Lower Primary Associate Principal (August 2027)
Hong Kong International School (China/Hong Kong)

Hong Kong International School (HKIS) serves over 3,000 Reception 1 through Grade 12 students from around the world. HKIS is an American, Christian school in an international setting, and a culturally diverse community of more than 45 nationalities. We believe in and live out our Mission statement:

Dedicating our minds to inquiry, our hearts to compassion,

and our lives to service and global understanding

 An American-style education, grounded in the Christian faith,

and respecting the spiritual lives of all

We are currently recruiting for the following position:

Lower Primary Associate Principal (August 2027)

The Associate Principal is an instructional leader who collaborates closely with the second Associate Principal to support the Principal in the day-to-day leadership and management of the Lower Primary (Grades Reception 1-Grade Two with approximately 800 students). The Associate Principal provides leadership and support for teaching and learning at the assigned grade levels, aligning the Lower Primary Divisional Goals with the School’s Operational and Strategic Directions and Student Learning Results. Primary responsibilities include supervision and evaluation of teachers; mentoring and developing Team Leader’s, leadership for monitoring student learning (e.g. collection, analysis and reporting of student learning data); instructional planning of curricular units; implementation of the curriculum; supporting best pedagogical practices in instruction and assessment; planning and leading professional development of faculty; allocation of resources; participation in various whole-school improvement committees, strategic planning initiatives, divisional committee work and other identified action areas.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Instructional Supervision and Leadership

• Supervise classroom teachers and supports their professional growth and performance appraisal (Profile Year, Self-directed Professional Growth and those new to HKIS).
• Regularly observe teachers and provide timely feedback to facilitate student learning and the ongoing improvement of pedagogy.
• Provide leadership and support to develop teachers’ instructional and assessment practices through coaching, modeling or in-service workshops, particularly in the areas of differentiation, assessment (particularly as it pertains to literacy and math) and inquiry.
• Lead teachers in the implementation of effective assessment practices and, collecting and analyzing student learning data to inform instructional practices.
• Build on current systems of collecting and analyzing student data, including the use and interpretation of formative, summative assessments to monitor growth and inform practice.
• Ensure that the individual learning needs of students are met.
• Actively support the Student Learning Result on spirituality, implementation of religious education while encouraging learning about other faiths.

Day to Day Management

• Review and update operational procedures and systems to promote consistency of practice and maximize student learning.
• Make management decisions to enhance teaching and learning.
• Supervise grade level Learning Specialists and counselors, while participating in Student Review Team meetings to ensure learning needs are being met.
• Collaborate closely with the grade level counselor to proactively develop the social and emotional growth of students.
• Supervise and manage student behavior and collaborate closely with teachers, counselors, and parents to address any concerns that may arise.
• Promote a sense of community and school spirit within the Lower Primary, overseeing the running of assemblies, chapels, and other community events.
• Maintain effective communication channels with all stakeholders.
• Supervise students during arrival and dismissal times and handle student discipline when necessary.

Leadership for Curriculum Implementation

• Model and uphold the tenets of play-based learning within the Lower Primary division.
• Focus on alignment of HKIS’ standards and benchmarks within teams and across grade levels to ensure a developmentally appropriate curriculum is delivered.
• Ensure continuity and consistency within teams and across grade levels by paying special attention to best practices in literacy instruction, math instruction, and inquiry as an approach to learning and curricula.
• Lead teachers in designing integrated units of inquiry using the Understanding by Design framework (UbD), developing assessments that support the development of knowledge, skills, and conceptual understanding.
• Guide teachers and the student support team in the implementation of MTSS and UDL practices.
• Ensure curriculum alignment and consistency across teams and between grade levels and work in collaboration with Upper Primary to ensure smooth curricular transitions.
• Facilitate purposeful collaboration around student learning.
• Lead parent education sessions that clearly articulate the curriculum being taught.
• Ensure appropriate use and organization of resources for curriculum implementation.

Developing Others

• Advocate and nurture a positive school culture conducive to student learning and staff professional growth.
• Work collaboratively with teachers and administrators.
• Engage others in supporting positive change.
• Lead, plan, support and/or participate in professional development opportunities.
• Facilitate opportunities for professional growth between colleagues.

Other

• Contribute actively to the HKIS Mission and Student Learning Results.
• Remain current with the latest research in elementary education, particularly as it pertains to Lower Primary students.
• Actively engage in recruitment of faculty and staff.
• Participate in school-wide projects and events and values being part of the HKIS and Hong Kong community.
• Undertake any other duties and functions as required which will help impact and strengthen the contributions of the Lower Primary and HKIS and/or improve the overall operation of the School.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Advanced degree in Education
• Degree in administration or educational leadership preferred
• Principal/Administration Certification preferred

Experience:

• A deep understanding of the developmental characteristics of Lower Primary aged children and a passion for building positive student relationships
• Successful experience in a key leadership role in an elementary school, as an administrator, team leader, or curriculum leader; with record of being a flexible, positive and contributing member of a school leadership team
• Solid conceptual and applied knowledge of current research and trends in elementary education, curriculum development, assessment, and best pedagogical instructional practices
• Demonstrated success in working with teachers on continuous improvement initiatives
• Classroom teaching experience with elementary aged students
• Previous experience in an international school and familiarity with American educational system preferred

Attributes:

• Grounded in knowledge about teaching and learning, particularly for Lower Primary grades
• Attitude of a servant leader, focused on serving others, a strong commitment to the HKIS’ Mission to actively support the Student Learning Results of the School
• Demonstrated respect for teachers as professionals and as adult learners and ability to develop positive and respectful relationships with others
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions, work independently, as well as collaboratively
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Effective communicator – communicates well with a diverse community, proficient writing skills, comfortable with presenting in public
• Highly skillful at using technology, preferably Google Suite and/or Office 365
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Enthusiasm for handling multiple tasks, challenging schedules, and a demanding clientele
• Reflective thinker, able to learn, grow and model
• Strong understanding of child development
• Recognizes and respects the diversity of ideas, values and cultures that make up the School

Child Protection Statement:

 At HKIS, each child’s welfare is paramount. We act to ensure that our students enjoy the right to be protected from harm and exploitation and have their welfare safeguarded.

How to apply

Interested candidates please forward your updated resume together with a cover letter and references to recruitment@hkis.edu.hk

Application Deadline: 27 July 2026

We look forward to hearing from you!

Personal data collected will be used for recruitment purposes only.