Head of Teaching and Learning - Diploma Programme IB at Still I Rise

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership Responsibilities

• Assume responsibility for the quality of educational delivery at Still I Rise International School - Nairobi.
• Lead the authorization and evaluation processes to achieve the school’s IB accreditation
• Oversee the implementation and management of the IB DP, ensuring alignment with the IB's standards and practices.
• Oversee staff collaborative meetings as required and act as one of the points of contact between the school and the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).
• Advocate for the IB learner profile and philosophy within the school community.
• Oversee the introduction and implementation of an alternative diploma programme, ensuring alignment with the curriculum and all associated staff training and liaison with qualification providers.

 Curriculum and Assessment

• Ensure that the curriculum is aligned with IB - DP requirements and oversee the delivery and integration of the DP core components: Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).
• Act as EE and CAS Coordinator.
• Monitor and manage the internal and external assessment processes, ensuring compliance with deadlines and guidelines, and support subject teachers in aligning their teaching practices with IB principles.

Professional Development

• Plan and coordinate ongoing professional development for DP faculty, including workshops, training sessions, and collaborative planning meetings.
• Mentor teachers to ensure high-quality delivery of the DP and encourage innovative teaching strategies.
• Conduct frequent classroom observations and proactively mentor to align with IB and SIR expectations.

Student Guidance and Support

• Guide students in subject selection and program requirements, ensuring they make informed choices.
• Oversee the development of a new Academic and Careers Programme at the school, incorporating academic counseling, university application support, job experience placements, career fairs and networking guidance.
• Ensure equitable access to resources and support mechanisms for all students.
• Teach a pre-prepared ‘Life Class’ and associated character development and skills.

Networking, Communication and Collaboration

• Maintain open lines of communication with all stakeholders, including teachers, parents, and students, about program updates and student progress.
• Oversee the smooth transition from MYP to DP and the alternative diploma including implementing a Pre-DP foundational course and DP preparedness activities for students.
• Collaborate with school leadership to align the DP with the school’s strategic vision and goals.
• Foster connections with other IB schools to share best practices and resources.
• Act as the School’s point of contact with key educational partners and the collaborative activity including student exchange programmes, recording pertinent interaction in a partnership tracking tool.
• Open and maintain a wide network of post-graduation opportunities for students including scholarships in East Africa and across the world and support other duties as required of Still I Rise site leadership.

Administration and Documentation

• Manage student registration for IB examinations and ensure all submissions meet IB deadlines.
• Manage student registration for alternative diploma examinations.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of the program’s implementation and progress.
• Lead the preparation and submission of the school’s five-year evaluation report.
• Coordinate class schedules.
• Liaise with Logistics personnel to communicate requirements for textbooks, lab equipment, and other educational resources.

REQUIREMENTS AND ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Extensive experience of senior leadership duties within schools operating the IB Diploma Programme.
• A strong understanding of the IB philosophy and requirements.
• Experience in university and careers counselling and networking.
• A demonstrated appreciation for student-centered, global-minded, value-driven approaches to education.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Flexibility to operate in a fast-moving diverse role.
• Experience forming and maintaining partnerships with other educational institutions and stakeholders.
• Experience with assessment coordination, curriculum design, and professional development planning.
• Good IT skills including use of Google Suite.
• Fluent knowledge of the English language (written and oral).

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

• Experience working with underprivileged or refugee populations.
• Familiarity with international education systems and standards.
• Familiarity with US curricula and competency examinations including the SAT.
• Previous involvement in programme evaluations.