Primary School Principal
International School of Paris (France)

The School:

Founded in 1964, the International School of Paris (ISP) is the only school in France to offer all three International Baccalaureate programmes: the Primary Years Programme (Nursery to Grade 5), the Middle Years Programme (Grades 6 to 10) and the IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11 and 12). The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and draws on its considerable experience and expertise to offer an academically challenging, socially engaged and culturally rich education for 700 students in the heart of one of the world’s most important cities.

Primary School Profile:

The Primary School, located in two beautifully renovated townhouses in the 16^th arrondissement of Paris, comprises 280 children, ages 3-11, who represent 39 nationalities.  The Primary School Principal is supported by two Vice Principals (70%) and a PYP Coordinator (70%).  With a strong focus on inquiry-based learning and a commitment to languages, including English, French, and the child’s mother tongue, ISP strives to help its young learners develop a sense of philanthropy and service to others.

    

The Position:

ISP seeks a visionary, motivating leader who listens to and supports faculty and staff while putting students and learning at the heart of all decision-making.  The successful candidate will be a compassionate and strategic leader who is familiar with the benefits and challenges of international school leadership and who flourishes in such an environment.  It is expected that the candidate will be familiar with the PYP philosophy and objectives. As a member of the whole school Leadership Team, the Primary School Principal reports directly to the Head of School and is responsible for facilitating and organizing the work of the Primary School. S/he has oversight of the Primary School curriculum and the pastoral welfare of the Primary School students (Grades N-5) and acts as the Head’s representative or delegate in all matters specifically related to the Primary School. In collaboration with the Head, s/he oversees teacher recruitment and actively participates in the policy and strategic developments of the school in general, and of the Primary School in particular.

The general responsibilities of the Primary Principal also include:

• Contributing to the implementation of the school’s philosophy, vision and mission.
•  Leading the execution of the Strategic and Action plans.
• Designing and implementing effective professional development for faculty and staff
• Supervising and appraising Primary School administrative and teaching staff according to best practice
• Involving relevant Primary School grade level leaders, admissions team, Vice Principals and PYP Coordinator in decision making related to their areas of responsibility
•  Overseeing a positive school culture that promotes student respect and responsibility
•  Ensuring that the Primary School is a well-resourced and safe environment for children and adults

The Primary School Principal will ideally:

•  have a Masters in Education or an equivalent degree.
•  have 5 years of experience in a leadership position at a PYP School.
•  have past experience teaching in an international school
•  have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
•  speak French or be prepared to learn French.
•  demonstrate collaborative leadership, working with and supporting both the Head of School and his/her colleagues.
•  demonstrate outstanding interpersonal communication skills in English, both verbal and written
•  have experience building an inclusive community of students, parents and professional staff
•  be IT competent and have experience using technology effectively to increase student learning

Contract terms and conditions

The position requires flexible hours to accommodate evening/weekend meetings and events.  The salary and benefits will be competitive and depend on experience and qualifications.

Process for Filing an Application

In the interest of identifying the best candidates for the Primary Principal position, the International School of Paris has selected Search Associates as consultants in this process. The deadline for applications is January 29, 2016. Candidates should note, however, that in the event outstanding applicants are identified early in the search process, ISP reserves the right to make an appointment before the deadline. For this reason, it is very important that interested candidates apply as soon as possible.

Candidates should submit the following information in the format requested:

• A letter of application, no longer than two pages, explaining your strengths as a candidate and why you are interested in this particular position (If you are a candidate with Search Associates, please include this information).
• a current resume not to exceed two pages, including a list of three referees along with their e-mail addresses and phone numbers.

Applications should be sent in a single pdf attachment, to Julie Ryan at jryan@searchassociates.com

NB: Candidate’s background investigation will be completed prior to final approval of employment

Preferred starting date: July 2016