SCALE:  Professional Scale

Position Overview 

The Academic Dean supports the academic vision of the school by aligning curriculum, pedagogy, and departmental goals with the school’s mission, learning outcomes, and strategic initiatives. Reporting to the division principal and the director of teaching and learning, the academic dean works closely with the department heads to foster instructional excellence, guide curriculum development, and support professional growth to ensure high standards of teaching and learning. Key academic initiatives include a commitment to using the Understanding by Design framework for curriculum development, shifting from content-driven and knowledge-based standards to skills and understandings that support deep and transfer learning, and creating learner-centered classrooms that ensure the development of the Schoolwide Learning Outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

1. Curriculum Development

• Support and manage the academic direction of the Upper School, ensuring curriculum, teaching practices, and assessments align with the school’s mission, learning outcomes, and strategic goals, using the Understanding by Design framework.
• Collaborate with the Upper School Principal and the Director of Teaching and Learning to align Upper School programs with school-wide initiatives, promoting consistency across divisions.
• Facilitate the curriculum review processes in partnership with the Director of Teaching and Learning to drive evaluation and innovation of the curriculum, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• Support the IB/AP Coordinator and Instructional Coach to ensure program coherence and alignment.

2. Pedagogical Development

• Design and implement professional development initiatives in collaboration with the Academic Leadership Team and Director of Teaching and Learning to enhance instructional practices and support the school’s academic vision.
• Facilitate professional growth through department meetings, workshops, peer observation, and continuous feedback.
• Conduct faculty evaluations, observations, and provide feedback in line with Professional Pathways and as directed by the Upper School Principal.
• Promote student-centered, differentiated instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners, ensuring academic programs challenge all students appropriately.

3. Heads of Department Leadership

• Build an instructional leadership team with the Heads of Department that supports each department with curriculum development and pedagogical excellence.
• Design and lead bi-monthly meetings with the Heads of Department that focus on building a shared understanding and increasing the team's capacity to forward curriculum, pedagogical, and academic goals.
• Supervise and develop the leadership capacity of HODs – engaging in goal setting, weekly meetings to mentor and coach, and guiding their professional development and growth to support their role in leading departmental goals and initiatives.
• Work closely with the Heads of Department to implement curricular changes, monitor performance data, and support the faculty evaluation process.
• Provide strategic guidance to HODs for implementing curricular and instructional changes in alignment with divisional and school-wide strategic plans.
• Support with any other tasks requested by the Upper School Principal or Director of Teaching and Learning.

Qualifications:

• Education: Master's degree in education, Curriculum and Instruction, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 7 years of teaching and leadership experience in curriculum design or instructional coaching, preferably within an international school environment.
• Collaborative Leadership: Proven ability to work closely with school leadership teams, faculty, and administrative staff to achieve shared academic goals. Experience planning and facilitating collaborative and effective teams that move towards meeting strategic goals.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage and inspire various stakeholders.
• Innovative Educator: A forward-thinking leader with a track record of successful curriculum development and fostering a culture of academic excellence.

To Apply

Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references through the online link below. Please note that direct applications via email or other channels will not be considered.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as Taipei American School reserves the right to close the selection process at any time.