Upper School Principal

Upper School Principal 

Department: Upper School (Grades 6–12)

Reports to: Head of School

Type: Full-time, 12-month (occasional evenings/weekends for events)

Location: Georgetown, Guyana

Position Summary

The Upper School Principal is a senior instructional and operational leader responsible for the academic excellence, culture, and day-to-day management of GIA’s Upper School. The Principal ensures high-impact teaching and learning aligned to a US curriculum framework while leading the implementation and continuous improvement of the Advanced Placement (AP) in Grades 9 - 12 and IB Diploma Programme (DP) in Grades 11–12, within GIA’s multicultural context. The role stewards faculty growth, student wellbeing, budgeting and resources, compliance, and strong school–home–community partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

1) Instructional Leadership & Curriculum

• Champion evidence-based instructional practices; set clear expectations for planning, teaching, and assessment across departments.

• Oversee the design, implementation, and review of a coherent 9–12 curriculum that aligns US graduation requirements with IB frameworks and college-readiness outcomes.
• Ensure vertical and horizontal alignment, learning progressions, and intervention/extension pathways for diverse learners. 

2) IB Programme Leadership (DP)

• Lead, in partnership with the IB Coordinators, the effective delivery of IB DP (G11–12): programme standards, instructional alignment, internal assessments, moderation practices, timelines, and examination readiness.

• Promote the IB learner profile and integrate ATL/ATLS skills across courses; use programme data for improvement cycles.
• Coordinate teacher professional learning specific to DP pedagogy, assessment, and academic honesty. 

3) Advanced Placement Program Leadership (AP)

• Lead, in partnership with the school's AP coordinator, the effective delivery of the AP program (G9–12), including the annual evaluation of which AP courses will be offered.
• Promote a cohesive AP curriculum and integrate essential skills like critical thinking, research, and effective communication across all courses.

• Coordinate teacher professional learning, ensuring faculty receive necessary training and certification to teach AP courses effectively.

4) Student Success, Culture & Wellbeing

• Build a safe, inclusive, and achievement-oriented culture; ensure systems for pastoral care, advisory, attendance, behavior, and restorative practices.
• Oversee safeguarding procedures and partner with counselors, learning support, and college guidance to meet academic, social-emotional, and post-secondary needs. 

5) Faculty & Staff Leadership

• Recruit, onboard, supervise, and evaluate faculty; provide coaching, walkthroughs, goal-setting, and appraisal that drive measurable gains in student learning.
• Cultivate collaborative teams (PLCs/department groups) that analyze evidence of learning and share best practice. 

6) Assessment, Data & Reporting

• Establish a balanced assessment system (diagnostic, formative, summative; internal/external) and an assessment calendar that reduces overload.
• Oversee reporting cycles, transcripts, and communication of progress; use achievement and wellbeing data to inform interventions and school improvement priorities. 

 7) Operations, Budget & Compliance

• Manage Upper School operations: timetable/master schedule, staffing allocations, duty rosters, substitute coverage, calendar, facilities usage, and emergency readiness.
• Develop and monitor the Upper School budget; ensure compliance with policies, handbooks, and relevant laws. 

8) Community & External Engagement

• Build trust and strong communication with students, families, faculty, alumni, and the wider community; lead parent forums and information sessions.
• Collaborate with admissions on student transitions and retention; represent GIA with accrediting bodies and partner organizations. 

9) Accreditation & Quality Assurance

• Lead and document continuous improvement aligned to NEASC/IB and other applicable standards; coordinate self-studies, visitation logistics, action plans, and evidence management. 

Key Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership/Administration, or Curriculum & Instruction (required/preferred as appropriate).
• Valid teaching qualification; principal/administrator certification preferred. 

 Experience

• Proven success in senior leadership at the secondary level, ideally in an international school offering a US curriculum and IB programmes.
• Demonstrated impact improving teaching and learning, leading teams, and managing complex school operations. 

Knowledge, Skills & Dispositions

• Deep knowledge of US curriculum frameworks, secondary pedagogy, and IB DP programme requirements (policies, assessment, and authorization/continuum standards).
• Data-literate leader with strong planning, budgeting, scheduling, and project management.

• Excellent communication; culturally responsive, collaborative, and student-centered.
• Commitment to safeguarding and to inclusive, equitable practices that support diverse learners. 

• Leadership Competencies
• Vision-driven, high-integrity, and values-based decision-making; builds capacity through coaching and professional learning; drives measurable improvement. 

Safeguarding

• GIA is committed to child protection and safer recruitment; all employees are expected to uphold the school’s safeguarding policies and participate in required background checks and training.