Frankfurt International School Upper School Principal (Commencing 2019) Candidate Pack – December 2017 Executive Summary

Frankfurt International School (FIS) was founded in 1961 and is one of the oldest and most widely recognized international schools in Europe. It also maintains Europe’s largest international school campus, with over 1,600 students enrolled at FIS Oberursel. An additional 200 students are enrolled at its FIS Wiesbaden campus. FIS is a founding member of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) and its three-year average IBDP score of 36 is also the highest among any of its regional peers.

The Upper School epitomizes the FIS motto, “A World of Opportunities.” Performing arts include band, orchestra, choir, dance and drama. Three athletic seasons allow the Schools to travel across Europe to compete in a variety of different sports. Many students also participate in the School’s service learning opportunities, which includes both local and international volunteer experiences.

The Upper School is the largest FIS division with almost 1,000 students in Grades 6-12. The current structure includes a Grades 6-8 Principal, a 9-12 Assistant Principal, one Year Head at every grade level, as well as five counselors. The School is in the process of implementing the IB Career-Related Programme (IBCP) to further personalize instruction and provide additional graduation pathways to its students. Each year 90% of FIS seniors pursue the traditional IB Diploma while the remaining may choose between the American High School Diploma and the IBCP.

After 31 years at FIS, with 12 as Principal, Rhiannon Wood will retire in 2019 knowing that she leaves FIS in exceptional standing. To continue and build upon this legacy, FIS seeks a visible, engaged, and collaborative instructional leader with a keen awareness of the developmental needs of students in Grades 6-12, yet with an expertise with students in Grades 9-12.

Applications should consist of a CV, accompanied by an introductory letter addressing the Personal Attributes sought for this position. Documents should be sent directly to Paul_Fochtman@fis.edu by noon (GMT) on Friday, 16 February 2018. Please note, this position will commence in the Summer of 2019.

Frankfurt International School (FIS)

Established as a private, non-profit association in 1961, FIS serves Frankfurt’s international community by offering an education of the highest standard with English as the principal language of instruction. The School is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). FIS is known for its high academic standards and expansive campus facilities. The School offers a rich extra-curricular program, and computing and instructional technology are also an integral part of the school. As a family-oriented school, the FIS campus is open to parents and offers a number of adult learning and recreational opportunities throughout the day and evenings.

One School – Four Divisions Primary School – Oberursel

The purpose-built Primary School is located at the west (upper) side of the main campus, about half a kilometer from the Elementary and Upper Schools. Located at the base of forest and hiking trails, it houses our “First Steps” program for three to four year olds, Pre-Primary, Primary and Grade 1 classes. This one-of-a-kind early childhood school includes a beautiful library, gymnasium, auditorium, cafeteria, spacious classrooms, and indoor and outdoor play areas all designed for young children.

Elementary and Upper Schools – Oberursel

The 16-acre lower campus houses Grades 2–5 of the Elementary School and Grades 6–12 of the Upper School. In addition to Old Main (administration building), the main campus includes purpose-built art rooms, drama and dance studios, choir and band rooms, design technology and science labs. There are also two libraries, a health center, and state-of-the-art technology facilities throughout the buildings, including its Atrium Tech Deck that provides drop-in service and support. The Stroth Learning and Sports Center combines modern classrooms and athletic facilities in an expansive space recently completed in 2016.

Wiesbaden Campus

The Wiesbaden Campus occupies a purpose-built building on a two-acre campus in the Wiesbaden suburb of Naurod. It offers a “First Steps” to Grade 5 PYP program followed by a Transdisciplinary Program through Grade 8, at which time students transfer to FIS Oberursel for Grade 9. The facilities include an extensive library, a large gymnasium, and bright and airy classrooms. The campus has a strong integrated technology program from the earliest ages. FIS Oberursel and FIS Wiesbaden are closely connected, with the same opportunities and PD for faculty.

Mission and Beliefs

The FIS Mission is to be the leading, culturally diverse and family-oriented international school with English as the principal language of instruction. The School aims to inspire individuals to develop their intellect, creativity and character to become independent, adaptable, socially responsible and internationally minded citizens, by ensuring a dynamic, inquiry-driven education of the highest standard.

The following beliefs are central to the FIS Mission:

• Each person is unique and has equal worth. • Education of the highest standard is a shared responsibility of students,

family and school. • Expectations that are challenging lead to higher levels of performance and

allow us to reach our potential. • All people are responsible for their actions. • Honesty, integrity and respect are essential for building trusting relationships. • Open-mindedness, empathy and compassion are essential for living in a

diverse community. • Leading a healthy and active lifestyle improves the quality of life. • Commitment, enthusiasm and perseverance lead to success. • Contributing positively to society and the environment is our shared

responsibility. • Nurturing curiosity and creativity stimulates exploration and discovery

throughout life. • Our lives and the life of our community are enriched by diversity.

The Upper School, Grades 6-12

The Upper School provides students with a rich and demanding college preparatory program. The broad curriculum covers core academic subjects and elective courses, culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11 and 12. Students may also pursue the American High School Diploma or the IBCP. The school’s reputation allows it to recruit exceptional educators from around the world and maintain a very low turnover of faculty each year.

The School takes account of developmental stages of young people through the early middle years to the completion of their studies in Grade 12. In Grades 6-8, a well-developed program of academic and personal support through homeroom teachers and Year Heads assist students in achieving their potential and the independence needed for later success in Grades 9-12. Students in Grades 6–8 take courses in English, mathematics, science, humanities, German, French or Spanish, art, music, drama, design & technology, and PE. Computer instruction and

the application of information technology are integrated in all courses. Grades 9 and 10 serve as transition years in preparation for the IB courses.

The size of FIS allows it to offer many opportunities not found in other international schools, including both its vast facilities and a myriad of curricular and co-curricular choices. Students contribute to and benefit from the community life of the Upper School. These include student organizations, publications and cultural performances. They also are enriched by the attention of an experienced faculty who are available for help outside class. All Grade 11 and 12 students participate in the IB Programme either as Diploma or Certificate candidates. Service projects, field trips and social activities are offered together with extended projects which prepare students for independent work and research.

Role Description

Directly reporting to the Head of School, the Upper School Principal has oversight of the academic and pastoral affairs of the Upper School, including students, teaching staff and curriculum. The individual is a member of the Senior Leadership Team (ADCON), which oversees the direction and operation of the whole school, and has general responsibilities in other areas of the school.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Leadership

• providing a clear vision which unites the Upper School in keeping with FIS’ overarching mission;

• acting as a visible model of personal and professional learning for students and colleagues;

Instruction

• developing, implementing, supervising, and evaluating the Upper School curriculum and programs;

• taking responsibility for Grade 6–12 vertical articulation and other school-wide initiatives through leadership of the instructional team;

• ensuring the implementation of strategic plan end results and school improvement plan as relevant to the Upper School or assigned;

• supervising and evaluating the effective integration of technology into the classroom to enhance, enrich, and accelerate student learning;

• ensuring all assessment and reporting practices are effective, properly implemented and in line with FIS policy;

Students

• ensuring a safe and positive atmosphere;

• ensuring that disciplinary guidelines are fairly and consistently applied; • overseeing preparation of the schedule for students and teachers; • ensuring effective guidance is in place relating to academic options and

future choices; • promoting a stronger student voice; • working with all faculty and staff to ensure students have the skills necessary

to fulfil their full potential as leaders in the 21st Century;

Teachers and Support Staff

• ensuring appropriate placement for faculty and staff; • providing for evaluation of faculty and staff in accordance with prescribed

procedures; • effectively contributing to recruiting; • using data to improve instructional practice and maximize student learning;

Admissions

• working closely with the Admissions Director and Head of School to establish clear guidelines and expectations for admitting new students;

Communication

• contributing to public relations within the school community, including meeting regularly with parents and providing written articles for the school’s publications, and using a variety of media and formats to communicate, interact and collaborate with the school community;

• ensuring that parents are well informed about Upper School issues and events;

• committing to integrating with the local community; • ensuring the effective marketing of the Upper School, in cooperation with the

marketing department;

Professional Development

• seeking and promoting faculty and staff professional development; • providing opportunities for professional growth; • modelling and approaching learning from a growth mindset perspective;

Facilities

• participating in envisioning and researching the design of a school of the future, so that teachers are well resourced and students are equipped with the tools necessary for their success;

Administration

• working in partnership with the Senior Leadership Team (ADCON) to achieve school objectives.

• developing and administering the Upper School budget; • serving on and leading committees as requested by the Head of School; • promoting and modelling the use of technology to access, analyze, and

interpret school data to focus efforts for improving student learning and productivity;

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate evidence of the following skills, capabilities and experience:

• outstanding interpersonal, leadership and communication skills; • experience with exceptional independent, public or international school

programs; • strong organizational ability and initiative; • relevant administrative credentials; • flexible mindset with the ability to deal with ambiguity and change; • PhD/M.Ed. degree or equivalent preferred; • experience in a school with effective technology integration; • successful teaching experience; • experience as an effective Upper/High School Principal preferred; • expertise in Grades 9-12 preferred; • international experience preferred.

Appointment Details and How to Apply

FIS is being assisted in this appointment process by the executive search firm, Society.

Applications should consist of a CV, accompanied by an introductory letter addressing the Personal Attributes sought for this position. These documents can be sent directly to Paul_Fochtman@fis.edu. The deadline for receipt of applications is 12:00 noon (GMT) on Friday, 16 February 2018.

Longlisted candidates will be invited to interview with Society in February and March 2018. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview with FIS in May 2018.

An appointment will be made subject to receipt of satisfactory references. The appointed candidate will be offered a highly competitive salary that is commensurate with their experience and the seniority of their new role.