Director of Studies / Preschool and Early Years - Abu Dhabi

  United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi,  Al Ain

Length of Position: 2 year contract

Description:
Based in Early Years Centre of Excellence
Reports to: Early Years PCA

Overall role: Supporting the principles of the reform agenda and the implementation of Abu Dhabi Education Council curriculum and policies. To work in partnership with the Centre Principal and senior staff to assist the Centre in raising the standards of educational delivery and student achievement, and to ensure effective teaching

Tasks and key accountabilities:

Leading and Managing Staff

* Support the Principal and senior management team in the development of plans covering all aspects of the Centre's mission and operations within the context of the unique Centre community and the PPP reform process.

* Develop and implement policies and practical programmes, and support the development of schemes of work which reflect the Centre's commitment to high standards of teaching and learning in line with ADEC expectations.

* Work with the Principal and senior management team to interpret Centre data effectively to monitor standards of achievement across the Centre.

* Support colleagues in effective delivery of long-, medium- and short-term plans in respect of resources and staff professional development requirements, planning and leading CPD for whole staff and groups of staff to meet Centre needs.

* Analyse the accuracy and implications of monitoring evidence to further inform policies, practices, expectations and teaching methods in consultation with EY PCA

* Report to EY PCA about all academic and administrative activities, including all educational, social and recreational activities connected with the Centre. Report any significant CfBT team issues that have arisen

* Manage, monitor and review resource provision and oversee procurement.

* Work closely with EY PCA and outside agencies and the Centre management team in supervising curriculum delivery and identifying best practice.

* To share, and be aware of all Ministry and ADEC information that affects students and teacher performance, and support the development of appropriate policies for the Centre.

* Manage the day-to-day work of the CfBT team working in the Centre.

Teaching and Learning

* Support the Centre to raise standards across the curriculum and to support the language and literacy needs of young additional language learners at the Centre.

* Promote high but realistic expectations for student achievement across the curriculum developing a positive "can do" attitude and celebration of effort as well as achievement.

* Ensure that teachers are focused and clear about teaching objectives in lessons and understand the sequence of teaching and learning, communicating their intentions to their students.

* Support the promotion of national culture and heritage.

Establishment of a Centre of Excellence: in consultation with the EY PCA

* To coordinate and promote CPD both within the Centre and to develop a working partnership approach - initially within the CfBT family of KGs.

* Moving towards an outreach programme within the wider community in consultation with ADEC

* To establish the criteria for Higher Skilled Teachers specializing in early years education and supporting the Principal of the EYCE in the implementation of this pilot programme.

* To develop an accreditation link for those practitioners wishing to demonstrate their professional development and expertise by completing a series of modules leading to certification.

* To work with Principal, the CfBT research and development team and ADEC to identify action research opportunities focusing on excellence in early years education for
- additional language learners
- children with special educational needs

Highlights: Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is the principal city of the largest emirate of the same name and is home to the government and royal family. The island city of Abu Dhabi is a lush, modern metropolis, complete with tree lined boulevards, towering skyscrapers, dazzling shopping malls and luxurious international hotels, brimming with vibrancy. Abu Dhabi is growing rapidly, and its evolution from quiet village to thriving metropolis has been remarkable, a testament to the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed, and the energy and drive of its people.

The high rise central business district is home to imaginatively designed buildings which provide a dramatic back drop to the corniche area, bordered by the sparkling azure waters of the Arabian Gulf offering a striking contrast to the large parks and green boulevards that spread across the island. Further inland the high-rises make way for beautiful villas, low rise apartment blocks and quieter tree-lined streets. Nothing here stands still, and future developments promise an even more exciting skyline!

The outstanding aspect of life in Abu Dhabi it is dramatic contrast to its commercial neighbor, Dubai. Abu Dhabi offers all of the attractions and amenities you would expect of a modern city, but in a tranquil and relaxing setting, without the dust choking development and traffic congested streets of Dubai. Although Abu Dhabi is spending its oil and commercial wealth at a startling rate, fast on the heels of Dubai, you hardly notice the development and construction that has been contained to outlying and off shore regions.

The UAE's culture is tolerant and welcoming, and visitors are sure to be charmed by the genuine friendliness of the people. Abu Dhabi is a melting pot of nationalities and cultures; all of which are embraced without losing the cultural and national identity of which the UAE's people are justifiably proud; a culture and heritage inextricably linked to its religion. Indeed you will find the greatest concentration of mosques in Abu Dhabi than in any other part of the Muslim world. And that is another welcoming differentiator from life in Dubai; you feel the culture, you see locals, you feel as if you experiencing the Middle East.

Abu Dhabi offers a unique Arabian cultural experience comfortably balanced with the attractions of a western expatriate lifestyle.

Qualifications:
* Early Years Teacher qualifications such as a Bachelors of Early Childhood Education, Masters of Education, - PGCE or equivalent. TEFL qualifications alone are not sufficient - you must have qualified teacher status/ teacher certification in your home country for the appropriate age range.

* Teacher training and experience from one of the following countries: UK, Ireland, US, Australia, New Zealand, Canada or South Africa.

* International experience is a plus.

* You must have at least 5 years of Kindergarten/Nursery School leadership experience, as well as experience training and supporting other teachers.

* You must be completely fluent in English.

Minimum Education: Bachelors

Salary / Pay: 215,000 dhs/year (about 33,000) TAX FREE, plus flights for self and 2 dependents, free furnished modern apartment, medical coverage, end of contract bonus and more.

Experience Required: yes

5+ years in an Early Years Teaching Leadership position.

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi and South African Participants.

Participants Travel to United Arab Emirates Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Disciplinary Clearance Form
• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Resume

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Teach Anywhere's Mission Statement: Teach Anywhere is a specialist recruitment agency focusing exclusively on the recruitment of teachers to private international English-speaking schools around the world - primarily qualified/certified teachers. Teach Anywhere' s mission is to be recognized and acknowledged for consistently achieving excellence in quality of service to all. We *never* charge a fee to teachers for our services!

Year Founded: 1980