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Jun 4, 2019
Jun 21, 2019
Dear Search Colleagues,
On behalf of the Search Committee of the American International School of Lagos we are pleased to announce that Ms. Melissa Schaub has been appointed the Interim Elementary Principal beginning in August 2019.
Ms. Schaub has most recently served in the role of Director of Learning at the Anglo-American School of Moscow, a position she has held since 2014. Additional leadership positions prior to serving in Moscow included both that of Elementary Principal at the American International School of Bucharest (Romania) and the Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction at the American School Foundation in Monterrey (Mexico).
Ms. Schaub earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Interdisciplinary Social Science with a Concentration in Speech, Hearing and Language Disorders from the University of South Florida, a Multiple Subject K-8 Teaching Credential from San Francisco State University in San Francisco, CA, a Master’s of Education from the College of New Jersey in Elementary Education, a Certificate of International School Leadership from the Principal’s Training Center and a post-Master’s certification in Educational Leadership from the College of New Jersey.
The Search Committee and Search Associates would like to thank all candidates who expressed interest in the Interim Elementary Principal position at the American International School of Lagos and to everyone who both assisted in and supported the successful search process.
American International School of Lagos
Lagos, Nigeria
seeks an
Interim Elementary Principal
for August 2019 – June 2020
The School
The American International School of Lagos (AISL) located in Lagos, Nigeria was founded in 1964. The school is a private, non-sectarian, not-for-profit day school. The AISL is an American Overseas School that offers U.S. accredited programs in an English language setting. The school offers Preschool through 12th grade educational programs for students currently representing 56 nationalities. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association and the Council of International Schools. Additionally the International Baccalaureate Organization has authorized the Diploma Program at AISL. AISL is a member of the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA) and the West African International Schools Activities League (WAISAL)
Mission, Vision, Core Values and Educational Philosophy
Mission - 
Provide a balanced American education to inspire excellence in academics, sport, global citizenship and emotional intelligence.
Vision –
Inspiring Excellence
Core Values and Educational Philosophy -
1) Well-rounded education: A well-rounded learning experience balances academic, physical, social and emotional development of our students.
2) Safe Learning Environment: A positive, safe and nurturing learning environment allows all student to reach their highest potential.
3) Individuality: Creative and independent thinking develops in each student their unique potential.
4) Life-long Learning: Every child deserves the highest quality of education as a foundation to support life-long learning.
5) Diversity of Learners: Honor, validate and embrace the diversity of our learners by promoting an inclusive and supportive environment – one of dignity and respect.
6) Collaboration Accelerate Learning: Develop a community of learners in which parents, teachers and students work together to achieve educational excellence.
7) Innovation: Create a learning environment where students can express innovative thinking and utilize their creative energy.
8) Internationalism: An international school is enriched by its multicultural community and relationship with its host country by building on connections with its cultures and nationalities.
Enrollment
The current Preschool to Grade 12 enrollment is 607 students. 294 students are enrolled in the preschool and elementary program. 187 students are enrolled in the middle school. 126 students are enrolled in the high school. The student body consists of 12% host-country students, 18% U.S. students and the remaining 70% of the students from 54 different countries.
Curriculum
The AISL curriculum is based on AERO (American Education Reaches Out) Common Core Plus* standards and benchmarks. Early childhood teachers use standards that are developmentally appropriate and closely aligned with the AERO framework. In the high school, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is available to all 11th and 12th grade students as a rigorous course of study leading to graduation with the full IB diploma.
AERO Common Core Plus*
English/Language Arts Framework
Mathematics Framework
Science Framework
Social Studies Framework
AISL faculty design units of instruction using the “Understanding by Design” framework with a focus on aligning assessment and instruction to standards. Integration of technology, differentiation and cross-curricular connections are all hallmarks of the UbD design process. AISL is continuing the journey of becoming a school to implement a comprehensive standards-based learning system which includes curriculum aligned with standards, assessment measuring student learning against standards via both formative and summative assessment, instruction deliberately planned to promote student learning consistent with the standards and both grading and reporting reflecting an alignment with standards.
Faculty and Administration
The school employs 77 certified teachers, including: 43 over-seas hire faculty, 11 host-country nationals. 23 of the faculty hold advanced degrees or post-graduate certificates. The Elementary Principal works in collaboration with the school's Leadership Team to further advance the mission and vision of the school. The Leadership Team consists of the Elementary Principal, Middle School Principal, High School Principal, Director of Teaching and Learning and Superintendent. The Athletic Director, Director of Technology, Admissions Director and the Director of Security/Facilities are members of an expanded Leadership Team.
Calendar
The school years consists of two semesters which extend from August to December and January to June.
Campus and Facilities
Located on a six-acre campus in a preferred residential area (Victoria Island) of Lagos, the 
campus is preparing to launch a major program of redevelopment. The pre-school, elementary and secondary divisions are in purpose-built facilities that will be further upgraded in the years ahead.
The facilities include 55 classrooms, three science labs, a music room, small theater, technology lab, a library, dining area, an infirmary, administrative offices, two playgrounds, a gymnasium, tennis courts, a soccer field and swimming pool.
Governance
AISL is governed by a nine-member Board of Trustees. Five members are elected to three-year terms by the parents of children enrolled at the school and four members represent the U.S. Embassy, Exxon-Mobil, Chevron and Shell.
The Community
Lagos, usually referred to as Lagos State to distinguish it from the city of Lagos, is a state located in the southwestern geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The smallest in area of Nigeria’s 36 states, Lagos State is arguably the most economically important state in the country, containing Lagos, the nation’s largest urban area. The actual population total is disputed between the official Nigerian Census of 2006, and a much higher figure claimed by the Lagos State Government. The population is estimated in excess of 20,000,000. Lagos State is located in the southwestern part of the Nigerian Federation. On the North and East it is bordered by Ogun State. In the West it shares boundaries with the Republic of Benin. On its southern borders lies the Atlantic Ocean. 22% of the 3,577 square km are lagoons and creeks.
The Position
The Interim Elementary Principal is expected to provide leadership throughout 2019-2020 focused on continuous improvement in all areas of the operation of the elementary school, with a particularly strong emphasis on learning. He/she is responsible for leading the elementary school in accordance with sound principles of curriculum, assessment and instruction, excellence with respect to human resources, proactive communication and strong financial management.
The Interim Elementary Principal is empowered by the Board of Trustees to lead the school in a manner that is consistent with approved policies of the American International School of Lagos. The Board of Trustees understand the different roles of the Board and administration and that it is the duty of the Leadership Team to manage the day-to-day operation of the school.
Job Description
The Elementary Principal is responsible for all programs carried out in the elementary school, including their further development, oversight, and evaluation. The Elementary Principal is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the elementary school community while on campus. The Elementary School Principal at AIS Lagos supervises and formulates the daily operations of the Elementary School. The Elementary School Principal is the instructional leader responsible for the development and management of the educational program, allocation of financial resources, and working with staff, students, parents, and community to collectively build a strong sense of teamwork at AISL.
Major responsibilities and functions include:
- Be responsible to the Superintendent for all organization, administration, and supervision within his/her assigned areas of responsibility. He/she shall properly supervise classroom instruction and maintain organization in Preschool through Grade 4.
- Principal shall conduct evaluations of all certified staff, secretaries, and instructional assistants in their respective buildings.
- Keep the Superintendent informed as to the physical condition of the school and activities therein.
- Be responsible for developing and maintaining good public relations within the communities and for utilizing fully the community resources to enrich the learning program.
- Collaboratively address concerns of parents towards the school and its personnel..
- Provide effective communication regarding the total school program to the broader school community. Effectively utilize communication strategies; newsletters, website, communication portals, etc., to inform the school community of school aims, objectives, various announcements.
- Be informed of trends in education and constantly strive for the upgrading of curriculum, assessment and instruction.
- Assist the Superintendent in planning and coordinating all transition activities dealing with students in Preschool to Grade 4.
- Confer with the Superintendent on a regular basis and perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Professional Qualities
Preferred professional qualities of the Interim Elementary Principal include the following:
- A learning-focused leader who is able to successfully communicate an inspiring vision for continuous improvement across all aspects of the elementary school operation.
- Demonstrated capacity to successfully recruit, retain and further develop outstanding faculty and staff in support of the school’s mission.
- Models a collaborative leadership style and understands and empowers each group within the elementary school community to make quality contributions.
- Demonstrates a clear commitment to providing the best possible education to students and creatively resolves problems that detract from the ability of the school to deliver at a high level of excellence.
- A proven track record of demonstrated international elementary educational leadership experience and success.
- Experience and/or knowledge of the following practices, programs or pedagogical approaches are beneficial: Understanding by Design unit planning, reading and writing workshop, concept-based and inquiry-based mathematics, project-based learning, standards-based assessment, technology integration
- A graduate degree in education or educational leadership
Personal Attributes
Desired personal characteristics of the Interim Elementary Principal include the following:
- Excellent interpersonal skills which include being approachable, being a good listener and being an effective communicator.
- Someone who embraces, respects, understands and values the Nigerian culture.
- In providing clear direction to the elementary school community, a leader who is competent, confident, firm, fair, visible and a thoughtful listener.
Salary and Benefits
The salary and benefit package for the Interim Elementary Principal is competitive and will be commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience.
Procedure for Filing Application
AISL has appointed Search Associates as its partner in its search for an Interim Elementary Principal for 2019-2020, with Dr. Brent Mutsch serving as the lead consultant. The deadline for applications for the position is June 21, 2019. Candidates are asked to submit a letter of interest and the requested materials listed below as early as possible as AISL reserves the right to close the selection process at any time if the right candidate is identified.
The review of files will begin as soon as applications are received. Outstanding candidates will be immediately advanced for review of the Interim Elementary Principal Search Committee.
The Interim Elementary Principal will be selected at the conclusion of final interviews, and reference checks. The Interim Elementary Principal will assume his/her professional responsibilities in late July 2019.
Candidates should send the information listed below as a single pdf file attached to an email:
- A letter of application, explaining your strengths as a candidate and why you are interested in the Interim Elementary Principal position at AISL.
- A statement describing your management and educational philosophy, not to exceed two pages.
- A current résumé not to exceed two pages.
- A one-page list of references of immediate supervisors with current addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.
- A maximum of four letters of reference (scanned at low resolution) that may already be in your possession.
Total document size should be kept to less than four (4) MB if possible. Applications should be sent to: bmutsch@searchassociates.com . Additional information about the American School of Lagos can be found on the school’s web site at < www.aislagos.org> .
Dr. Brent Mutsch Tel: 970-368-6879 USA – Mountain Time Zone
Skype: brentmutsch Email: bmutsch@searchassociates.com
