Dean of Academics

Shawnigan Lake School is a leading independent co-educational boarding school for ages 12-18 (grades 8-12) on Canada’s beautiful west coast. Our world-class facilities situated on a stunning 270-acre campus include ten boarding houses, a theatre, film lab, an observatory, salmon hatchery, rowing crew house on the lake, dance studio, state of the art Learning Commons and Library, recording studio, and robotics lab. Our diverse, inter-disciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.

For more information, explore our Shawnigan at a Glance.

Shawnigan provides academic ambition to develop a culture of collaboration, independence and resilience in our students through educators and peers who inspire our students to embrace a love of learning by challenging them to solve problems critically and creatively.

Staff endorse our School’s values (Curiosity, Compassion, Community and Courage) and are deeply committed to our mission: Spark Minds, Kindle Hearts, Forge Futures.

Shawnigan is always looking for outstanding, worldly and world-class, diverse, and ambitious educators to inspire our students and to model our three pillars of Academic Excellence, Co-Curricular Distinction and Student Life Unparalleled. As a teacher at Shawnigan, you will contribute to all facets of life on an international boarding school campus with 85% of our students as full-time boarders, representing thirty different countries from around the world.

We offer a competitive compensation package and a nurturing, family-friendly workplace. This is a full-time permanent position with a salary range of $120,000 to $135,000. Actual salary offered will be commensurate with education, experience, and internal parity.

Shawnigan Lake School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff (and volunteers) to share this commitment. Candidates will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with previous employers and a vulnerable sector criminal record check.

 

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Dean of Academics main responsibility is to ‘inspire academic excellence’. Working with colleagues, the Dean of Academics should strive to develop a culture of curiosity, collaboration, independence and resilience in our students and to inspire our students to embrace a love of learning by challenging them to solve problems critically and creatively.

The work of the Dean of Academics will be in line with the School’s overall purpose, mission and values. As part of the Senior Leadership Team, modelling the School’s core values of Curiosity, Compassion, Community and Courage.

 

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting directly to the Deputy Head, the Dean of Academics is expected to:

• Oversee the Academic Program as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and champion academics at Shawnigan
• Lead the implementation of the Schools Academic Excellence pillar
• Promote a culture of cross-curricular integration that aligns with The Shawnigan Journey
• Lead the development and delivery of curriculum that inspires academic excellence
• Support the Head of Indigenous Initiatives and Engagement on the incorporation of Indigenous curriculum at Shawnigan
• Lead members of the Education Staff in partnership with the Deputy Head, with the support of members of the Education Management Team & Department Heads
• Determine Education Staff course allocations in conjunction with Department Heads
• Determine student course selection and schedule changes in conjunction with Department Heads and the Guidance Office
• Oversee Education Staff hiring in partnership with the HR Department, Deputy Head, other members of the Education Management Team and respective Heads of Department
• Be involved in the oversight and continued development of Teacher Professional Growth Plans and contribute to the design of review system in partnership with the Director of Professional Development and EMT
• Analyze summer AP / BC Curriculum results and prepare a report for Senior Leadership team, staff and the Board of Governors
• Collaborate with Admissions on potential students, testing processes and (re)enrollment
• Prepare annual academic presentation (October) to the Board of Governors and facilitate discussion of the strategic direction of the School during Board meetings as it relates to the academic program
• Work in partnership with the Deputy Head on annual review of Head of Departments’ Strategic Plans
• Act as Ministry of Education liaison as it pertains to academic results and grades management
• Act as the school’s AP Coordinator, with support from the Academic Administrative Assistant, plus oversight of SAT preparation and testing (managed by Guidance Office)
• Oversee the development of positive learning experiences for all students and positive working environments for all teachers
• Develop partnerships locally, nationally and internationally that strengthen the academic program and profile of the school
• Liaise with the members of the Education Management Team to ensure a coordinated and balanced timetable of curricular, co-curricular, and campus activities

 

 

REQUIREMENTS

• Legally entitled to work in Canada or if not, receive all appropriate visa and permissions to legally work in Canada
• Hold a post-secondary degree (and preferably a Master’s) in Education, Leadership or equivalent
• Be in possession of, or eligible to apply for, a British Columbia Teaching Certificate (Independent or Certificate of Qualification) before June 2024
• Minimum 10 years teaching experience, with at least 5 years in an education leadership role preferred
• Experience teaching a range of courses at grade 8-12 level
• Advanced leadership, mentoring, coaching, and team building skills
• Proficient with program and personnel management, as well as curricular design
• Knowledge and experience of different curricula and proven track record in academic leadership
• Professional and ethical, with the proven ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and to act with integrity
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills, combined with a high degree of social and emotional intelligence
• Adaptable, dependable, and willing to demonstrate flexibility with position requirements and tasks

 

NEXT STEPS

Please visit our Career Page for the full job posting, or to apply, please send a resume and cover letter specifically expressing your interest in working in this role at Shawnigan to the attention of Bill Nicholas, Deputy Head via email at [email protected].

Those who are brought forward into the interview process will receive further details about compensation, benefits and the duties and expectations of this role.

Shawnigan Lake School is an equal opportunity employer committed to establishing an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or any other basis protected by applicable law.

 

We express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest in this position, however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

 

Competition closes April 30, 2024.