In 2012, swimming against the tide of conventional rote and textbook practices, we began with a handful of students and learners, and a carefully designed intent to be a space where holistic development was the norm, where lifelong learning was the ultimate goal, and where, through progressive, personalized learning methods, the student was the center of all endeavours.
Along the way we found we had created a tribe of believers. Moving from strength to strength, we are now a strong community of 5 schools, 6,000+ students, 1100+ employees, and 12,000+ parents.
A verdant wonderland, Shiv Nadar School Chennai is on a sprawling 14- acre lush green campus located in Theosophical Society, Adyar. Our infrastructure and practices aim to ensure students receive the finest learning experiences, in the lap of Mother Nature. We currently provide an International Curriculum for students ranging from Pre Nursery (EYP 1) to MYP 2.
The Role
The Vice Principal will be a vital leader in enhancing the school's academic programs, which include the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). This position requires a passionate educator and strategic administrator who can work with the Head of School and faculty to ensure that the school's IB programs are effectively aligned with the school's mission and goals, fostering a high standard of academic excellence, global awareness, and student-centered learning.
Key Responsibilities
IB Curriculum Development & Implementation
- Oversee and strategically support the implementation and continuous development of the IB PYP, MYP, and DP programs, ensuring fidelity to IB standards and a seamless progression between programs.
- Collaborate with program coordinators and teachers to ensure a cohesive, challenging, and inquiry-based curriculum that aligns with IB philosophies and prepares students for the global stage.
- Regularly review and adapt curriculum components based on student needs, school objectives, and current IB requirements.
Faculty Leadership & Professional Development
- Mentor and support faculty in delivering IB curriculum, guiding them in best practices for inquiry-based, student-centred learning.
- Lead ongoing professional development tailored to the unique demands of the IB curriculum, including workshops, training sessions, and feedback cycles.
- Conduct classroom observations and provide constructive feedback to faculty, encouraging continuous improvement and innovation in IB teaching methodologies.
Student Support and Academic Excellence
- Foster an inclusive learning environment that promotes intellectual curiosity, intercultural awareness, and the development of well-rounded students.
- Monitor student performance and progress within the IB programs, implementing intervention strategies as needed to ensure students reach their potential.
- Support student involvement in the IB core components, such as the Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), and the Extended Essay, encouraging a balanced and comprehensive approach to learning.
Assessment and Data Management
- Ensure alignment of assessment policies and practices with IB standards, overseeing both formative and summative assessment processes.
- Manage the preparation, administration, and analysis of internal and IB external assessments, ensuring that student results reflect high standards of learning.
- Use data to drive instruction, support individual student growth, and provide feedback to students, teachers, and parents.
IB Accreditation & Compliance
- Maintain compliance with IB policies, ensuring the school upholds all accreditation requirements and prepares documentation for the IB's Programme Evaluation process.
- Work closely with the IB organization to stay current on program updates, ensuring the school is informed and responsive to any curriculum or assessment changes.
- Lead preparations for IB evaluations and visits, fostering a culture of continuous reflection and improvement in line with IB principles.
Community Engagement & Communication
- Act as a liaison between the school, parents, and the community, fostering open communication and a shared understanding of the IB program's benefits and goals.
- Represent the school at IB-related events, conferences, and meetings, and build connections with other IB schools and educators globally.
- Work with the admissions team to promote the IB program to prospective families and support their transition into the school community.
Operational & Administrative Support
- Assist with resource planning and budget allocation to support the effective delivery of IB programs.
- Collaborate with the Head of School on strategic planning, operational processes, and policy development that advance the school's mission and vision within the IB framework.
- Oversee the organization of events related to the IB curriculum, including exhibitions, personal project presentations, and the IB diploma graduation ceremony.
Qualifications
- Master's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field; an advanced qualification in IB education is preferred.
- Minimum of 15 years of experience in an IB school, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
- In-depth knowledge of IB philosophy, curriculum standards, and accreditation requirements.
- Proven experience in instructional leadership, faculty development, and curriculum planning within the IB framework.
- Strong data literacy with experience in using data to improve student outcomes.
Key Competencies
- Visionary people-leader with a commitment to student-centered, inquiry-based learning.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and build strong relationships within the school community.
- Strategic, solutions-oriented approach to problem-solving and curriculum implementation.
- Cultural sensitivity and a passion for fostering global-mindedness and intercultural understanding.
