Featured Job

Secondary School Principal

Awsaj Academy

In pursuit of excellence in education and as part of the Qatar Foundation, Awsaj Academy is seeking an exceptional educational leader to serve as the next Secondary Principal of Awsaj Academy (Grade 6 to Grade 12), effective August 1, 2024.

Qatar Foundation is growing fast and we are looking for outstanding educators to join our team. The Foundation focuses on education, science and research, and community development, and we need the best people to help us achieve our ambitious goals. If you smile when you think about children; when you’re talking to parents; when you’re discussing new ideas in education; and when you’re removing barriers to learning, you may be the person we’re looking for. The Foundation’s work in the field of education has brought prestigious, international universities to Qatar to help develop an education sector in which young people can acquire the attitudes and skills needed to build a knowledge economy. Its main science and research agenda is to build Qatar's innovation and technology capacity by developing and commercializing solutions through key sciences. Its community development programs aim to help foster a progressive society, while also enhancing the cultural landscape, protecting Qatar's heritage, and addressing immediate social needs in the community.

School Description:

Awsaj Academy is a specialist school for, currently over 600 children, who have diverse learning needs and challenges from Pre-3 to Grade 12. The majority of our students have mild to moderate learning needs, and several students have a clearly defined medical diagnosis and may present more complex learning challenges. Awsaj Academy is the only school of its kind in Qatar and is a recognized leader in the region for students with disabilities.

The Academy provides high-quality academic, social, emotional, and research-based programs and provides a curriculum that is responsive to students' needs and abilities. Through multi-tiered systems of support, we can ensure that our students receive the necessary behavioral, therapeutic, and academic interventions to enable our students to succeed in their aspirations for further study, higher education, employment, and community life.

The Academy is accredited by international bodies, CIS and MSA, and offers the High School diploma to support students’ graduation aspirations and follows the American Standards, Common Core State Standards (CCSS), and the international version, AERO. Additionally, where the high school diploma is not appropriate, we also offer a special needs pathway.

English is the language of instruction in all disciplines and subjects except Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Qatar History, which are taught in Arabic. Over 98% of Awsaj students are Qatari and are English Language Learners. Students are taught in mixed-gender classes with an emphasis on embedding dual language strategies.

In keeping with all QF schools, Awsaj has exceptional teaching and learning facilities and is located in the center of the inspirational and innovative Education City.

As a specialist school, Awsaj students present a wide range of learning challenges requiring a dynamic, flexible, and responsive learning environment. In addition to grade-level classrooms with a teacher-student ratio of around 1:12, we have several specialist resource bases (Empower & Nurture) in our School structure supported by teachers, IA’s, and interventionists. We also offer the evening Prime program for Grade 11 & 12 students (aged 18-25) requiring credit recovery with a bespoke and personalized approach, and an evening Foundation Program for students Pre 3-Grade 1 who have complex learning needs.

The holistic approach to meeting individual needs is supported and enhanced by a strong multi-disciplinary team of therapists, psychologists, and specialists. The school also employs a team of Education Counsellors, School Nurses, and Behavior Specialists. We have a strong and highly specialized Arabic & Islamic Studies team who work with students across the spectrum of learning needs.

At the heart of Awsaj is the concept of family and that every child matters and belongs. We aim never to give up on a student and are responsive to, and respectful of, the challenges our students may experience at different stages of their school journey.

Location Description:

The school is located within Qatar Foundation (QF), which was founded in 1995 by decree of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar. The current Emir is his son, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Qatar Foundation is chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. It aims to "support Qatar on its journey from a carbon economy to a knowledge economy by unlocking human potential".

Mission Statement:

To advance the achievement of students with learning challenges in Qatar

Vision:

Unlocking the learning potential of each student

School Motto:

Persist | Contribute | Grow

Our Values:

BE RESPECTFUL: I respect people, property, and the environment

BE RESPONSIBLE: I am accountable for my actions, and try to resolve differences in constructive ways

BE SAFE: I act safely and show care for others

BE YOUR BEST: I am open to new learning and take responsibility to do my best.

Aims:

To encourage, motivate, and advance the achievement of students with learning challenges, demonstrating that all our students can progress in their development and learning
To empower students with a sense of confidence, capability, competence, and self-esteem to meet life’s challenges
To develop characteristics that will build resilience and skills for life
To encourage students to be curious about the world they live in
To provide students with opportunities to explore concepts, and engage in problem-solving while extending their knowledge and skills
To provide high-quality academic, research-based, teaching and learning in both Arabic and English
To create an emotionally supportive learning environment where students feel safe, valued, and a sense of belonging
To support students to acquire knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to fulfill their aspirations for adult life
To develop respect for Qatari heritage, Culture, and Islamic principles
To offer a curriculum that will challenge, enthuse, and inspire the young person to begin to make progress where they have previously been unable to thrive
To ensure teaching is stimulating and relevant and utilises opportunities outside of the classroom, and first-hand experience
To provide students with the knowledge that promotes intercultural understanding and respect, and the skills to become proud and successful global citizens

Position Overview:

In collaboration with the Educational Leadership Team and the Administrative Team, the Secondary School Principal is responsible for assisting the School Director and the Elementary School Principal in all aspects of the functionality and success of the school, which also includes but is not limited to effective development, delivery, and evaluation of all educational programs, including academic, social, and emotional elements of the curriculum.

General Responsibilities:

The Secondary School Principal will:

Oversee school operations to ensure that activities align with the school's Vision and Mission
Build school-wide systems in collaboration with the Elementary School Principal to align two campuses, one school
Collaborate with Coordinators, the Senior Leadership Team, and the Director to improve teaching and learning standards and attainment
Use data to inform decision-making regarding student academic, attendance, behavior and social-emotional success, and goal-setting
Oversee Assistant Principal, Coordinators, and Lead Teachers, including Arabic and Islamic divisions to ensure program integration
Oversee the enhancement of school-wide systems to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for students
Build and maintain open communication with parents to have a shared understanding of the school program
Address any parent concerns and meet the needs of individual students promptly
Supervise, direct, and invest in Assistant Principals, Faculty, and staff to reach their full potential by delivering professional development
In collaboration with the Elementary Principal and Senior Leadership Team, oversee the implementation of a staff appraisal system
Collaborate with Coordinators and Lead Teachers about curriculum standards and teaching quality, and offer support
Ensure student programs, field trips, clubs, sports, arts, after-school programs, and extracurricular activities are provided as student opportunities throughout the year
Other tasks assigned by the Director

Application Procedure:

Please indicate clearly in your application which post you are applying for on your cover letter along with a CV and Safer recruitment form.
The cover letter should have a statement of education philosophy, including an explanation of why you believe you are the right person for the position.
Candidates should complete in full the application form in compliance with Safer Recruitment principles. Applications with incomplete documents will not be considered.
Candidates should note that Qatar Foundation Schools reserve the right to make an appointment at any time, even before the deadline mentioned if an exceptional candidate is identified early in the process. For this reason, interested candidates are encouraged to apply at the earliest possible time.
All appointments are subject to the submission of the completion of a Safer Schools Recruitment form, attested qualification certificates, and satisfactory completion of background checks, including police/DBS clearance, as appropriate.

Qatar Foundation Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and the vulnerable, and expects all who apply to share in this commitment. Offers of interview and employment will be subject to an enhanced background and criminal record check. All employees, volunteers, and visitors in QF schools are subject to the provisions of the QF Schools Child Protection Policy.

Posted: February 2024

This is a Direct to School Job

Applications for this position will be received directly by the school and will not be reviewed by Teach Away's Placement Coordinators.

Any communication about the job will take place directly between you and the institution. Tracking of your application status will take place within the application tracking system used by the school you are applying to (outside of your Teach Away Dashboard).

Please note that Teach Away provides information on behalf of schools and cannot accept liability for information provided or policies schools may adopt. Be sure to verify all details that apply to you, and check for the latest visa and work permit requirements. For any questions regarding job postings, please contact the school directly. Teach Away believes in diversity and inclusivity, and that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and be considered fairly and equally for employment. We ensure all schools we work with adhere to our pledge to promote inclusivity and diversity in education and recruitment practices.

Location	Doha, Qatar
Start Date	August 2024
Eligible Candidates	Director/Principal, District/Regional Level Administrator
Student Level	Middle School, High School
Number of Vacancies	1

Job Benefits

Annual Leave: All Awsaj Academy holidays as per the Awsaj Academy Calendar in addition to Sick Leave and Compassionate Leave by QF policies & procedures.

End of Service Benefits: One month's basic salary for each completed year of service based upon the final monthly base salary

Medical & Life Insurance: The employee is eligible for life and medical Insurance

Accommodation: Qatar Foundation accommodation provided in Education City Community Housing (ECCH Lot 1 & Lot 2 in Google Maps)

Luggage Assistance: You will be eligible for luggage assistance in connection with your first travel to Qatar, this is derived from the market rate to ship 200 Kg. of unaccompanied air luggage to Qatar from your point of origin.

Salary is highly competitive and will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. Benefits include a tax-free salary, housing, health, life, and long-term disability insurance, annual home leave, shipping allowance, gratuity, and tuition benefits for Pre-K – Grade 12 school-age dependents.

Candidates wishing to learn more about Awsaj Academy can visit our website.

Qualifications and Requirements

Required Certificates	Teaching Credential/License Other Certification
Education Required	Master
Major	Educational Leadership + Special Education
Additional School Requirements
Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field Post Graduate Qualification in Education, Educational Leadership, Special Education, or other relevant field preferred 5 years of classroom experience, strong in curriculum, instruction, and assessment Proven track record of leading whole school improvement Special Education expertise and experience Proficient in building and developing operational systems Proficient in contributing to an operational budget Proficient in recruiting high-quality teachers to support programs Proficient in establishing and developing effective relationships within the schools and parent community Experience building and maintaining an effective school culture Understanding and experience of best educational practices Understanding and experience with fostering collaboration within teams Understanding and experience in integrating technology into the curriculum to improve student achievement Understanding and using data to drive high student outcomes Experience in responsibility and leadership in educational settings Effective interpersonal and leadership skills Arabic language desirable English proficiency in writing, reading & oral communication skills Attributes: Leadership skills, attributes, and professional competence – the ability to lead and manage people to work towards common goals Decision-making skills – the ability to solve problems and make decisions Communication skills – the ability to make points clearly and understand the views of others Self-management – the ability to plan time effectively and to organize oneself well Teaching skills: able to role model good and better teaching to colleagues Personal impact and presence – providing a good role model to others Adaptability to changing circumstances and new ideas Energy, vigor, and perseverance Self-confidence Enthusiasm Intellectual ability Reliability, integrity, and commitment Ability to stay calm under pressure Ability to direct and coordinate the work of others, motivating, inspiring, and supporting staff Has self-belief, senses opportunities, and takes the initiative in moving things forward in a positive way Communicates effectively both orally and in writing with students and adults Skilled at leading high-quality professional learning and development and chairing meetings Establishes and maintains constructive and open relationships with parents, staff, PUE & QF, and the local community Possesses a strong set of values and beliefs and shows awareness of how these fit in with the values of the school and Qatar Foundation Is committed to continued self-professional development and is always trying to find ways to improve and be the best they can be. Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities: Expert understanding of innovative pedagogy Experience in assessment including tracking pupil progress Excellent knowledge of monitoring and school self-evaluation as a tool for improvement Knowledge and understanding of effective strategies to manage the behavior of students Excellent knowledge of inclusion Excellent understanding of safeguarding/child protection especially the safety and welfare of vulnerable and differently-abled students Expert knowledge of strategies for differentiation and appropriate accommodations for students with learning needs and challenges so that students achieve exceptionally well

About the School

As a School… Awsaj Academy primarily aims to serve students with learning challenges in grades K-12. Our admission priority is Qatari students who are two to four years behind their peers and who need a specialist program to catch up. The expectation for the majority of students upon graduation is that they will receive a high-school diploma and attend college and/or a career. Students are taught in small classrooms of no more than ten students per class. Highly qualified, specially trained teachers are skilled at meeting the individual needs of all students. We are proud members of the Qatar Foundation and are located in a purpose-built facility within Education City. Our current school building was opened in 2011 and expanded to accommodate 577 students. Awsaj Academy has a rich history of quality service that spans over 20 years. Our non-profit school has dual accreditation. The Middle States Association (MSA) and the Council of International Schools (CIS), are both recognized by the Ministry of Education. A School and much more…. Awsaj Academy serves students that often have unique learning needs that require additional and specialized support from The Learning Center (TLC). These specialists include school psychologists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, behavior specialists, counselors, and student services coordinators. In collaboration with Awsaj leadership and teaching staff, as well as parents and students, TLC’s specialists offer their expertise through support that facilitates access to more individualized education. The specialists also provide valuable training to staff, parents, and students so that we can all support our students in achieving their best. At Awsaj we put children first. Our mission is to unlock the learning potential of each student and to ensure that our students go into the future with the skills, work ethic, and development they need to be successful in life. We work hard to ensure that the graduates of Awsaj Academy will have evidence of: Well-developed sense of self. Pride in their own culture. An understanding of, and respect for, Islamic values. Respect for themselves and others. Confidence & self-esteem. Appropriate social interaction skills. An understanding of their responsibility for the choices they make. The ability to be reflective, to think more critically, and to problem solve. Ambition to achieve to be their personal best. Connectivity to the local and global community. Proficiency appropriate to their abilities, in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, in both English and Arabic. Understanding of the value and benefits of lifelong learning as part of their lifestyle. Our reputation is established; our practices are sound and true. It is our responsibility to share our knowledge and expertise with others so that every student that struggles in Qatar can benefit from the Awsaj Way; regardless of the school they attend. The graduates of 2020 benefited from our progress as a school. Some were part of our blended learning program, some from our new PRIME PM program; others received specialized services from the QF Teaching and Learning Center that serves all the Qatar Foundation schools. Our family opens the doors of our school to any educator or parent that would like to learn how we work with our students. We will invite you into our classrooms, share with you what we are doing, and provide support as schools around Qatar work toward inclusive practices.