we had approximately 586 students. Our growth is in part due to national and international recognition, the quality of our programs, our diversity, our students’ achievement, and lately the change to the national school calendar which has facilitated the student transfers from local schools to ours, broadening the number of prospective students interested in our school. Our students normally continue their higher education in Bolivia, USA, Canada, Spain, Peru, or Chile, among other countries.
Our Staff
AISB is run by a team of executives and overseen by a Board of Directors comprised of five members and three advisors. The executive team consists of the Principal, the Pre-School and Primary School Director, the Secondary School Director, the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and the Director of Administration and Finance. Usually, two of these positions are held by foreign staff and three by Bolivian nationals.
We currently have 69 teachers on our faculty. Pre-School and Primary School have 34 teachers, and Secondary School has 35 teachers. Pre-School and Primary School also have 21 teaching assistants. 30% of our teachers hold post-graduate degrees (diplomados), 20% hold master’s degrees, and 5% Ph.Ds., whilst the remainder hold a bachelor’s degree. There are 36 administrative and support staff in the school.
Our Accreditations and Affiliations
AISB operates under license R.S. 108 issued by the Ministry of Education and government license 3175/2017 issued by the Departmental Board of Education and it is accredited by Cognia, based in the United States of America. Additionally, AISB is authorized to offer the Diploma Program by the International Baccalaureate Organization.
AISB is an active member of:
- American International Schools in the Americas (AMISA)
- National Association of Private Schools (Spanish acronym: ANDECOP).
- College Board.
Due to these accreditations, AISB is authorized and able to offer its students the opportunity to earn up to four high school diplomas:
- Bolivian High School Diploma.
- Bolivian Medium Technical Diploma (English, Business, or Visual Arts)
- American High School Diploma
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or Certificates.
Candidate Profile
The School General Director will be at the forefront of our mission to provide a transformative educational experience. This individual will lead with integrity, empathy, and a commitment to nurturing each student's potential. The General Director will serve as the leading force behind our faculty, staff, and students, ensuring that AISB remains a beacon of education, values and possesses the following profile:
- Strong motivational leadership style
- Relentless enthusiasm and energy to achieve the school’s goals
- Integrity, Empathy and Resilience
- Successful recent experience in a senior leadership position in an international school
- Knowledge of and experience in the IB Diploma program
- Knowledge of and experience in American curriculums
- Knowledge of and experience in inquiry-based approaches to teaching and learning
- Cross-cultural openness and understanding
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree (or equivalent) in Education from an accredited college or university
- Three years of experience in a senior leadership role in an international school
- Five years of experience in the educational field
- Proficiency in English and Spanish is required
Salary and benefits
The successful candidate will be appointed on an initial two-year term. The renumeration package is regionally competitive. Further details will be given to interviewees.
