Teach Abroad: Elementary Principal opening in Indonesia

This is an outstanding opportunity for dynamic and committed leader who has a vision for 21st century learning, and experience as a principal in international schools offering the IB programmes to build on the sound foundation of the start-up leadership team and contribute to the school’s vision of becoming a leading 21st century school.

About SWA

Sinarmas World Academy (SWA) is a new international school founded in July 2008 with the vision of being a leading 21st century school. This includes providing - a school facility and environment that is designed to support collaboration, and multiple learning styles as well as promote a strong community environment, an internationally minded curriculum; one to one laptop program that supports seamless incorporation of digital technology in learning and communication, multiple language acquisition (target languages English, Indonesian, Chinese) and the development of responsible world citizens through service leadership.

SWA is strongly committed to the IB programmes, currently offering the IB PYP and MYP and in July 2010 will offer the IB Diploma as it opens Grade 11. It expects to be authorized as an IB World School in the coming months. It’s first graduating class will be in 2012. SWA is a member of the Council of International Schools and is seeking accreditation with CIS and NEASC.

The school currently has an enrolment of 300 students in Pre- Kindergarten to Grade 10 and will open a Nursery class and Grade 11 in 2010, with an expected enrolment of 500. The completed campus will accommodate 1500 students. Currently, 60% of students are Indonesian and the remainder reflects 15 different nationalities. The faculty is made up of Indonesian and international teachers representing 8 nationalities. In 2010-11 the faculty will number 42 teaching staff. Most current staff are committed to continuing in the school next year.

SWA offers a strong IT learning environment. Students in Grade 1-3 share class sets of Macbook laptops and students in Grade 4-12 are provided a personal Macbook by the school.

The school participates in a number of external benchmark measures of student achievement such as the ISA, and is already indicating that it is a school that is achieving at a high educational level. A number of students have won or been recognized at regional and national awards in academic, sporting and community service events.

The administration team is made up of the Director, Deputy Director, Elementary Principal and Middle School/High School Principal all of whom have extensive international school experience and have worked together before and have been involved with SWA since the start up development phase. There are also experienced PYP and MYP coordinators. Transition will occur as the Deputy Director retires and the administrative couple who hold the principals’ positions transition to their next positions.

The upcoming principal vacancy represents a unique opportunity to join the leadership team of this dynamic young school and make significant contributions to its growth and development.

Facilities

SWA recently received the prestigious CEFPI Award for Distinction for education facilities for 2009. This reflects the outstanding nature of the school facilities that have been built to provide a leading 21st century learning environment for its students. The final phase of the campus master plan will be completed in July 2010 and when complete will include separate Early Childhood Section, Elementary, Middle and High School buildings, Elementary Gymnasium, Performing Arts and Library Center, Sports and Aquatics Center and a Design, Arts and Technology Center.

The school is located in BSD City (Bumi Serpong Damai) in Tangerang, which is a district to the west of greater Jakarta. It is a relatively new suburban and commercial district and the fastest growing urban development in Indonesia. Traffic and air quality is better than in downtown Jakarta that is serviced by toll roads. It is approximately 30-40 minutes from other major international schools in Jakarta.

Governance

The school is privately owned and non-profit. It is governed by a self-appointing board and the founder serves as Chair of the Board.

The Position

The Elementary Principal reports to the Director and is responsible for all aspects of the Elementary and Early Childhood education programs and the day-to-day operation of these sections of the school. The Elementary Principal is a member of the school’s Senior Leadership Team.

Upcoming Challenges

Upcoming challenges for the new Elementary School Principal will be to complete the IB PYP authorization in 2011 and manage the Elementary School’s growth and development including nurturing a collaborative and learning community culture and strong communication and relationships with the community. There are also preliminary plans to open a second campus of about 200 students, in the center of the city for Nursery to Grade 2 students.

Vision

To be a leader in PK-Grade 12 education, embracing Asia and the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, by providing a unique approach to education.

Mission

“Empower our students to reach their full potential and become knowledgeable, confident, caring and responsible global citizens”

Values

• Learner Centered
• Internationally Minded
• Embracing Asia
• Respect
• Family
• Community

Job Description

The current Elementary School Principal will leave behind a young but fast developing Elementary School with a core of experienced and committed teachers. The school requires a leader to build on this foundation by working collaboratively with parents and teachers alike. The ability to lead innovation and development and to realize SWA’s potential as a leading school is paramount. In our ideal profile, the successful candidate should:

• Embrace, articulate and model the SWA Mission, Values and the IB Mission and IB Learner Profile
• Lead curriculum review, development and delivery
• Monitor student performance and program development to support optimal levels of student achievement
• Continue the development of SWA as professional learning community with a common ethos and culture across the school sections
• Plan and support professional development for staff so that SWA may develop as a leading school
• Work collaboratively with the school’s leadership team and champion the faculty to help create new paradigms and programs, achieve excellence and to ensure a cohesive school operation and development
• Facilitate and develop positive and effective communication and relationships in a complex environment with the various various constituents of the community including the Board, parents, students, staff as well as the international school network at large
• Monitor teacher performance in line with SWA’s Performance Management Policy
• Take on whole of school responsibilities to support the overall operation and management of the school
• Present confidently and articulately in meeting with parents, teachers, students and visitors

Person Specification

The successful application is expected to have the following skills, abilities, knowledge and experience:

1. Personal Skills and Abilities
   • Ability to establish effective working relationships with staff, students, parents and community members
   • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and written to a wide range of audiences
   • An ability to quickly adapt to a ‘new school’ environment and contribute to and assimilate to our school’s collaborative and developing culture
   • Proven skills is achieving international accreditation, IB authorization and established relationships and networks within the international education community
   • Proven skills and abilities as visionary who demonstrates leadership, resourcefulness, flexibility and creativity in identifying solutions

2. Knowledge
   • A strong understanding and experience of the International Baccalaureate Programs (IB PYP), general curriculum and current theories and practice of pedagogy and assessment, and school improvement
   • A strong understanding and knowledge of contemporary leadership practices in a complex school environment
   • A strong knowledge of cognitive theory and learning styles
   • Knowledge of using school student achievement data to improve school programs, inform teacher professional development and enhance student learning

3. Experience
   • Direct working experience in a dynamic and energetic school
   • Experience as an Elementary School Principal
   • Experience as an administrator in an international school

4. Required Qualifications
   • Degree in Education or Educational Administration
   • IB Training Preferred

Compensation and Benefits

The initial contract will be three years and is renewed at the discretion of the school. The package is competitive and commensurate with the responsibilities of the position and the experience and qualifications including

• Competitive salary
• Provision of Indonesian income tax
• Accommodation
• Annual home leave
• Pension contribution
• Health insurance and international coverage
• Shipment of personal effects
• Relocation air tickets

Guidelines for Applying

Deadline for receipt of applications 20 December 2009

Candidates should email application, which includes

• Covering letter outlining candidates interesting and suitability for the position
• Curriculum Vitae
• Letters of Recommendation

(Note candidates with active files with Search Associates or the Council of International Schools may simply submit Covering letter and reference active files with either of the above organizations)

SWA reserves the right to close the selection process if the right person is identified prior to the closing date.

Candidate should send their application to:

Saharani Andriana
HR Manager
Email: hrd@swa-jkt.com
Sinarmas World Academy
Jalan TM Pahlawan Seribu
CBD Lot XV, BSD City
Tangerang 15322
Indonesia

Phone: + 62 21 5316 1400
Fax: + 62 21 5316 1401

Website: www.swa-jkt.com