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Job Description
ZURICH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
LOWER
SCHOOL PRINCIPAL - August 2024
Zurich International School (ZIS) is a leading, non-profit day school offering a comprehensive, student-centered education program for students aged 3 to 18 in the Greater Zurich Area. Three divisions on two campuses just south of Zurich provide modern, purpose-built learning facilities, ensuring our 1,300 students have an intimate, personalized experience at each stage of their learning journey. We serve both the globally-mobile international community and globally-minded local families, and our students represent over 55 nationalities.
At each division, our mission of “Learn, Care, Challenge, Lead” ensures that we offer high-quality academic programs combined with social-emotional learning and community and global engagement. ZIS meets every student where they are, balancing the demand of our challenging academic program with our commitment to developing the whole child, so that each becomes the very best version of themselves. We value small learning environments and individual pathways, recognizing that each child brings a unique learning profile and interests. We use highly effective teaching practices, student learning data, along with appropriate technologies and project-based approaches, to engage all students in meaningful learning experiences in alignment with internationally recognized academic standards. The learning at ZIS extends well beyond the classroom to include our science and design labs; arts, theater, athletic and natural spaces; as well as our Beyond the Classroom (BTC) Experiences in local, regional and global settings.
In our international program, the primary language of instruction is English, and all students also study German through Grade 9. We are in our third year of offering a bilingual pathway in Lower School, which will eventually extend through Grade 9, in which students follow the outcomes of the Swiss curriculum, and use both English and German on a daily basis. At the Upper School, we offer both a robust slate of Advanced Placement and ZIS courses, as well as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Of those completing the full IB Diploma, 36% earned a bilingual diploma. Whether in our international or bilingual pathway, ZIS students develop the commitment, competence and confidence to thrive in global communities.
We are a non-profit foundation, governed by a Board of Trustees. ZIS is the longest accredited school in Switzerland, having been accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) since 1971. Operational responsibility is in the hands of the Director and the Strategic Leadership Team (SLT).
The Principal of the Lower School oversees a division with over 400 students in Preschool through Grade 5, in both the international and bilingual pathways, as well as 89 faculty and staff. The Lower School Campus Leadership Team includes an Assistant Principal, the Head of the Bilingual Pathway, curriculum specialists and instructional coaches. The Principal also works very closely with the school counselor. The LS Principal serves on the SLT, a school-wide leadership team, and the Principals Group, comprising SLT members who focus primarily on student learning. Both of these groups meet weekly, and principals are also occasionally invited to participate in Board meetings and retreats, depending on the topic.
The ZIS Lower School
With a focus on the whole child, our highly professional team of faculty members are committed to identifying and meeting the needs of all students. We want our students to be active, not passive learners, who are critical and compassionate thinkers, and who develop a love of learning. A focus on guided inquiry, opportunities for creativity, the development of collaborative and communication skills are key features of the learning process that contribute to the development of conceptual understanding, competencies and character of our students.
Please visit www.zis.ch to learn more about us.
The Lower School Principal Profile
Essential Qualities:
- Commitment to the school's Mission and Vision and to international education
- Evidence of successful Lower School teaching experience
- A commitment to professional growth
- Significant involvement in leading curriculum and program development
- Experience in developing successful and supportive relationships with parents and students
- Experience with significant management responsibilities (e.g. teacher supervision, recruitment and professional growth)
- A proven commitment to the safeguarding of children and young people
- Knowledgeable about best educational practice, especially with respect to the change process, curriculum development, and teaching and learning
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multicultural environments
- Experience with and demonstrated ability to navigate challenging situations with parents or colleagues
- An advanced degree in educational leadership
Desirable Qualities:
- A minimum of three to five years' experience as principal of a Lower School
- Experience in K-12 school-wide leadership and management through membership of a senior leadership team
- Demonstrated leadership and management skills to recruit, retain, and professionally grow a world-class faculty
- Able to develop highly effective teams
- Ability to execute on complex strategic initiatives
- Fluency in English, as well as an additional world language, ideally German.
- Able to do all the above with a healthy sense of humour
Terms and Conditions
Salary and benefits are commensurate with a leadership position in a major international school in Europe.
Application
Procedure
Interested candidates should send an application at the
EARLIEST POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITY, but no later than September 18, 2023. Candidates should submit the
following information in the format requested using
ZIS' online application system.
Application Requirements
- Full-letter of application (no longer than two pages), explaining your strengths as a candidate and why you are interested in this particular position
- Current resume/curriculum vitae (not to exceed two pages)
- Names and addresses of referees who may be contacted. Open letters of reference may be uploaded. Referee details to include current contact information (email, telephone).
- Letters of application should be addressed to: Lisa Lyle, Director, Zurich International School
Virtual or in-person interviews will be scheduled with semi-finalist candidates. It is expected
finalists will be invited to campus to meet with representatives of various school constituencies in November 2023. While the appointment for this position is expected by late Fall, an offer to a desired candidate may be extended at any time.
Primary Location
Lower School Wädenswil
Salary Range
Per Month
Shift Type
Full-Time
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