Shanghai Huaer Collegiate School Kunshan is seeking to appoint an Upper School Dean of Academics for an August 2021 start
The Upper School Dean of Academics reports to the Upper School Principal in whose absence the Dean of Academics is in charge of the overall upper school academic program at Huaer Collegiate. The Dean role is full-time and includes the expectation of teaching at least one section of an academic class as needed and assigned by the upper school principal.
The Dean promotes a passion for intellectual rigor and self-discovery and ensures that the academic goals and objectives set by the school leadership are met. Under the direction of the Upper School Principal, the Dean of Academics is responsible for assisting with the day-to-day operation of the Upper School program. The Dean leads and guides the faculty in implementing the vision for dual language immersion studies and serves as the Upper School’s instructional leader by developing, implementing and evaluating the instructional program and providing a systemic study and analysis of the teaching-learning process in order to enhance and elevate student achievement and ensure alignment with learning goals and objectives between the Middle School and Upper School divisions. The Dean develops and oversees graduation requirements and the process for scholar assessments and grade reporting in order to monitor scholars’ progress, ensure data driven instructional practices and curriculum decisions and an effective scholar support system. In collaboration with the Upper School Principal and other faculty, the Dean of Academics plans and provides professional development for faculty, with special attention to developing and implementing the Teaching Fellows program.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- To act as the academic leader of the school, responsible for its day-to-day operation: scheduling of scholars, overseeing of the academic advising and monitoring of student academic progress; keeping close tabs on the academic concerns list and taking action when necessary; coordinating and directing the efforts of department heads, Teaching Fellows, and curriculum committee, etc.
- To observe, supervise, and evaluate the faculty in the development of their teaching and implementation of curriculum; to review and evaluate the academic programs.
- To ensure compliance with Chinese government regulations and maintain the educational standards of the AP and other accreditation and examining agencies of interest to the school.
- To make recommendations to the Principal and Dean of Student Life regarding the hiring and retention, and the assignment of faculty, as well as overseeing the interview process.
- To work collaboratively with the Principal and Dean of Student Life to establish programs for the orientation and on-going development of faculty and for the evaluation of classroom teachers.
- To conduct regular meetings with faculty, Teaching Fellows, and department chairs, which will address routine issues as well as stimulate discussion of educational/philosophical concern.
- To collaborate with the Dean of Student Life to ensure alignment between co-curricular and academic programs; plan school assemblies and programs; maintain a comprehensive calendar of school events; and keep the school community informed of school programs and events.
- To provide for the academic guidance of scholars; to work with the Dean of Student Life and College Counselor to maintain complete academic records on all scholars; to oversee the grading and reporting of standards and methods used by teachers in measuring achievement.
- Assist in the admission process for the testing and evaluating of applicants for enrollment.
- To collaborate with the Dean of Student Life to prepare and organize Commendations and Awards Ceremonies.
This role commands a highly competitive salary and benefits package, including high-quality housing; flights for employee and dependents, and medical insurance for employee and dependents. Full tuition support will be provided for any successful applicant with school-age children. The position will be offered on an initial three-year contract term with annual renewal thereafter.
REQUIREMENTS
Education & Experience:
- Master’s Degree or post-graduate degree endorsement
- 6-10 years in teaching, education, school administration, curriculum development, observation and evaluation practices
- Experience mentoring, leading, and managing faculty in a collaborative learning environment
- Teacher evaluation & development experience
- Experience with curriculum development
- Strong understanding of independent school management, particularly in the area of instructional practices, culture and school operations
- Strong understanding of trends and challenges in the field of secondary and higher education counseling, particularly in U.S. independent schools
- Familiarity with college application process
- Appreciation of academic balance: arts, experiential/teams, humanities & sciences
- Proven commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
- Ability to communicate in Chinese is a plus
Special Knowledge/Skills:
- Excellent executive, organization, communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work with a high level of consistency and integrity
- Deep understanding of adolescent development; good sense of humor and optimism about students’ ability to learn and grow
- Excellent knowledge of highly effective, American/international, 21st century skill-based curricula, standards and practices related to instruction, graduation requirements, and technology
- Appreciation not only of what we teach & how, but also of why
- Ability to collaborate, establish rapport and communicate in a Dual Language Immersion environment
- Ability to teach, coach, establish rapport and effectively communicate with English Language Learners
- Demonstrated pursuit of on-going professional development
- Ability to analyze data for the purpose of decision making and planning
Personal Qualities
- Leadership strengths: vision, inspiration & advocacy
- Comfort with initiative, innovation & risk-taking
- Sense of humor
- Ease with both affection & accountability
- Comfort with adolescents
- Assertive, straightforward, sensitive, seasoned, supportive nature
- Visibility school-wide: classroom, performances, games, activities & events, weekdays & weekends
- Vision of big picture, along with attention to details
- Model of what is expected of faculty
Employment Type: Full Time
Years Experience: 5 – 10 years
Bonus/Commission: No