High School Vice Principal

About the role

Pan-American School (PAS), an IB World School in Costa Rica's Central Valley offering the PYP, MYP and Diploma Programme, is looking for an experienced, collaborative High School Vice Principal to join its Secondary Leadership Team. The role combines High School leadership with classroom teaching, so the appointee stays close to student learning. The start date is July 2027.

Key responsibilities

• Support the Secondary Principal in strategic, instructional and operational leadership of the High School.
• Promote an inclusive, ambitious school culture based on the school's values.
• Lead initiatives that improve teaching quality, student learning and academic achievement.
• Support faculty development through coaching, collaboration, feedback and performance management.
• Support student wellbeing, safeguarding, attendance, behaviour and pastoral care, and foster student leadership.
• Build relationships with students, families, faculty and the wider community.
• Manage High School operations such as scheduling, supervision and coordination of activities.
• Work with the MYP and DP Coordinators on curriculum coherence and student transitions.
• Contribute to school improvement planning and the Secondary Leadership Team's work.
• Teach in the candidate's subject area, where applicable under the final appointment structure.

Required profile

• University degree and professional teaching qualifications.
• Significant secondary education experience, preferably in an international or IB school.
• Demonstrated experience in educational leadership, instructional improvement, faculty development, student support or school operations.
• Strong understanding of teaching, learning, assessment and student-centred practice.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, organisational and collaborative leadership skills.
• Commitment to inclusive education, safeguarding and professional integrity.
• Ability and willingness to teach; previous vice principal, assistant principal, DP coordinator or head of department experience is highly desirable.
• Postgraduate qualifications in educational leadership, curriculum or a related field, and experience leading school improvement or instructional coaching are highly desirable.

Required skills

• Strong professional proficiency in English.
• Experience using student achievement data to inform improvement.
• Spanish is highly desirable.

What we offer

• A competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• A leadership role in an established, growing IB school with access to professional development.
• The chance to live and work in Costa Rica's international community.

To apply, send an updated CV, a cover letter, details of subjects and levels you can teach, and referee contacts by email to the school's HR contact, with a copy to the director. Applications are reviewed as received and may be accepted before the 1 December deadline.