Head of Learning
Location
Compensation
Start Date
Application Deadline
Job Description
UWC ISAK is seeking a new Head of Learning The new Head of Learning will maintain the tremendous momentum and exceptionally entrepreneurial atmosphere the school has created in the several years since it began. UWC ISAK’s approach and program are unique in Japan, distinct in the network of UWC schools, and notable among international schools in Asia. Strong candidates for this leadership role will be enthusiastically committed to positioning students and faculty to positively impact the world.
OVERVIEW
The Head of Learning is responsible for enhancing and sustaining an effective learning and teaching culture across the school, as well as ensuring that the school environment, ethos, scheduling and professional development program underpin the highest standards of teaching and learning within each classroom and for each student. The Head of Learning works closely with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Coordinator, Heads of Department and other senior faculty and staff to ensure the effective development and delivery of the academic curriculum and the efficient management of academic departments. The Head of Learning is also responsible for the academic progress and safeguarding of our students.
The Head of Learning reports directly to the Head of School and serves as a key member of the School Leadership Team (SLT). The SLT meets regularly to discuss matters of routine and general school policy, in an atmosphere of confidentiality and collective responsibility. Members of the SLT are expected to have a knowledge of relevant issues affecting schools globally, and to contribute to discussions relating to planning and the development of policy and policy implementation.
As a Deputy Head, the Head of Learning may be called on to deputize for the Head of School during term time, or during school holidays (as arranged with the Head of School). Furthermore, the Head of Learning may be asked to advise on and to inform the Head of significant developments, problems or opinions on any matter from any relevant source. In this role, the Head of Learning has broad operational and strategic responsibility for the management of the School, and for its development. The Head of Learning has overall responsibility for the development and implementation of all academic procedures and their impactful implementation.
This Job Description should be seen as enabling rather than restrictive, and will be subject to regular review. The key areas of responsibility are detailed below. This list is not intended to be exhaustive and the Head of Learning may be expected to assume additional responsibilities as reasonably requested by the Head of School.
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General Information
A Shared UWC Mission
UWC makes education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.
Our Distinct Identity
At UWC ISAK Japan, we empower each other to be transformational leaders who explore new frontiers and make a positive impact today and in the future.
We believe not only in the power of education, but also in the power of young people to become catalysts for positive change. We aim to create an environment where students learn to understand and appreciate different perspectives, challenge themselves academically and emotionally, and develop their innate potential as change-makers who can identify what is most important and needed, take action in the face of discomfort, use diversity as a strength, and support others in this practice.
Our Motto
Our school motto reflects our hopes for and dedication to all UWC ISAK Japan students as they journey through one of the most important and exciting times of their lives.
One Life. Realize Your Potential. Be a Catalyst for Positive Change.
Leadership Education at UWC ISAK Japan
At UWC ISAK Japan, we empower each other to be transformational leaders who explore new frontiers and make a positive impact today and in the future.
We believe not only in the power of education, but also in the power of young people to become catalysts for positive change. We aim to create an environment where students learn to understand and appreciate different perspectives, challenge themselves academically and emotionally, and develop their innate potential as change-makers who can identify what is most important and needed, take action in the face of discomfort, use diversity as a strength, and support others in this practice.
We believe in transformational leadership.
Who is a transformational leader?
A transformational leader is someone who consistently identifies what is most important and what is needed, takes action in the face of discomfort, uses diversity as a strength, and supports others in this practice. With continuous practice, a transformational leader creates positive change within self and the community at large.
A transformational leader consistently applies these foundational skills of leadership:
- Awareness: Deeply observes oneself and the environment, and understands what is important for self and the greater good.
- Connection: Empathizes with members of a community, understands their diverse potentials and values, and supports them towards a common goal.
- Action Taking: Steps out of one’s comfort zone to courageously bring ideas to life.
- Self-Discipline: Responds positively to challenges with measured reflection, growth mindset, resilience and optimism.
- Creativity: Generates innovative ideas and questions and builds upon those of others
Leadership is a practice.
Leadership is not a position or status that a selective group of people earn, whether by the virtue of their economic or social position in society or their innate demeanor or personality. At UWC ISAK Japan, we believe that leadership is a practice. This practice is integrated into our curriculum, and we believe that with practice, individuals can grow and integrate the essential skills of leadership.
About UWC
Founded in 1962, UWC (United World Colleges) is a global education movement that makes education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. UWC is comprised of schools and colleges in 18 countries, with national committees and selection contacts in more than 155 countries. UWC fosters a lifelong commitment to social responsibility, and to date has inspired a network of 60,000 alumni who believe it is possible to work for positive change.
The majority of students attending UWCs are selected by UWC national committees. In support of the belief that education should be independent of a student’s ability to pay, 70% of national committee selected IB Diploma students receive full scholarships. The UWC movement places a high value on experiential learning, outdoor education, service and other cultural understanding, alongside the academically challenging International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).
About UWC ISAK Japan
UWC ISAK Japan is Japan’s only full-boarding international high school and the newest member of the United World Colleges movement. Following the Japanese school system, UWC ISAK is a three-year high school, with all students in grades 11 and 12 following the IB Diploma Programme curriculum. The school is accredited by the Japanese Ministry of Education (MEXT) and all graduates receive a Japanese high school diploma. Currently approximately 200 students from nearly 80 countries attend UWC ISAK Japan, with 70% of students receiving full or partial need-based scholarship support. 30% of enrolled students are Japanese, with the remaining 70% coming from homes outside of Japan.
Location
Karuizawa is located in Nagano Prefecture, home to the 1998 Winter Olympics and fondly referred to as the “Roof of Japan.” Karuizawa has been attracting an international mix of visitors since the late nineteenth century. The mountainous climate keeps Kaurizawa cool and comfortable during Japan’s summer months, making it a popular escape from Tokyo’s heat and humidity. Karuizawa experiences four seasons with regular snow in the winter which generally lasts from early December through February. Monthly temperatures average between 21 and -5 throughout the year.
While the full-time population of Karuizawa is around 20,000, the population of the town increases dramatically during the summer tourist season. From Tokyo, it takes approximately 70 minutes to reach Karuizawa station on the Shinkansen (Japanese bullet train).
Karuizawa is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts and offers year-round recreation including hiking, cycling, tennis, golf and skiing. In addition, a vibrant arts & crafts scene includes art galleries and museums, a performing arts center, a symphony hall, and a community symphony. There are also many good restaurants with wide ranging cuisines, a large upscale outlet mall with designer shops, a variety of onsen hot springs and a local volcano, Mt. Asama.
UWC ISAK Japan is located on the outskirts of Karuizawa, in a quiet residential community and the school is not within easy walking distance to a train station or a large supermarket. Schooling options for faculty children are limited to the local public schools where all instruction and communication is in Japanese. We are not able to guarantee admission to UWC ISAK for faculty children in grades 10-12 or to guarantee scholarships if faculty children are admitted.
For more information about the town of Karuizawa, please go to the following website:
http://www.japanvisitor.com/japan-city-guides/karuizawa-guide
