Elementary School Dean of Academics

Dipont Huayao Collegiate School Kunshan is seeking to appoint a Primary School Dean of Academics for an August 2025 start.

The Elementary School Dean of Academics (ES DoA) reports to and works together in close collaboration with the Elementary School Principal. They are responsible for leading teaching and learning systems and day-to-day program operation. They oversee the Huayao Collegiate Elementary School academic program ensuring the Chinese National Compulsory program requirements are met and exceeded. The ES DoA is responsible for leading the faculty and implementing the schools’ academic vision to enhance and elevate student achievement and ensure alignment with learning goals and objectives in the Preschool and Secondary School divisions. The role is full-time.

The ES DoA promotes a passion for learning and self-discovery ensuring that the academic goals and objectives of our holistic learner model set by the school leadership are not met. Overall, the ES DoA is responsible for the following six areas:

1. Assist the principal in the management of the Elementary School

2. Supervise the implementation of effective teaching, learning, and assessment

3. Craft the systems that drive teacher professional development and continuous growth

4. Coach the Department Chairs to develop high quality disciplinary education

5. Communicate with students, parents, and other key constituents

6. Embed the HC Four Keys to Success within the Secondary School culture

The ES DoA’s work will draw on pertinent fields of research (such as the learning sciences) and knowledge of the craft of teaching to empower our scholars as learners.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Leverage the School Improvement Plan (SIP) to realize alignment between the school’s academic mission, standards, curriculum, teaching, learning, and vision

• Act as the academic leader of the elementary school responsible for day-to-day operation: schedule scholars, oversee monitoring of student academic progress; ensure compliance with Chinese government regulations; support PK-12 curricular alignment in collaboration with the other DoA’s; communicate with parents; coordinate and direct the efforts of Department Chairs, Teaching Fellows, and other pertinent committees

• Continuously improve the quality of student learning and teaching practices by: coaching the faculty; managing professional growth system (including teacher observation, supervision, evaluation, and professional development;) review and evaluate the academic programs; implement the curriculum; and integrate relevant technologies.

• Make recommendations to the principal regarding hiring, retention, and the assignment of faculty

• Manage the implementation of the schools learning data system: implement assessments; analyze and manage data; and advise on the school learning management system (LMS.)

*We are committed to a thorough and complete check of the credentials of all those employed to work with children in our organization.

Education, Experience, and Knowledge: 

• Master’s Degree or post-graduate degree endorsement

• 5-10 years in teaching, education, school administration, curriculum development, observation and evaluation

• Demonstrated experience mentoring, leading, and managing faculty in a collaborative learning environment to realize organizational goals

• Experience leading ethically and cooperatively to foster a strong sense of personal and collective dedication and responsibility

• Excellent executive, organization, communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work with a high level of consistency and integrity under pressure

• Deep understanding of human development; sense of humor and optimism about students’ ability to learn and grow