Principal Montserrat Secondary School

The Government of Montserrat is inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the post of Principal Montserrat Secondary School (MSS), within the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports.

JOB PURPOSE

To manage the Montserrat Secondary School in accordance with Government policy and the Department of Education’s objectives, improving the performance of the Montserrat Secondary School through the intervention in the undermentioned core areas: - 

• Standardized Testing and Classroom Assessment,
• Policy Development, 
• Teaching and Learning 
• School Leadership and Sector Analysis, 
• Curriculum Development and Pedagogy, 
• Education Planning and Statistics, 
• Special Education Services 
• Stakeholder Engagement and Support

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop an annual school plan and establish clear objectives for the Montserrat Secondary School, in line with current policy, best practices, and relevant legal frameworks. 
• Deploy and manage of all teaching and non-teaching staff and prioritise and allocate financial and other resources appropriately to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
• Organize and implement the prescribed curriculum having regard to needs, aptitudes and stages of development of students. 
• Monitor and evaluate the standard of teaching and learning to establish and sustain high-quality, expert teaching across all subjects and levels, built on evidence-based knowledge of effective teaching and how children learn.
• Collaborate with Ministry of Education staff to plan and deliver in-service professional development for new and returning staff members aligned to high-priority initiatives and outcomes.
• Assist with the recruitment of teaching and non-teaching staff.
• Collaborate with Pupil Support Unit, SEN teachers, Guidance Counsellors and Educational Psychologist to develop learning plans for students in need.  
• Work with various teams (administrators, teachers, cadre leaders) to facilitate the analysis of data provided by diagnostics, common assessments, and formative assessments. 
• Support the delivery of National Curriculum Development and CXC CSEC syllabi towards effective implementation by utilizing varying learning approaches and education planning techniques. 
• Collaborate with Ministry of Education staff and school administrators to develop policies and school structures. 
• Continuously monitor, track and analyze student achievement data to identify needed supports and strategies for all student
• Serve as a change manager, disseminating new ideas and materials, stimulating programme development and assisting in the successful implementation of instructional innovation. 
• Promote satisfactory relationships with parents and the community served by the school and foster partnership in education with all stakeholders. 
• Promote activities in the school which highlights Montserrat’s cultural heritage traditions and practices and encourage development of individual talents and skills necessary for social development.
• Promote order and proper discipline during all school activities by upholding, modelling and supporting high expectations of behaviour, punctuality and attendance for all students and staff that is built on positive relationships and pre-established routines which are clearly understood by students, academic and non-academic staff 
• Manage operational budget to ensure staff are provided with adequate resources to support project-based learning, school programs and operational needs. 

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATIONS

The post holder will have a proven track record of successful school leadership and the ability to build a motivated and high performing teaching staff.  He/she will have well-developed interpersonal skills with the ability to quickly identify issues and propose solutions.

In addition to at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Educational Administration and seven (7) years’ experience as a qualified teacher the following competencies are required:

Essential Criteria:

• Ability to use a range of evidence, including performance data, to support, monitor, evaluate and improve aspects of school life, including challenging poor performance.
• Proven ability to inspire, lead and participate actively in building a team to sustain a learning community and networking with others within and beyond the school.
• Proven ability to monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching and learning across the curriculum in order to raise standards and maximize pupil progress
• Ability to develop, articulate and successfully implement strategies across all aspects of the school including accountability, learning, curriculum, administration and communication. 
• Knowledge of safeguarding requirements and systems and practices to ensure children’s safety, good-behaviour and well-being
• Experience in administering an effective system of discipline 
• Experience in compiling timetables, schedules and programmes in a secondary school setting 
• Experience in developing budgets, compiling work plans, annual report and progress reports 
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills and ability to use new and emerging technologies to secure impact. 

Desirable Criteria:

• Extensive knowledge of the Caribbean Examination Council curriculum and assessment system 
• Good computer skills especially in spreadsheet manipulation and document preparation and strong appreciation for the use of data to drive decision-making

Terms of Appointment

Appointment will be made on a Contractual Basis for a period of three (3) years in the first instance with the option to renew for a further period of two (2) years. 

Remuneration Package

A competitive remuneration package will be offered dependent on your qualifications, knowledge and relevant experience.  A relocation package to include housing will be offered to overseas applicants.

If you are shortlisted, you will be provided with full details of the next stages of the selection and assessment process. The final selection panel interview may be held in person. You will be advised of the format in advance.

Feedback will be provided on request only to applicants who progress to the interview stage.