Head of Primary Education - Randburg, South Africa - SPARK Schools

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    Full time
    Description

    About SPARK Schools:

    SPARK Schools is a transformative force in the educational landscape, committed to reshaping the future through its network of affordable private institutions. Our innovative approach integrates Africa's pioneering blended learning model, which enhances student performance and equips educators with essential tools to effectively support their learners.

    This blended learning framework, merging traditional classroom instruction with online resources, empowers educators to proactively address student needs and enables schools to deliver personalized education at a sustainable cost. SPARK Schools is at the forefront of this educational revolution, ensuring that higher education and career opportunities are accessible to all.

    We foster a collaborative culture, recognizing that elevating South Africa's educational standards requires a united effort. Our team of innovators is dedicated to excellence, driven by a sense of urgency to fulfill SPARK Schools' vision, mission, and social impact goals. Our work environment is vibrant, dynamic, engaging, tech-enabled, and data-driven.

    SPARK Schools is a rapidly growing, mission-driven organization, currently operating 21 primary schools and 5 high schools, serving over 15,500 families. We are seeking passionate individuals to join our team.

    Reporting Structure: Reports to the School Achievement Manager

    Role Overview:

    The Principal is responsible for enhancing student outcomes by leading a team of exceptional educators to prepare SPARK scholars for higher education and beyond. The Principal establishes a high standard for academic success and implements strategic initiatives to engage staff, families, students, and the broader community in achieving that standard. Collaborating with the Assistant Principal(s) and School Operations Manager, the Principal upholds rigorous expectations for school culture, student success, and professional growth.

    The Principal plays a crucial role in decision-making within the SPARK Schools framework regarding instructional programs and school operations, ensuring that every SPARK scholar achieves academic excellence and embodies the core values of SPARK Schools. The Principal is central to fostering the SPARK Schools culture and our commitment to delivering rigorous, engaging learning experiences for our scholars.

    Key Responsibilities:

    • Implement a challenging and engaging instructional program that fosters mastery of content, creative problem-solving, and character development, aligned with SPARK Schools' mission and vision.
    • Utilize both quantitative (assessment) and qualitative (anecdotal) data to inform decision-making and instructional practices at the school.
    • Establish and maintain a school culture that prioritizes high achievement, strong character, and a passion for learning.
    • Set ambitious academic and personal goals, holding staff and students accountable for achieving these outcomes.
    • Oversee student behavior and manage the implementation of individualized plans for students who consistently fail to meet SPARK Schools' behavioral standards.
    • Encourage a culture of self-reflection and continuous improvement among staff.
    • Facilitate the professional development of SPARK staff through regular observations, coaching cycles, and collaboration with SPARK Support staff to deliver relevant professional development sessions.
    • Conduct termly evaluations of SPARK staff to support their professional growth and leadership development.
    • Foster a high-achieving work environment where staff feel valued and supported.
    • Build and maintain relationships with all relevant stakeholders, including parents, families, and the community, leveraging these connections to enhance student achievement.
    • Lead school-wide community events on a termly and monthly basis, engaging the school leadership team, teachers, and active parents for support.
    • Manage the Assistant Principal(s) and support their leadership development within SPARK's network-wide leadership program.
    • Assist in budget preparation and management alongside the School Operations Manager.
    • Participate in the recruitment of new school personnel.
    • Oversee the onboarding process for all new staff members.
    • Communicate policies and procedures to parents, students, staff, and the community.
    • Implement disciplinary policies and procedures.
    • Actively engage in staff development opportunities as a member of the SPARK Schools team.
    • Maintain professionalism at all SPARK Schools events and in interactions with stakeholders.

    Qualifications:

    • Fluency in English.
    • Clear criminal record.
    • Grade 12 Certificate.
    • Completed or PGCE degree.
    • SACE registration.

    Experience:

    • Prior experience managing or working with primary school-aged children.
    • A minimum of 3-4 years of exemplary classroom instruction.
    • Experience leading a team, preferably in an educational setting.
    • Familiarity with South African labor laws.

    Skills and Mindset:

    • A strong desire to thrive in a vibrant, technology-driven work environment that promotes creativity and collaboration.
    • A commitment to being part of a collaborative, team-oriented organization that is driving change in the education sector in South Africa through innovative educational practices.
    • A passion for fostering a learning culture with excellent career development and advancement opportunities supported by tailored professional development, mentorship, and support.
    • A dedication to delivering high-quality, transformative education at affordable rates to ensure access to higher education and career pathways for all.

    Core Values: Service, Persistence, Achievement, Responsibility, and Kindness - SPARK

    Benefits:

    • Competitive market-related remuneration.
    • Performance-based annual bonuses and salary increases.
    • Generous annual leave.
    • Life, disability, and funeral cover.
    • Employee wellness support.
    • Educational support and study leave.
    • Personalized professional development, mentorship, and support.
    • Discount on school fees for employees.
    • Opportunities for career advancement.

    Compensation: Commensurate with experience

    Position Type: Full-time

    SPARK Schools is an equal opportunity employer, prioritizing candidates from designated groups in alignment with the company's Employment Equity goals.

    SPARK Schools encourages individuals with disabilities to apply.

    SPARK Schools reserves the right to close this advertisement at its discretion.

    If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.