Head of Teaching & Learning (Professional Development)

The Charter Schools project is dedicated to public school students based in Al Ain, in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Operated and managed by private education providers, our Charter Schools offer an American-based curriculum from kindergarten through to cycle three, up to Grade 11, with more grades to be introduced as students progress in their educational journey.

This is your opportunity to be a part of a vibrant learning community that values diversity, professional development, and innovation. Our remuneration packages are competitive locally and internationally with an excellent salary and comprehensive benefits.

We also encourage and support the pursuit of Continuing Professional Development where relevant and feasible. The successful candidate will be required to set high standards of themselves and others and will conduct themselves with consummate integrity. In doing so, they will be supported by a highly effective team of senior and middle leaders and a staff, pupil, and parent body committed to the achievement of excellence.

The Position

The Head of Teaching and Learning and Professional Development Academy is responsible for leading the strategic development and implementation of teaching and learning strategies, as well as professional development programs for academic staff across our network of schools. 

This role involves ensuring that all initiatives are in line with UAE educational standards and cultural norms, fostering continuous improvement in instructional practices, and managing resources effectively to support the academy's goals.

Job Description 

1. Leadership in Teaching and Learning:

· Strategic Planning: Develop and implement the overall strategy for teaching and learning across the training academy to ensure alignment with UAE Charter School standards and objectives.

· Curriculum Enhancement: Work closely with the leadership teams to enhance curriculum design and instructional practices, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of students and adhere to UAE inspection frameworks.

· Teaching Excellence: Lead the continuous improvement of teaching practices by introducing innovative pedagogical strategies tailored to the cultural, social, and educational context of the UAE.

· Quality Assurance: Oversee the assessment and evaluation of teaching performance, ensuring all academic staff meet high standards as per UAE educational quality indicators.

2. Professional Development:

· Training Programs: Develop and coordinate high-quality professional development programs for teachers, focusing on UAE cultural sensitivity, inclusive teaching practices, and the UAE Inspection Framework.

· Workshops and Seminars: Design and deliver workshops, seminars, and coaching sessions that enhance instructional skills, subject knowledge, and educational leadership capabilities.

· Continuous Learning: Promote a culture of continuous professional growth by creating pathways for teachers to pursue advanced certifications and qualifications in teaching and educational leadership.

· Mentorship: Establish a mentorship program to provide academic staff with ongoing guidance, support, and feedback on their professional development journey.

3. UAE Cultural Sensitivity and Compliance:

· Cultural Awareness: Ensure that all teaching and professional development activities respect and promote the cultural values and traditions of the UAE, fostering a deep understanding of the national identity among staff and students.

· UAE Inspection Framework: Stay updated on the UAEs national inspection framework, ensuring all initiatives and teaching practices comply with local regulatory requirements and inspection standards. 

· Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with key stakeholders, charter school operators, and the Ministry of Education, to ensure that the training academy's programs reflect national priorities and meet the specific needs of the UAE educational landscape.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation:

· Data-Driven Decisions: Use data to monitor the effectiveness of teaching and learning practices and professional development programs, ensuring that they lead to measurable improvements in teacher performance and student outcomes. 

· Impact Analysis: Regularly evaluate the impact of professional development programs on staff effectiveness and student learning, adjusting initiatives as necessary based on feedback and performance metrics.

5. Team Leadership:

· Collaboration: Lead a team of instructional coaches, trainers, and subject matter experts to implement professional development initiatives effectively. 

· Capacity Building: Build the capacity of academic staff to become leaders in their own right, empowering them to take ownership of their professional growth and contribute to a culture of high performance.

Qualifications, Experience and Competencies

Educational Background: Masters degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field; a PhD is highly desirable.

Experience:

· Minimum 8-10 years of experience in educational leadership roles, with a focus on teaching and learning, curriculum design, or professional development.

· Proven experience working within the UAE or GCC region, with a deep understanding of the local education system, cultural norms, and inspection standards.

· Cultural Sensitivity: Strong understanding of UAE cultural values, national identity, and the integration of these into the educational environment.

· UAE Inspection Framework: Familiarity with the UAE school inspection framework and experience in preparing schools or institutions for inspections.