Lower School Assistant Principal (Interim) in City of London

The LS Assistant Principal supports the LS Principal in advancing and upholding ASL's mission, vision, values, and goals for the Lower School. As an instructional leader, the Assistant Principal collaborates with the LS Principal to cultivate a dynamic and engaging Lower School culture that centres ASL's portrait of learner. The Assistant Principal plays a key role in guiding pedagogy, curriculum design, professional development, data-driven analysis of student learning outcomes and teacher supervision and evaluation.

In partnership with students and families, the Assistant Principal will support the Principal in fostering a welcoming and inclusive Lower School culture by maintaining positive and professional partnerships among teachers, students and families, monitoring student behaviour and supporting student growth and success. The Assistant Principal is integral in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the Lower School, which includes consistent communication and collaboration with all members of the Lower School community.

The role of AP as instructional leader includes:

• Demonstrating a thorough knowledge of best current practices in pedagogy, curriculum, global education and standards-based learning and assessment, in a Lower School serving a diverse and international population.
• Collaborating with the Principal, Department Heads, the Office of Teaching & Learning and the Academic Leadership Team (ALT) to develop and implement innovative curricular programs and initiatives, and ensure horizontal and vertical alignment of instructional delivery, curriculum and assessment practices.
• Cultivating the intercultural competencies of teachers and students by serving on the K-12 Global Citizenship Leader (GCL) Team, led by the Director of Global Citizenship.
• Promoting and supporting a professional learning community in the Lower School, which includes coaching assistant teachers, substitutes and lead teachers in both instruction and classroom management through conducting classroom visits followed by constructive feedback.
• Assisting the Principal with the recruitment and retention of an outstanding faculty that reflects the diversity of our families and student body in our international community.
• Leading the recruitment and retention of outstanding assistant teachers and substitute teachers that reflect the diversity of our families and student body in our international community.

The role of the AP with students and families includes:

• Maintaining a consistent, positive, approachable and visible presence in the lives of Lower School students.
• Demonstrating a thorough understanding of the developmental needs of Lower School students and working closely with teachers, counselors, students and families to support student learning, growth, resilience and wellbeing.
• Leading discipline and behavioural expectations that uphold the Lower School Code of Conduct through promoting a culture of shared core values, meaningful reflection, positive discipline and restorative practices.
• Participating regularly in various school activities, community and family engagement events and student programs, including plays, concerts, athletic competitions, PCA events, community celebrations, parent coffees, etc.
• Partnering with the LS Principal to work with PCA Grade Representatives.
• Serving as the lead administrator with PCA Room Parents.
• Serving as the lead administrator for Faculty and Staff Childcare.
• Facilitating daily dismissal for all students and other duties as assigned.
• Partnering with LS administrative assistant in overseeing attendance including tardies.

The role of the AP with LS administrative work includes:

• Serving as a key member of the LS admissions review team.
• Facilitating and leading the class placement process.
• Participating in student support meetings and student of concern meetings.

Selection criteria

Essential qualifications and experience:

• Enthusiastic commitment to teaching, mentoring and supporting Lower School students academically and in their social-emotional growth and development.
• Evidence of a successful teaching career and experience in educational leadership, including as a teacher-leader.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the structure, philosophy and curriculum of a dynamic, engaging and competitive Lower School program.
• Significant involvement in leading innovative curriculum design and program development initiatives.
• Evidence of a commitment to continuous professional development, including intercultural competency and diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Demonstrable experience of developing positive partnerships with colleagues, students and families.

This position description is current at the date shown but following consultation may be changed to reflect or anticipate changes in the role that are commensurate with the job title and salary. The American School in London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

Diversity and equality of opportunity are cornerstone values of The American School in London. ASL is dedicated to fostering courageous global citizenship in a diverse and inclusive school environment. In our international community, we aspire for the cultures and backgrounds of our employees to mirror those of our families and student body, and we enthusiastically welcome applications from candidates who bring diverse life experiences, perspectives and skills.