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Superintendent
The American School of Kuwait (Kuwait)

 

Dear Search Colleagues,

On behalf of the Board and the Search Committee of the American School of Kuwait, we are pleased to share the appointment of Dr. Michael Chase as the new Superintendent beginning in August 2023.

Dr. Chase is currently serving as the Elementary Principal at the American School of Kuwait, a position he began in August 2022.  Dr. Chase has held a number of leadership positions throughout his career which include, Principal of Holy Rosary/St. Peter Schools (PK-8) in Regina, Saskatchewan (2019-2022), Vice-Principal of Michel A Riffel High School in Regina, Saskatchewan (2016-2019), Director of Teacher Development in the Regina Catholic Schools in Regina, Saskatchewan (2010-2016).    

Dr. Chase earned his Bachelor of Arts in French from the University of Regina in Regina, Saskatchewan, his Master of Human Resource Development from the University of Regina in Regina, Saskatchewan and his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of New England in Portland, Maine. 

The Board, Search Committee, and Search Associates would like to thank all candidates who expressed interest in the Superintendent position and to everyone who assisted and supported the successful search process.

Sincerely, 

Brent Mutsch and Barbara Powers  

 

 

 

 

The American School of Kuwait

Hawalli, Kuwait

Seeks a Superintendent

Effective: August 2023

 

SCHOOL HISTORY

The American School of Kuwait was established over fifty years ago when a group of American parents came together and selected a Board of Trustees for the purpose of establishing an international school patterned authentically after the American school model. ASK’s story tells a rich history of perseverance, strong leadership, and the dedication from all members of the organization, past, and present, towards the goal of giving our students the highest standards of American education in Kuwait.

In September 1964, the American School of Kuwait welcomed its seventy-five students and began its first official term under the name of the “International School of Kuwait” in a large villa in the Dasman Area of Sharq. A full curriculum for all grades, including kindergarten through twelfth grade, was created. These initial students came from several different countries including the United States and Kuwait. The school’s original faculty consisted of sixteen full-time teachers and three part-time teachers.

In 1969, the school moved to a new location in Surra and eventually the current Hawalli campus. These larger and improved facilities led to a significant increase in student enrollment and a variety of extra-curricular activities which supported the vision and mission to deliver a well-rounded American education to students.

  

After the early years’ growth and success, the school changed its name to the “American School of Kuwait” to better reflect its mission and educational philosophy. Subsequently, the high school received its initial U.S. Accreditation from The Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools in 1971.

The American School of Kuwait has truly come a long way since it was first established. ASK prides itself on offering the best in American curriculum and instruction in the State of Kuwait. The reason for the school’s success is a testament to its strong governance and dedicated administration and teachers throughout the years who have collectively contributed to the school’s development. The successes and accomplishments achieved by the American School of Kuwait can be seen in the successful graduates that have come from the school on an annual basis.

MISSION AND CORE VALUES

The American School of Kuwait inspires life-long learners empowered to excel in American Higher Education and the global community as innovative, compassionate citizens.

We believe that:

• A partnership among families, teachers, and students is essential for successful learning.
• Successful students require a safe, supportive, and rigorous learning environment.
• Learning empowers the individual by expanding opportunities as global citizens.
• Students’ active engagement and critical reflection in their own learning is a key to their ongoing success.
• Diversity and inclusiveness are essential within our school community.
• An enriching school experience encourages independent thinking, fosters self-esteem, and builds self-confidence.
• Education encompasses the development of the whole individual.

ACADEMIC PROGRAM & ACCREDITATION

The curriculum at the American School of Kuwait is similar to that of college preparatory schools in the United States, with the academic year divided into two semesters. Most graduates attend colleges and universities primarily in North America. The school’s testing programs include PSAT, SAT, ACT, and MAP. ASK provides a diverse academic and Advanced Placement curriculum as well as College Board’s Advanced Placement Capstone Diploma.

The language of instruction is English, while Arabic, French, and Spanish are taught as foreign languages. Religious instruction is offered for Muslim students. The entire school program, elementary, middle, and high school, features specialists in science, art, language, computer studies, music, drama, and physical education. The middle school, which includes sixth through eighth grades, uses a comprehensive curriculum following a block schedule. Guidance counselors are employed at each level. Prior to the 2021-22 school year, ASK has offered Honors options in Geometry, Algebra 2, English 9, and English 10, along with the Small Learning Community (SLC), a two-year honors program, designed to help students foster cross-curricular thinking. This school year, ASK redefined the entire program to universally design experiences that meet the needs of all students within the same classroom.

ASK is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Its most recent accreditation was completed in the spring of 2020. The school is also formally recognized by the Kuwait Ministry of Private Education, which has equalized the school’s diploma with Kuwait’s general secondary certificate.

FACULTY, STAFF AND STUDENTS

The American School of Kuwait employs a truly international staff of 163 teachers including Americans, Canadians, Kuwaitis, and other nationalities such as Lebanese, Bulgarian, Chinese, and South African, among others.

Current enrollment (September 2021) is 1850: (824, K-5); (432, 6-8); and (594, 9-12). Just over half of our school are host-nationals, approximately 25% are American and the remaining represent over 50 different nationalities.

FACILITIES

The school campus has a spacious, open-air design comprised of --- buildings, a pool, three basketball courts, two soccer fields and totals more than 150 classrooms.  

GOVERNANCE

The Head of School reports to the CEO/Chairman of the Board. 

There is an Advisory Board that is comprised of parents, Embassy representation, alumni, and local businessmen. This Board meets two times a year. The Superintendent facilitates these meetings, and all feedback is advisory to the Superintendent and CEO. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR THE SUPERINTENDENT

The Superintendent will be expected to possess the expertise, energy, and commitment to lead the school in its day-to-day operations as well as its long-term goals.  The Superintendent is responsible for the direction of all aspects of the school, including the overall academic and management of the school. He/she answers to a CEO, who together develop the strategic direction of the school. The superintendent will also have direct responsibility for the management, organization and supervision of all school activities.

Required qualifications include:

• US citizenship and educational background.
• Advanced degree in Educational Administration (Doctoral Degree preferred).
• Demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities.
• A proven track record of success in an American/International system of education, including extensive prior experience in PreK-12 school administration.
• Successful work experience in an international community and the ability to address the complex needs of a diverse student population.

Additional preferred qualifications:

• A visible, energetic, interactive, and approachable leadership style including excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• High expectations and a strong commitment to a student-centered, standards-based education.
• The ability to work in a transparent manner in order to build consensus amidst competing interests and viewpoints.
• The ability to effectively communicate a vision and shared common purpose, and the desire to lead the school in a direction consistent with the vision and common purpose.
• A multicultural awareness and a commitment to global understanding.
• Experience in and knowledge of current American educational philosophy and the Advanced Placement program.
• A sound command of current school applications of information technology.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with all groups in the school community.
• A working knowledge and understanding of admissions and admissions assessment procedures.
• Experience in personnel selection, performance review and/or teacher evaluation, and staff development.
• Proven ability to participate in, and establish, collaborative structures.
• Experience in accreditation procedures and organization.

• Experience in curriculum reviews, strategic planning, and monitoring of student outcomes.

- Desired personal characteristics.

• Demonstrated leadership qualities.
• Irrefutable personal integrity and professional ethics.
• A strong, energetic work ethic and commitment to ASK.
• Demonstrated team-building skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and the proven ability to multitask successfully.
• A results-oriented approach with an ability to inspire others to identify and achieve desired outcomes.

Salary and benefits are competitive and will be dependent upon the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

PROCEDURE FOR FILING AN APPLICATION

Suitably qualified candidates who meet the above requirements and wish to apply for the ASK Superintendent position must submit their application as an email attachment to:

                                    Dr. Brent Mutsch and Barbara Powers of Search Associates

Please include the items below, collated in a single PDF:

1. A one-page statement of educational philosophy.
2. A letter of interest which includes the strengths the candidate feels qualify him/her for consideration for this specific leadership position.
3. Updated resume/CV of no more than two pages.
4. A list of at least three professional referees. The school’s search committee will advise semi-finalist candidates before contacting any referees.

It is expected that interviews will take place during May 2022.  However, ASK reserves the right to close the application period, and also to invite selected candidates to interview in advance of this schedule.

Final closing date: May 15, 2022  

Applications to bmutsch@searchassociates.com and bpowers@searchassociates.com

Interviews with shortlisted applicants will be held in May/early June. Please note the Search Committee could make their decision earlier if an exceptional candidate applies. Finalist candidates will be identified by the Search Committee and will be interviewed with their spouses, if applicable, in Kuwait in September by the Search Committee.  Finalists will have the opportunity to meet with faculty, parents, students, and nonteaching staff.  The new Director will be selected soon after the conclusion of the interviews. 

The American School of Kuwait is committed to providing a safe and happy environment for all employees and one in which students can thrive and learn. ASK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all employees and students. All employees are subject to background checks and appropriate vetting procedures including satisfactory criminal record checks from both country of residence/home country and any other country of residence.

Candidates wishing to learn more about the American School of Kuwait should visit their website at https://www.ask.edu.kw/