Secondary Assistant Principal

About the role

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. The role works with the Secondary Principal, faculty and staff to foster a safe and positive learning environment and promote student success. It is based at Country Day School in Alajuela, Costa Rica, and the candidate must be available to start on 26 July 2027.

Key responsibilities

• Assist the principal in day-to-day operations of the secondary school and assume its leadership in the principal's absence
• Manage student discipline and school-wide safety, administer consequences according to the family handbook, and use Restorative Circles when appropriate
• Communicate with parents and students about discipline issues and liaise with parents and the community
• Monitor attendance and follow up with students and parents where necessary
• Help publish newsletters and other communications, and support scheduling and record-keeping
• Build community with students through events, work with the Director of Teaching and Learning and School Counselors on the SEL/Advisory program, and lead specific projects
• Support teachers with mentoring, evaluation, professional development and classroom management, and help plan and administer standardized assessments
• Support curriculum development and the response to the learning needs of all students, including those with special needs and at-risk learners
• Oversee safeguarding and child protection practices, investigate safeguarding concerns, maintain confidential records and comply with reporting requirements

Required profile

• Master's degree in education, educational leadership, school administration or a related field (preferred)
• Training as a secondary school classroom teacher
• At least five years of experience teaching in an international or independent school (preferred)
• Excellent command of English (native level required); working knowledge of Spanish is helpful
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, and familiarity with K-12 U.S. curriculum
• Criminal background check from country of origin and police clearance certificates from all countries of residence in the past 10 years

Required skills

• Use of standards to drive curriculum development and learning
• Knowledge of current best practices in classroom instruction and technology integration