Description

Job Title Principal, Elementary School

Reports to Chief Executive Officer

Job purpose

Under the direction of the CEO, the Elementary Principal manages the operation and educational programs of the elementary school, including supervising teachers and other staff, and evaluating and pursuing related programs. We expect the Principal of the Elementary School to provide professional leadership in organizing, administering, supervising, and evaluating a creative school program. The Elementary School Principal is expected to work closely with the community, staff, and administration of AIS, while planning, implementing, and reviewing curriculum. He or She is responsible for building administration and the safety and welfare of both students and staff. The Elementary School principal is the chief administrator and educational leader of the Elementary School and is responsible for the detailed organization, administration of the building, and general supervision of all activities and personnel.

Job Functions, Duties & Responsibilities

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work to be performed by the officer chosen for this role. The CEO retains the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time according to the school’s needs. The Job Description is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications that may be required of the officer assigned to the position or classification.

• Interacts with students to encourage them to perform at their highest level.
• Interviews and recommends together with HR to the CEO personnel for employment.
• Spearhead the elementary school annual strategy execution for approval by the CEO and oversee its implementation.
• Resolves staff problems and provides support to teachers.
• Provides general supervision to students.
• Maintains positive relations with parents, parent groups, faculty, and outside agencies.
• Maintains regular contact with parents regarding the needs, achievements, and behaviour of their children.
• Develop a program for the evaluation and improvement of instruction to ensure maximum educational benefits for students.
• Carries out a systematic process of supervision and evaluation of teacher performance.
• Supervises the educational program by regular classroom and overall building observations of students and teachers.
• Observes and conducts post-observation meetings with teachers providing recommendations for improving instruction and preparing appraisal reports.
• Develops a functioning education philosophy consistent with the values of the community, teachers, school administration, and Council of AIS.
• Develops a comprehensive curriculum and program of services in cooperation with teachers, Head of School, and non-teaching staff.
• Develops an atmosphere of respect, interest, and enthusiasm within the school.
• Communicates openly and effectively with students, community, staff, and administration.
• Supervises and provides for the general welfare of students during the school day, on school trips, and during school activities.
  

Working with Other Stakeholders

• Ensures that an atmosphere of cooperation is maintained, and professional development opportunities are made available to all teachers to meet the ongoing requirements for growth and change.
• Works collaboratively with teachers to provide leadership in the development and operation of structures, programs, and policies that promote diversity and student life. The programs developed must support AIS Ghana's retention efforts and promote AIS Ghana as an attractive choice for prospective international students.
• Works collaboratively and proactively with the AIS Council or Board and simplifies their request to all units, including Finance & Purchase, Facilities Management, Information Technologies, Human Resources, and other departments as the need arises.
• Reports regularly and as requested on the progress and success of all strategic initiatives of the Elementary School.
• Implement parent engagement programs developed by the Executive Director to deepen parents' understanding of the school’s strategic directions.
• Create a culture conducive to continuous improvement by establishing, maintaining, and utilizing feedback and evidence to inform decision-making.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Administrative Leadership:

• Delegates duties for effective staff utilization but assumes final responsibility for the overall school program.
• Encourages the professional growth of teachers by advanced training, experimentation, and evaluation.
• Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements of the various governmental agencies.
• Maintains safe, clean, attractive, and well-kept buildings and grounds.
• Works cooperatively with peers in sharing ideas, techniques, and procedures for improvement of the learning environment.
• Develops and implements short and long-term plans for the improvement of the elementary school program.
• Participates in monthly administrative EXCO/ MANCO meetings with the CEO or her assigns.
• Attends all regularly scheduled meetings of the AIS Council.

Student Support and Discipline:

• Maintains effective programs to strengthen and monitor pupil discipline, attendance, and individual progress.
• Provides a positive environment for students through the establishment of reasonable rules and regulations governing behaviour and fair practices dealing with disciplinary infractions.
• Provides for the maintenance of up-to-date cumulative records including student grades, attendance, health, test data, and all other data relative to the student.
• Develops an annual student handbook containing information, rules, and regulations.
• Assigns pupils to appropriate grade placement programs, etc.
• Coordinates special service programs and provides appropriate testing and placement of students in special programs.
• Monitors all special service programs per the AIS strategy.
• Serve as a visible and active leader in the community, representing the school and advocating for the needs of students and families.
• Stay informed about current trends, research, and best practices in education, and apply this
• Knowledge to inform decision-making and school improvement efforts.

Leadership & Management Skills:

• Strong leadership skills to inspire and guide teachers, staff, and students.
• Ability to create a positive school culture and climate.
• Proficiency in managing school operations, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Experience in supervising and evaluating staff performance.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills to address various challenges and issues that arise in the school environment

Curriculum Development & Instructions:

• Knowledge of curriculum development and instructional best practices.
• Ability to oversee the implementation of educational programs and curricula that meet state standards.
• Skills in observing and evaluating teaching methods and strategies.
• Providing professional development and support to teachers to enhance instructional effectiveness.

Student Support and Development

• Understanding of student assessment methods and data analysis to monitor student progress and achievement.
• Ability to implement interventions and support programs for students with diverse needs.
• Knowledge of behaviour management techniques and strategies to maintain a safe and productive learning environment.
• Experience in implementing and overseeing school-wide behaviour management programs.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree, preferably in educational leadership or a related Elementary Education curriculum area.
• A minimum of five (5) years of teaching and three (3) years of administrative experience in an elementary or other related setting.
• A commitment to educational equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Ability to communicate and work with a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Proven effectiveness in written and oral communication.
• Desire to seek continuous improvement and demonstrate a willingness to reflect on leadership behaviors and practice, hear and apply feedback to continuously improve.
• Supervisory, managerial, and budgetary experience in an international school environment.
• Successful experience as an educational leader with preference given to principal experience.
• Excellent collaboration, interpersonal, facilitation, and communication skills.