Job Description
Position Opening: Head of Early Childhood (Grades Pre K, Low K & Kindergarten)
International School of Portland (Oregon, USA)
Department: Administration
Reports to: Head of School
FLSA Status: Exempt
FTE: 1.0 (Full Time)
Effective start date: Preferably July 01, 2024
Duration: Rolling 12 months
International School of Portland (ISP), located in beautiful Oregon is an independent, coeducational, total language immersion IB-PYP day school for 350 students, Pre-K (3-year-olds) - Grade 5. The mission of the School is to inspire children to become global citizens through an inquiry-based learning environment in multiple languages and cultures. It is located just south of downtown Portland, Oregon on the edge of the Waterfront District, making this close-knit campus with outdoor playground areas attractive to families on both sides of the river.
The centrally located campus provides an urban environment where students benefit from easy access to the Oregon Ballet, the Portland Japanese Garden, the Lan Su Chinese Garden, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, the Portland Art Museum, and so much more! The School functions in five buildings, the most recent being Learners' Hall, which houses classrooms, a library, and some offices.
For 30+ years, ISP has provided a warm, multicultural environment where children experience full language immersion from preschool through Grade 5 in three language tracks: Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese. The importance of Play through Inquiry is also the cornerstone of our unique programming.
Small classes and an inquiry-based, International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum enable the students to acquire language fluency and cultural competence as they learn to pursue knowledge beyond the classroom and throughout life. The engaging and robust academic program is taught primarily by native speakers from around the world.
Today, our school is actively recruiting for the exciting position opening of Head of Early Childhood. Ideally, this position will begin effective July 01, 2024 for the 2024-2025 school term. We desire someone who loves kids, loves play, loves building an environment of playful inquiry, and whose lived experience helps expand our diverse global community. We seek a professional leader adept at attracting, retaining, and supporting a strong educational team; building and providing parent engagement/education programming; and collaborating effectively with the senior educational leadership team while bringing excellence and equity in education to children and families in our community. A creative, compassionate, thoughtful, patient, and highly organized leader who is excited to join our dynamic team of world educators. This position will be an Educational Leadership Team (ELT) member, reporting to the Head of School. The ideal candidate must have successful experience in working with culturally diverse students, teachers, families, and communities.
General Summary:
- All operations at the International School of Portland are based on the school's mission, core values and vision, and the philosophies of the International Baccalaureate, Primary Years Program (PYP). As a full-time 12-month yearly position, the Head of Early Childhood is also a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT). Together with the members of the SMT, the Head of Early Childhood assists the Head of School in leading the International School of Portland.
- This position works together with the Educational Leadership Team (ELT) consisting of The Head of School, Head of Elementary, PYP Coordinator, Head of Student Support, and Instructional Coach, to implement and promote the values, philosophies, and expectations of the International School of Portland's mission and vision. As a member of the ELT, they are expected to actively integrate the IB Learner Profile into all aspects of their workday and model the profile through their behavior.
- The Head of Early Childhood works with faculty and administrators to promote the success of all students by supporting access, equity, and educational justice. They continually work to develop their cultural competence and facilitate the development of cultural awareness, knowledge, and skills of all school personnel.
- As a supervisor for 25+ faculty members (PreK, Low-K, and Kindergarten Homeroom Teachers, Teacher Aides, Specialists, (1) Administrative Assistant, and PYP Coordinator. This position is responsible for all managerial tasks including but not limited to curriculum, PYP implementation, administration, faculty department management and communication.
Compensation and Benefits:
$98,000 -$110,000 Depending on Experience
Employer paid Medical, Dental, Vision, Short term, Long term Disability, paid Family Medical Leave Insurance, and Life Insurance for employees, voluntary Cafeteria plan with FSA, DCA and Transit account, 403(b) retirement plan and employer matching after one full year of service, flexible and generous paid time off, tuition remission for a qualifying child, and if eligible, a relocation fee of up to $7,000.00.
Indicative Timelines:
Interviews: Towards end of December- First review of applications and initial interviews scheduled
Required Qualifications
- Minimum Bachelor's Degree and Administrators License
- 3+ years of progressive management and leadership experience as a Principal in a school environment with Early Childhood experience, supervising a larger group of direct reports as well as experience supporting teacher development as an Instructional Coach
- Communicate fluently in written and spoken English
- Or any other combination of education and experience that meets the requirements of this position
- Experience leading and motivating employees within a diverse and international community
Preferred Qualifications
- Masters Degree and Administrators License
- Experience in an immersion setting and/or sheltered instruction
- Experience with International Baccalaureate and PYP programs
- Bilingual: Communicate fluently in written and spoken English and any of the languages taught at the school: Spanish, Japanese, Chinese or another language
- Any other combination of education, training and experience which demonstrates the candidate is likely to possess the skill, knowledge, ability and trait characteristics essential for this position may be considered
- Living or experienced working with diverse and marginalized communities
- Passionate about and able to fulfill the mission and vision of the school
- Exhibits and demonstrates cultural competence in everyday educational practices by facilitating the cultural awareness, knowledge and skills of all school personnel
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY
- Embodies the traits of the IB learner profile
- Embraces the importance of Play through Inquiry
- Passionate about and able to fulfill the mission and vision of the school
- Exhibits and demonstrates cultural competence in everyday educational practices by facilitating the cultural awareness, knowledge and skills of all school personnel
- Proficient with technology.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- During peak activity periods, this position may require working in excess of 8 hours per day and/or 40 hours per week
- Frequently performs physical tasks such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping and handling of materials
- Capable of quickly traveling to multiple locations on the school campus including up and down hills, lifting or otherwise carrying 50 pounds, traveling up/down flights of stairs, standing or sitting for long durations, occasionally typing on a computer keyboard, and occasionally reading information on a computer screen.
- Ability to travel occasionally to attend off-site events
HOW TO APPLY
A link to the full and detailed job description is attached to the actual posting. To apply
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https://intlschool.isolvedhire.com/jobs/1041403
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We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We value a diverse workforce to attain our mission and support our community.
To be considered for this position, please provide (1) a cover letter that describes how your background, work experience and skills make you a great candidate for this position, and (2) a current resume in addition to:
- Completed Employment Application
- Copies of Degree(s)
- References or Letters of Recommendation
- No new H1-B sponsorship available
**Employment is contingent on successful completion of the Oregon Department of Education Background Check http://www.ode.state.or.us/services/transportation/forms/2282-M.pdf ***