Purpose of Role
The Deputy Head of Curriculum is responsible for leading and ensuring high-quality teaching, learning, and curriculum implementation across Grades PreK-9. The role ensures alignment with American education standards (AERO), IPC/IMYC frameworks, and Cognia expectations, while strategically preparing the school for future IB Diploma Programme (DP) implementation.
Key Responsibilities
- Teaching & Learning (Core Focus)
- Lead the quality of teaching and learning across PreK-Grade 9
- Ensure consistent use of:
- Clear learning objectives
- Differentiation strategies
- Assessment for Learning (AFL)
- Conduct:
- Classroom observations (ELEOT aligned)
- Learning walks
- Work scrutiny and Toddle reviews
- Drive student engagement and academic rigor in all classrooms
- Curriculum Design & Alignment
- Ensure full alignment of:
- AERO standards (American framework)
- IPC (Primary) & IMYC (Middle Years)
- Oversee curriculum development for Grade 9 expansion
- Begin alignment and planning toward IB Diploma Programme (DP) expectations
- Ensure vertical and horizontal curriculum coherence across all grades
- Lead curriculum mapping and documentation
- Data & Student Progress
- Lead analysis of:
- MAP Growth data
- Internal assessments
- IXL and other diagnostic tools
- Ensure data is used to:
- Inform instruction
- Drive interventions
- Support differentiation
- Monitor and track:
- Student growth targets
- Students below benchmark
- Coaching & Teacher Development
Serve as the school's lead instructional coach
Lead:- Weekly curriculum and data meetings
- Professional development sessions
- Peer observation cycles
Support teachers in:- Effective lesson planning (Toddle)
- Assessment design and grading practices
- Classroom management
- Quality Assurance & Accreditation
- Lead preparation for:
- Ensure consistent documentation and evidence collection:
- Lesson plans
- Student work
- Assessment data
- Monitor alignment between written, taught, and assessed curriculum
- Systems & Accountability
- Ensure:
- Weekly lesson plans submitted on time
- Gradebooks are accurate and updated
- Curriculum pacing is followed
- Develop systems for:
- Intervention tracking
- Assessment calendars
- Curriculum documentation
- Strategic Growth & Future Readiness
- Lead academic planning for Grade 9 and beyond
- Support the school's transition toward:
- IB Diploma Programme (DP)
- Ensure increasing rigor and alignment with international best practices
Key Success Indicators
- ≥75% of students meet/exceed MAP growth targets
- ≥80% of lessons demonstrate differentiation and AFL
- Strong curriculum alignment across all grades
- Measurable improvement in teaching quality
- Successful progress toward Cognia accreditation and IB readiness
Reporting Structure
- Reports to: Head of School
- Works closely with:
- Lead Teachers
- Subject Specialists
- SEN / Intervention team
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Strong experience in American curriculum (AERO or equivalent)
- Experience with IPC / IMYC frameworks preferred
- Familiarity with Cognia accreditation processes
- Experience in or exposure to IB Diploma Programme (DP)
- Proven success in:
- Instructional coaching
- Curriculum leadership
- Data-driven school improvement
Role Expectations at GISS
This is a high-impact leadership role, requiring:
- Daily presence in classrooms
- Active coaching and feedback cycles
- Strong accountability systems
- Clear focus on student growth and academic rigor
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field; Master's degree preferred
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in an educational setting, with at least 2 years in a leadership role
- Strong understanding of curriculum development processes and educational best practices
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders
- Experience in data analysis for informed decision-making in academic settings
- Proficiency in using educational technology and software to enhance administrative and instructional functions
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students
The safeguarding of our students is a priority. All appointments are conditional upon acceptable police checks (or equivalent) from the country of origin and from all countries in which you have worked, as well as appropriate references from your current and previous employers.
