Secondary School Principal - Director of Teaching and Learning
International School of Krakow (Poland)

Position Announcement: Secondary School Principal - Director of Teaching and Learning 

Position Overview 

The International School of Krakow is seeking a Secondary School Principal - Director of Teaching and Learning who will be responsible for the leadership and management of the secondary school division Grades 6 -12 (170 students), development and refinement of the schoolwide curriculum, innovative teaching and learning practices, programs, and frameworks that facilitate ISK's learner impacts. This position represents a unique and exciting opportunity to combine divisional leadership with coordination of the whole school curriculum and innovative program development.  The successful candidate will be a member of the school leadership team and enjoy the support of this team working collaboratively to meet schoolwide goals in these areas.

Qualifications 

• Advanced degree in Educational Administration, Education and/or Curriculum, minimum Master’s Degree.

• Successful administrative experience at a senior level in a PreK - 12 school setting, international school experience preferred.

• Proven experience leading group facilitation, program development and professional development for faculty.

• Previous experience with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program.

Skills, Experience and Attributes

• Proven instructional leadership/coaching experience leading groups through a period of significant transformation.

• Proven skills and abilities as a visionary who demonstrates leadership, resourcefulness, flexibility and creativity in identifying innovative solutions.

• Strong understanding and experience of current research in the areas of curriculum, instruction and assessment including Understanding by Design (UbD).

• Experience in successfully facilitating and supporting teachers in innovative program alignment and development.

• Experience in leading professional growth and performance evaluations of a secondary school faculty.

• Experience using the NEASC ACE Learning Protocol and/or aligning to its transformational philosophy is preferred.

• Strong collaboration skills and ability to build strong professional relationships with fellow members of a whole school leadership team.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills that build strong community relationships. 

• Engaging, inclusive, energizing, and forward-thinking leader who is warm, compassionate, empathetic, and approachable. 

• Understanding that diversity can be a schools greatest strength and aligns leadership practices to promote equity and inclusion that develop a deep sense of belonging for all school stakeholders.

• Willingness and desire to learn about and immerse oneself in the culture of Krakow and Poland. 

Duties & Responsibilities 

• Oversee all aspects of the secondary school providing leadership that promotes a culture of high achievement among faculty and students in line with ISK's mission and student learning goals. 

• Select, orient, assign, develop, evaluate, and retain quality instructional and support personnel to ensure every student has access to effective teaching.

• In collaboration with the school leadership team lead the revision and alignment of a curricular system based on the most recent understanding about learning, including developing, implementing and monitoring curriculum and student progress.

• Foster a climate and culture permeated by the notion that learning and wellbeing is always the lens through which we judge effectiveness; that relationships matter; that international-mindedness is fundamental.

• Lead and interact with all members of the school community in ways which demonstrate a knowledge of and sensitivity to the culture of transition and mobility characteristic of international schools. Models the skills and attitudes of global citizenship, antiracism, intercultural sensitivity and proactivity.

Value Proposition

This school year (2022-23) ISK opened with its highest enrollment (325 students) in its history.  This growth coincides with the city of Krakow becoming a more cosmopolitan city transforming from the historical, cultural and touristic capital of Poland to an important commercial center often referred to as "Silicon Valley of the East."  During the 2023-24 school year, ISK will celebrate 30 years since its founding and progress as a school.  

The school is currently in the middle of a campus expansion project, having most recently completed a new activities center this school year with a further learning space expansion taking place this summer.  With future expansion on the horizon, ISK is laying the foundation for further campus and educational program growth.  ISK's new Secondary School Principal - Director of Teaching and Learning will collaborate closely with the senior leadership team and have the opportunity to significantly contribute and impact the next chapter of learning at ISK.  

Application Instructions

Starting Date: August 2023

Application Deadline: March 24, 2023

Candidates who are interested should submit an application packet as early as possible to: leadershipsearch@iskonline.org 

The application packet should be a single PDF containing the following:

• Letter explaining your interest and qualifications for this position (not to exceed 2 pages).

• Resume/CV including all relevant professional experience (not to exceed 2 pages).

• List of at least four supervisory references with position at time of supervision, current position & location, e-mail, and phone.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received.  ISK reserves the right to close the selection process at any time if the right candidate is found.

For more information about the International School of Krakow, please visit our website at www.iskonline.org

ISK is strongly committed to all aspects of child protection and safeguarding.  Applications will be thoroughly and rigorously screened.  Hiring is contingent upon a successful background check. 

The salary and benefits package is competitive in the CEESA region of international schools and will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.