Teach Abroad: Principal (Bilingual) opening in

INTRODUCTION
This private bilingual kindergarten enrolls 340 students age 2 to 6 years in 13 classes, of which 10 are bilingual Mandarin/English and 3 are monolingual (Mandarin). The school is part of the Victoria Educational Organisation, a progressive private education group operating schools in Hong Kong and Mainland China, with an excellent reputation as an employer. The group is characterized across the spectrum of schools that it operates by its commitment to Mandarin language education, bilingualism in Mandarin and English, and inquiry-based learning through the vehicle of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme.

Ms. Christina Ting Yuk Chee and Mrs. Cecilia Lee Ting Yuk Kuen founded Victoria Educational Organization (VEO) in Hong Kong in 1965. VEO has been providing high quality early childhood education in Hong Kong for over 40 years and is now comprised of seven kindergartens, one primary and secondary school, with a number of these schools becoming IB World Schools.

In 1998 VEO led its successful educational practices to Mainland China. There are four Victoria Kindergartens in Shanghai and two in ShenZhen. All Shanghai VEO Kindergartens are implementing a bilingual and inquiry based learning environment. Through inquiry learning VEO aims to strengthen children’s bi-literacy, bilingualism, and develop its students into caring lifelong learners with a global vision. VEO schools are highly respected by parents and world educators.

THE WORK OF THE SCHOOL
The mission of all Shanghai Victoria Kindergartens is: to develop an innovative community where all children are enabled to reach their full potential and become lifelong learners in an atmosphere of caring, trust, respect and tolerance.

Firmly international in outlook, the school serves a mixed clientele of foreign and Chinese families, with the majority of students (80%) being Chinese nationals. Its commitment to internationalism is entirely consistent with the ideals and aims of the International Baccalaureate, and this commitment is common to all schools in Shanghai Victoria Kindergartens.

Already pre-authorized by the IB for PYP, Shanghai Victoria Kindergarten (Pudong) will soon undergo a IB Primary Years Programme Authorization Visit scheduled for April/May 2011. This will serve as a springboard from which to further develop its inquiry practices and become a highly-recognized IB PYP school with a focus on the Early Years, within the Asia-Pacific region.

THE SHANGHAI VICTORIA KINDERGARTEN (PUDONG) CONTEXT
Shanghai Victoria Kindergarten (PuDong) is located in Pudong, Shanghai, China close to Century Park. Pudong is a dynamic and modern environment flourishing during the last two decades of growth in the exciting leading world city of Shanghai.

Housed in a modern facility owned by the Pudong government, the school enjoys a purpose-built facility with very high levels of human and physical resources.

Ample classroom space and generous teacher and support staff provision make the school a sought-after establishment for parents in Pudong who seek an international education for their children. Typically, the parents place high value on bilingualism in Mandarin and English, and on the aims to simultaneously develop an affinity with and understanding of Chinese culture.

The school is committed to parent and community involvement, and the Principal is responsible for maintaining and developing such community relations. The school operates a very successful Child-Parent playgroup four days per week, in 90-minute sessions.

Understandably, Shanghai Victoria Kindergarten (Pudong) is oversubscribed and well established. This vacancy results sadly from the untimely passing of the previous Principal. It offers an excellent opportunity for the right candidate to further develop leadership skills within the Early Childhood sector, with overall responsibility for a team of 65 teaching, support and ancillary staff.

THE CANDIDATE WE SEEK

• Native or near-native fluency and Literacy in Mandarin and English.

• Graduate with a degree in Early Childhood Education, or equivalent. Higher educational professional qualifications are an advantage.

• Prior teaching experience in kindergartens / nurseries, preferably International or bilingual ones, for a minimum of 3 years.

• Experience and training in the IB Primary Years Programme is preferred.

• Experience in managerial positions, such as Principal, Deputy Principal, Head Teacher, Head of Year (Section Head), Year Grade Coordinator, Curriculum Coordinator, in an Early Years context.

• Strength in management and leadership, as well as being a good communicator, to lead a team of 36 Chinese and international educational staff.

• A team worker, open-minded, energetic and conscientious, proactive, adaptable and responsible.

• A good ambassador for the school, able to forge and maintain strong relationships with students’ families.

SALARYAND BENFITS
A highly competitive salary and benefits package, reflecting the importance and responsibility of this position, is available for the right candidate. This is subject to negotiation, according to qualification and experience, following successful interview.

Depending on the country from which the successful candidate is recruited, this may include:

• Competitive salary
• Housing
• Performance bonus
• Relocation travel
• Relocation shipping (personal effects)
• Professional development
• Health Insurance

HOW TO APPLY
If you are the bilingual leader we seek, please send in Microsoft Word format only, to Gez Hayden, Senior Associate, Search Associates (Shanghai Victoria Kindergarten (Pudong) Search Consultant), as a single email attachment, at gezhayden@searchassociates-ib.org

Initial applications should please be in English only. Short listed applicants will be interviewed in Mandarin.

1. Two-page (maximum) statement of educational philosophy, explaining why and how you fit the criteria we have set, describing your leadership style and educational philosophy.

2. A current résumé with low-resolution photo, not to exceed two pages, addressing the required qualifications.

3. A one-page list of 4 – 6 referees with phone numbers and E-mail addresses. This should include the current Chair and Treasurer of the current Board of Directors at your school, if you are currently a Head of School, plus former board members or others as desired.

Thank you for your interest in Shanghai Victoria Kindergarten (Pudong). We look forward with interest to receiving your application. Applicants will receive a detailed information package upon application, including job specification.