Secondary Assistant Principal

Country Day is an international school at the heart of Costa Rica with outstanding US-accredited academics, and part of Nord Anglia family of premium schools worldwide.  On our sustainable campus and within our welcoming, diverse community, our students take the lead and pursue their passions.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Our teachers focus on all aspects of our student’s growth, from Early Learning to 12th grade, to support their talents and aptitudes in the best ways, and this includes their personal, social, and emotional wellness. Our trips beyond the classroom, clubs, and activities across the arts, athletics, and community service shape your child’s character in connection with their academic interests. Students take the lead in their own learning at CDS, sharing their needs and goals as people, and carving out their own path.

Job Summary: The Secondary Assistant Principal supports the school's educational mission by assisting in the leadership and management of daily operations, academic programs, and student discipline. This role collaborates with the Secondary Principal, faculty, and staff to foster a safe and positive learning environment while promoting student success.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Assist the principal in the day-to-day operations of the Secondary School
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of a safe, inclusive, and positive learning and working environment for students and staff
• Oversee and manage student discipline and school-wide safety in the Middle and High School
• Administer appropriate consequences in accordance with the family handbook
• Communicate with parents and students concerning any discipline issues
• Use Restorative Circles with students when appropriate
• Assist with liaising and building relationships with parents and members of the community
• Monitor attendance issues with students with follow-up student/parent contact where necessary 
• Collaborate with the principal to publish newsletters and other forms of communication
• Support scheduling, record-keeping, and other administrative tasks
• Adhere and apply local and internal policies related to the school, staff and students
• Assume the leadership of the secondary school in the absence of the principal

Student Life in the Secondary School

• Work with faculty and staff on building community with students through events
• Collaborate with Director of Teaching and Learning and School Counselors on implementing SEL/Advisory program
• Support planning and implementation of educational trips 
• Lead specific projects and initiatives as needed

Teaching and Learning

• Assist with any curricular and teaching practice needs within the Secondary School.
• Assist with mentoring, evaluating, and supporting teachers, providing professional development, and helping with classroom management techniques.
• Assist with the planning and administration of standardized assessments for students in both middle school and high school
• Work with the Director of Teaching and Learning to provide support to teachers in order to respond to the learning needs of all students, including those with special learning needs and those who are considered at-risk. 
• Support curriculum development
• Meet regularly with Secondary Principal on specific projects and plans

Designated Safeguarding Responsibilities:

• Promote and oversee the school’s safeguarding and child protection practices
• Ensure that students’ wellbeing and safety remain a priority.
• Provide guidance and support to staff
• Respond to and investigate safeguarding concerns
• Coordinate appropriate interventions
• Maintain accurate and confidential records
• Ensure compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and reporting requirements
• Collaborate with the Nord Anglia regional head of safeguarding

Position Requirements:

• Master's degree in education, Educational Leadership, School Administration, or related field (preferred).
• Training as Secondary School classroom teacher
• At least five years of experience teaching in an international or independent school setting (preferred)
• Excellent command of the English language (native level required), working knowledge of Spanish is helpful
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for facilitating meetings, leading workshops and coaching colleagues and interacting with members of the parent community
• Familiarity with K-12 U.S. curriculum
• Experience in using standards to drive curriculum development and learning experiences in the classroom
• Knowledge of current best practices regarding classroom instruction and technology integration
• The selected candidate must provide an up-to-date criminal background check from their country of origin and police clearance certificates from all countries of residence during the past 10 years.
• Available to start July 26, 2027

At Nord Anglia Education we are committed to providing a world class, safe, happy environment in which children and young people can thrive and learn. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our pupils where we embrace all race, abilities, religions, genders, and cultures.

All post holders in regulated activity (having regular unsupervised contact with children) are subject to appropriate national and international vetting procedures including satisfactory criminal record checks from both your country of residence/birth and any country of residence within the last 10 years.

We welcome applications from suitable qualified persons from all diverse backgrounds.

Please note, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.