Lower School Academic Dean

SCALE: Professional Scale
CONTRACT: Professional Staff Contract
SUPERVISOR: Lower School Principal
DIVISION: Lower School

Position Overview:

The Lower School Academic Dean advances the academic vision of the division by aligning curriculum, pedagogy, and collaborative planning with the school's mission, learning outcomes, and strategic goals. Reporting to the Lower School Principal, the Director of Teaching and Learning, the Dean supports faculty in designing high-quality learning experiences grounded in the Understanding by Design (UbD) framework. This role is central to fostering instructional excellence, guiding curriculum development, encouraging cross-disciplinary learning, studying student data, and leading professional learning across the Lower School.

Key Responsibilities 1. Curriculum Leadership

• Guide and support teams in developing, refining, and aligning units of study using the UbD framework.
• Ensure vertical and horizontal alignment across subjects, grade levels, and schoolwide frameworks (e.g., CASEL, ISTE, LFJ, Information Literacy).
• Facilitate curriculum reviews in collaboration with the Director of Teaching and Learning, ensuring implementation of recommendations.
• Collaborate with instructional coaches, coordinators (Literacy, Math, Mandarin, MLL), and content area specialists to ensure a cohesive learning experience for all students.
• Serve as the primary curricular liaison between divisional administration, the Director of Student Success & Wellbeing, and the Director of Belonging & Social Impact.

2. Assessment and Data Use

• Support the design and use of assessments that align with the TAS definition of learning and assessment principles to promote deep, transferable learning.
• Work with teams to design common assessments and analyze student learning data (including external assessments) to inform instruction.
• Serve as a "keeper of the data," helping teams make sense of patterns, strengths, and areas for growth across the division.

3. Instructional Practice and Professional Learning

• Promote instructional practices aligned with current research and TAS priorities, including those emerging from curriculum reviews.
• Plan and facilitate professional development in collaboration with school leadership and instructional coaches.
• Promote student-centered, inclusive, and differentiated instruction that meets the needs of all learners.
• Lead and/or support grade-level and subject-specific collaboration meetings with clarity and purpose.
• Coordinate the division-wide professional development and meeting calendar.

4. Leadership and Team Support

• Evaluate and support the work of curriculum leaders, including Math, Literacy, and Mandarin Coordinators,  instructional coaches, and team leaders
• Design learning opportunities that allow team leaders to develop their mid-level leadership skills
• Collaborate with Service Learning & DEIB lower school coordinators
• Partner with the Lower School Principals to align teaching practices with Professional Pathways expectations.
• Participate actively in leadership team meetings and contribute to strategic planning efforts within the Lower School.
• Support the onboarding of new faculty in curriculum expectations and collaborative practices.
• Support other tasks as requested by the Lower School Principal or Director of Academics.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in Education, Curriculum & Instruction, or a related field
• At least 5 years of classroom teaching experience in lower elementary education
• Minimum of 3 years in a curriculum leadership, instructional coaching, or similar role
• Deep experience with Understanding by Design (UbD) and standards-based curriculum development
• Demonstrated ability to support teachers in designing instruction and assessment aligned to learning outcomes
• Experience working with multilingual learners and supporting inclusive practices
• Training in Adaptive Schools and/or Cognitive Coaching is preferred
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills
• Experience in an international school setting is an asset

To Apply

Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references through the online link below. Please note that direct applications via email or other channels will not be considered.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as Taipei American School reserves the right to close the selection process at any time.

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