American Community School of Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Seeks a new Middle School Principal Start date is August 2019 School Mission The American Community School of Abu Dhabi (ACS) is a nonprofit, college preparatory institution, driven by student learning. Our American based curriculum promotes excellence in academics, athletics and the arts. We have a diverse community of almost 1220 students and 230 faculty and staff representing over 65 countries. ACS is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and is authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization to offer the prestigious IB Diploma Program in grades 11 and 12. Vision and Background Established in 1972, ACS is a private, non-profit school licensed by the U.A.E. Ministry of Education, accredited by the Middle States Association, administered by the Superintendent and governed by an eleven-person Board of Trustees. Community support for excellence in education, a strong leadership team, highly qualified faculty and staff, and outstanding students have enabled ACS to establish an excellent reputation in the Abu Dhabi community and worldwide. ACS has expanded the facilities on our Khalidiya campus over the past several years to accommodate enrollment growth from just over 600 to nearly 1200 students. With the rapid growth and development of Abu Dhabi, we have more applications for admission than available seats. There is a new campus currently under design with an anticipated move in 3 years. Our Students The 1222 students at ACS represent 55 different nationalities, with Americans representing the largest segment of the student body. Enrollment is open to all English-speaking students who are likely to be able to successfully complete our challenging American, college preparatory curriculum. The students in our KGI through fifth grade enjoy learning in small classes that are conducted in an elementary school facility that was completed in 2001. Our sixth through eighth-grade middle school students have their own physical space on campus with each grade level having a distinct area. Our high school students in grades nine through twelve round out a challenging academic program by
PAG competing in local and regional sports events, performing in school plays and concerts, exhibiting art work at school and in the community, traveling internationally in the service of others, and participating in many other life-skills and character building activities. Our People An eleven-member Board of Trustees governs ACS. Trustees are non-employee members of the American Community School Association. Eight members are elected by the Parent Teacher Association which includes parents, administrators, faculty and staff, and three members are appointed by the elected Board. The standing committees of the Board are Policy, Curriculum, Finance, Building, Fund Raising and Communication. Committees generally meet monthly and the Board meets monthly in open session during the school year. Our administration team includes a Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, three Principals, and two assistant principals. They are supported by four Counselors, a Director of Learning, Director of Athletics and Activities, Director of Learning, Innovation and elearning, Director of Finance, Director of Human Resource, Director of Admissions, Director of Government Relations, Director of Institutional Advancement, Director of Arabic & Islamic Studies, Communications and Advancement Coordinator and a Facilities Manager. ACS faculty members are dedicated professionals who work together in collaborative teams to develop and deliver the curriculum. ACS currently employs 131 instructional staff members, creating an overall student/teacher ratio of 9:2. Approximately 65% of ACS faculty members have Master's degrees or higher. Faculty and staff are actively involved in sponsoring numerous after school activities that enhance students experiences at school including a variety of academic, musical, dramatic, artistic, recreational, technological, and athletic activities. Our parents are highly supportive of the school and are deeply involved in activities such as classroom enrichment, booster club, seasonal events, and intramural sports. A thriving parent volunteer program is a trademark of the school. The school encourages students to be involved in after school programs and community support makes this possible. Our Curriculum Our curriculum at ACS is a college preparatory program that is comparable to high quality schools in the United States. Based on U.S. standards, it is an
integrated K-12 curriculum that is reviewed annually and updated on a five-year cycle. The development of a well-aligned and relevant curriculum and the implementation of sound instructional practices contribute to the academic success of ACS students. In addition to traditional core courses provided in an American school, ACS offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma and Certificate options as well as AP courses in the high school for 11th and 12th grade students, an integrated technology curriculum, a wide selection of elective courses in the middle school and high school, various fine arts options, and service opportunities for students. ACS graduates have an impressive record for college acceptances and standardized test scores. Our Location The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates established in 1972. The population of the U.A.E is approximately five million inhabitants of which an estimated 80% are expatriates. Wise government leadership has enabled the U.A.E. to remain a stable and prosperous country where people of many nationalities live and work together in peace and harmony. While the official state religion is Islam, the practice of all religious beliefs is allowed. For additional information on the UAE, please visit the following links: http://www.gia.gov.ae/ and http://www.uaeinteract.com/default.asp. Abu Dhabi, the largest of the seven emirates, occupies 87% of UAE's 82,880 square kilometer area. The Abu Dhabi government has been successful in gradually expanding the economy to reduce dependence on oil and attract a diverse professional population through the implementation of the 2030 Plan. The island city of Abu Dhabi within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is the country s capital. Abu Dhabi is a clean, safe, and modern city with many recreational opportunities available for residents. It is a cosmopolitan city with excellent roads and infrastructure, numerous parks, modern high-rise buildings, shopping malls, and beaches. The multinational expatriate community enjoys a pleasant environment including many western shops, restaurants, services, and cultural events. Our Facilities Our facilities are located on a eight-acre campus and include: 72 classrooms; media center; science laboratories; computer laboratories; art and music rooms; cafeteria; auditorium; two gymnasiums; fitness and dance center; 25 meter swimming pool; grass and synthetic grass athletic fields; and nurse's clinic. The school is committed to educational technology with more than 1000 computers
PAG currently networked and linked to the internet for student and faculty use. The school s website is www.acs.sch.ae, and is currently under complete design. A new campus is currently under design with an anticipated move in three years. The Position: The Middle School Principal is the academic and administrative leader of the Middle School. The principal will ensure that all programs and practices of faculty and staff support the school s mission and philosophy and that all students are provided with an excellent educational program. The principal is expected to provide leadership, organizational capacity building while creating a spirit of community at ACS. Responsibilities: Provide principled, effective educational leadership to the middle school division Develop collaboration and support of students, faculty and staff in the major decisions affecting the middle school Establish a willingness to be a mentor to all faculty as well as encouraging their professional growth and career advancement Provide leadership that inspires and empowers teachers to be innovative in the classroom with students, faculty, parents, colleagues and the broader community and lead effective digital-age communication Develop the leadership capabilities of teachers so that instructional leadership becomes a shared responsibility Gather validating information that helps determine whether curriculum and instructional goals and student performance outcomes are being met Support digital tools and strategies to advocate for equity and responsible citizenship Create an efficient, productive and caring building atmosphere where all students and faculty have opportunity to be recognized for their best efforts Assume responsibility for sound financial management including accurate program budget planning and fiscal accountability Demonstrate the willingness to seek constant professional learning and growth as a committed life-long learner Be an active participant and supporter of the after school student activity programs and parent events. Serve as a contributing member to the school s senior management Co-ordinate an extensive Week Without Walls program
Demonstrate the leverage of digital tools to extend and model on-going learning Requirements and Qualifications: Possess appropriate degrees (minimum Masters level or equivalent) plus current certification in the area of school administration Previous successful teaching and administrative experience in an American curriculum school Demonstrated successful leadership, organizational and management skills Solid understanding of current instructional technology practices and innovation in the classrooms Demonstrated ability to use data to support student learning A leadership style that values strong communication and interpersonal skills with teamwork and the proven ability to create and sustain a positive and supportive school environment Experience with co-curricular activities, sports and service learning Knowledgeable and experienced with curriculum development, financial management and community relations including social media Demonstrates success with the recruitment, development and retention of an excellent faculty and staff Salary and Benefits: The salary and benefits are highly competitive and will be dependent upon the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. Benefits include annual incentive bonus, retirement supplement, housing and utilities, health insurance including dental and vision, long-term disability insurance, annual home leave including airfare for the dependents, settling in allowance, shipping allowance, and tuition benefits for dependent children. Application Procedure: Applicants who wish to learn more about the American Community School should visit www.acs.sch.ae. The deadline is October 19, 2018 however, in the event that an outstanding applicant is identified early in the search process, ACS reserves the right to make an appointment before the deadline. Qualified and interested candidates should send the following as a single PDF attachment to:
PAG Marise Philip-Jayendran Director, Human Resources hr@acs.sch.ae Subject: Middle School Principal Cover letter of application, not to exceed two pages, stating your strengths as a candidate and why you are interested in this position Resume, not to exceed two pages A list of references (at least three) including their names, positions, current email addresses and the current superintendent of your present school. Up to three open letters of reference may be submitted.