Head - MOE Yas American Academy AY2025/26

Aldar Academies is currently seeking a Head of MOE at Yas American Academy on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi starting AY2025/26.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the highly successful Aldar family of schools and to help shape the future of Abu Dhabi's leading school group.

Yas American Academy opened in September 2016 providing high quality education to the Emirate. The children are taught the Massachusetts Common Core Curriculum - tailored to be meaningful to children attending the school, alongside the local curriculum of Arabic, Islamic Studies and Social Studies. Facilities at the school are excellent and include a large astro-turf field, two swimming pools, well stocked library, a large multi-purpose sports hall, an auditorium and outdoor play areas.

We provide a warm, friendly and supportive environment where students enjoy learning and achieving in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust.

The successful candidates will be closely aligned with our core values and ethos and possess a genuine understanding and appreciation of the values of the region.

Responsibilities

The Head of MOE is an executive member of the leadership team, reporting directly to the Principal. The lead administers for the MOE subjects in the school, he/she oversees the academic, social, and emotional welfare of students. Is responsible for managing and reporting all issues concerning the MOE subjects including but not limited to curriculum, policies, procedures, staff health and welfare, communication. The Head of MOE plays a key role in putting the school mission into practice and contributes to the whole school development.

Main Duties

To ensure a safe and secure environment that allows for appropriate social, emotional, and academic growth for all students.
To ensure that the MOE programme is compiled with the legal, financial, and organisational structures of the institution.
To Support the Principal in strategic planning and developing policies and procedures for the purpose of achieving the school's vision, mission and goals, and compliance with accreditation guidelines, international education standards, local laws, and regulations.
To oversight of operational aspects of the MOE subjects ensuring development and quality assurance of the programme, including but not limited to curriculum development, extra-curricular activities, staff evaluation and development, information technology, timetabling, etc.
To monitor the effectiveness of school practice and the impact on students learning, and is knowledgeable about current curriculum, instruction, and assessment practice.
Is an advocate and spokesperson for the school to all stakeholders and established strong lines of communication with teachers, parents, and students.
Is directly involved in the design and implementation of curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices.
To ensure that staff are provided with the necessary resources and professional development for successful execution of their assigned duties and responsibilities.
To work collaboratively with the other leadership team to address all school related matters. And ensure that all relevant operational structures, such as the master timetable supervision roster, etc, are effectively and efficiently designed and implemented.

Develop teaching and learning

Ensure curriculum coverage, continuity and progression in MOE for all students including those of high ability and those with special educational needs
Ensure that teachers are clear about learning objectives and provide guidance on appropriate teaching and learning methods
Establish and implement clear policies and practices for assessing, recording and reporting on student achievement in conjunction with each school and MOE department.
Support schools to set expectations for staff in relation to standards of achievement and the quality of teaching and learning
Support schools to set expectations for students in relation to standards of achievement and student behavior
Support schools to establish and implement a Department policy for managing student behavior in line with the School's Behavior for Learning Policy
Evaluate the quality of teaching and learning of Arabic and use this to identify effective practice and areas for improvement; take action to further improve the quality of teaching
Support schools to establish partnerships with parents to involve them in their son/daughter's learning of the subject, as well as providing information about the curriculum, attainment, progress and targets
Develop links across all Adar Academies, partner primary schools and the local community to extend the curriculum, enhance teaching and develop students' wider understanding

Leading and managing staff

Establish clear expectations and constructive working relationships amongst staff involved with the subject including through team working, mutual support and delegation, and develop an acceptance of accountability in each school and across the Academies.
Help principals with the Performance Management members of the Arabic team in each school and identify training and development needs
Lead professional development of subject staff through example and support and co-ordinate, as necessary, the provision of high quality professional development
Work with the Head of Inclusion and school SENCO's to ensure that IEPs are used to set subject-specific targets and work is matched to student need
Hold regular Department meetings with minutes and agendas

Efficient and effective deployment of staff and resources

Maintain efficient and effective control of the Department's capitation allowance
Use accommodation to create an effective and stimulating environment for teaching and learning and ensure that accommodation is maintained
Ensure a safe working and learning environment in which risks are properly assessed and Health and Safety regulations are observed at all times

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Minimum of a Bachelor degree in Arabic
Experience in an international school is an advantage

Minimum Experience:

Minimum of 3 years as a Head of Department or a Head of MOE in an international school.

Personal/ Leadership Qualities:

Previous experience working with students whom English is not their first language
Passion for teaching and commitment to educating the whole child
A high level of professionalism and consideration of the well-being of children
Recent and consistent involvement in extra-curricular activities
Respect for all members of a school community, irrespective of position, gender, age and ethnic background
A positive and solution-focused attitude to working life
A clean enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services check or police check

This job description is not all-inclusive. Aldar Education reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are also mindful of our national development strategy and encourage UAE Nationals in their application at our company.

Aldar Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and police .