Assistant Director Academics

Senior School

Permanent, Full-Time (1.0 FTE), starting August 2023

If you are an educator who inspires students, is passionate about holistic learning and is driven to help young people shape their lives, this is a role, a school and a place for you.

Located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, St. Michaels University School (SMUS) is a Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 day and boarding school with a global reputation for academic excellence. Our faculty members enjoy small classes, modern facilities, and substantial preparation time that creates opportunities to understand their students and to make a real impact in their lives. Faculty salaries and benefits exceed the local public school districts and are supported by an exciting professional development program. As lifelong learners, and with students at the centre, SMUS faculty are capacity builders by nature and inspiring educators by practice.

Our students from all over the world have opportunities in academics, athletics, arts, leadership, service, experiential and outdoor education, and are inspired by an extraordinary faculty that is committed to academic excellence, character growth and preparing students for what lies ahead in life. The school’s Mission shapes all of these endeavours: Our school seeks the excellence in all of us, with passion and compassion. We are a community shaped by the pursuit of truth and goodness, providing outstanding preparation for life. At St. Michaels University School, we seek to employ and empower individuals who wish to forge impactful relationships and careers that place our students at the centre. We firmly believe that expanding our diversity while adjusting our practice will lead to becoming the community we envision – a place where staff and students share a sense that they fully belong.

The Position:

The School is seeking a full-time administrator/teacher to oversee curriculum development, assessment practices and instructional strategies at the Senior School. Reporting to both the Director of Academics and the Director of Senior School, and working collaboratively with the Heads of Departments and teaching teams across the academic program, this educational leader will be setting the strategy for curriculum, assessment and instructional practice at the senior school.  The Assistant Director Academics management of the communication of student learning and support of the implementation of key academic priorities will play an important role in this position. In addition to the administrative responsibility of the role, this leader will also have teaching responsibilities.

The successful candidate will have the following skills, background and interest:

A Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree.

Specialization in Curriculum and Instruction would be an asset.

Eligible for, or holder of a current BC teaching certificate.

Familiarity with the BC Curriculum and Independent School experience is an asset.

Experience in Educational Administration preferred.

Experience working with teachers and students in a learning environment (minimum 5 years).

Prior leadership experience in the area of curriculum development and assessment.

A clear understanding and application of standards-based curriculum and assessment.

Strong collaboration and communication skills, both verbal and written.

Demonstrated understanding of effective teaching strategies, collaborative structures and facilitation techniques.

A clear understanding of learning excellence in relation to the student and teacher experience.

Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional learning in the area of curriculum, assessment and instruction.

A high level of attention to detail, as well as the capacity to be a proactive and analytical problem solver.

Enthusiastic, energetic, a self-starter with the ability to work independently.

Ability to conduct research, prepare and present reports.

Ability to be tactful, demonstrate excellent judgment, and work as a positive and collaborative team member.

Experience teaching in a Senior School setting.

Experience using Google Classroom and other technology to support learning.

An understanding of current differentiation strategies and commitment to the needs of all learners.

Growth mindset and ability to offer and receive professional feedback.

Evidence of innovative and inspiring teaching practices and assessment.

Evidence and commitment to a collaborative approach with a team of talented educators.

Experience working in an environment of excellence where a broad spectrum of programs operate simultaneously, demanding a great deal of forward planning and creativity.

Commitment to pastoral care and to delivering high quality education through a holistic lens.

Responsibilities include:

Work with Senior School teachers on curriculum scope and sequence, assessment and instructional strategies that enrich the learning experience of SMUS students.

Collaborate with Heads of Department to facilitate curriculum and assessment planning sessions across departments and grade levels.

Support the onboarding and integration of new teachers at the beginning of the year.

Oversee the communication of student learning, including reporting.

Facilitate the implementation of student reflection and curricular connections related to the SMUS Portrait of a Learner.

Support the Director of Academics and the Director of the Senior School with the professional growth goal process and the planning of professional development opportunities related to teaching and learning.

Support the collection and analysis of achievement data including diagnostic student assessments to inform instructional practice and program development.

Maintain a teaching assignment in their academic area and be involved in the co-curricular and extra-curricular program of the school.

Any additional responsibilities within the scope, spirit, and purpose of the role and academic strategy, as requested by the Director of Academics or Director of Senior School.

Consistent and professional communication with students, faculty and parents.

A commitment to teaching for understanding using a standards-based assessment model.

Maintaining effective ongoing assessment of student learning in order to provide clear feedback to students and their parents.

Liaising with teaching faculty, parents and administration as an advocate for students.

Practicing professionalism through ongoing professional development, reflection and continuous improvement.

Criminal Record Check:

Must pass and maintain a clear Solicitor General criminal record check for the purpose of working with children.

Application Details:

Please respond with a cover letter and resume in a single document by 2pm Tuesday, March 14, 2023.