Descripción del puesto

High School Assistant Principal at ISP

At ISP, learning is a journey of discovery—for students and for the adults who guide them. We believe curiosity builds courage, compassion creates connection, and great schools don’t just prepare students for the world—they help them shape it.

We’re looking for a High School Assistant Principal who is energized by meaningful challenges: strengthening student attendance and punctuality, helping teenagers build resilience in learning, coaching teachers to manage Tier 1 behaviors confidently, and cultivating classrooms where engagement and belonging thrive.

This role blends academic innovation and student wellbeing, preparing future principals who can see and lead the whole picture—curriculum, culture, and care.

If you’re someone who finds joy in problem-solving, thrives on collaboration, and believes that rigor and relationships go hand in hand, ISP offers the space and support to make that work meaningful. We’re not looking for someone who simply wants a position—we’re seeking a leader who sees challenges as creative opportunities and growth as a shared journey.

• Reports to: High School Principal
• Collaborates closely with: Assistant Principals, Heads of Department, Curriculum and Instructional Coach, K–12 Coordinators and Specialists, Counselors, and other colleagues as appropriate.

Responsibilities: (Including but not limited to)

Leadership and Culture

• Partner with the Principal to cultivate a safe, inclusive, and growth-oriented school culture.
• Lead with empathy and consistency, modeling ISP’s values and restorative approaches.
• Strengthen Tier 1 systems that promote attendance, engagement, and student accountability.

Teaching, Learning, and Innovation

• Support faculty in designing rigorous, inquiry-based, and differentiated learning experiences aligned with ISP’s Definition of Learning.
• Coach teachers in integrating Universal Design for Learning (UDL), blended learning, and standards-based grading.
• Use classroom observation and feedback to develop reflective and self-directed educators.

Student Support and Wellbeing

• Collaborate with counselors, learning support, and teachers to ensure students are known, challenged, and supported.
• Lead initiatives that foster resilience, social-emotional learning, and leadership among students.
• Use data to identify trends in attendance and behavior and guide proactive interventions.

Professional Learning and Development

• Design and facilitate professional learning that builds teacher capacity and confidence.
• Foster a culture of continual improvement through coaching, collaboration, and reflection.

Operations and Communication

• Support the Principal in managing daily operations, community events, and parent communication.
• Contribute to whole-school initiatives connecting academic excellence and student wellbeing.

What you will do: Day-to-day tasks.

• Lead with presence and purpose. Be a consistent, visible figure in classrooms, hallways, and community spaces—listening, observing, and helping to shape the tone of a positive and inclusive school culture.
• Coach teachers for growth. Conduct classroom visits and feedback conversations that strengthen instructional practice, build confidence, and align with ISP’s Definition of Learning.
• Support students in learning and behavior. Partner with teachers, counselors, and families to address Tier 1 behavioral concerns, reinforce accountability, and guide students toward resilience and self-management.
• Use data to inform action. Monitor attendance, engagement, and assessment trends to identify patterns and lead proactive, solutions-oriented responses.
• Strengthen systems and communication. Ensure structures for teaching, learning, and wellbeing are clear, consistent, and aligned across teams. Maintain open communication with staff, students, and families.
• Facilitate professional learning. Plan and lead professional development sessions and collaborative meetings that connect teaching practice to student outcomes.
• Collaborate for alignment. Work closely with the Principal, Assistant Principals, and leadership team to align goals, share insights, and drive continuous improvement across the division.

What you bring: Characteristics this candidate needs to possess to excel in this position.

• A love for your subject—and an even greater passion for helping all students learn, grow, and feel capable.
• A high degree of professionalism with deep dedication to continual growth and development.
• Eagerness to collaborate with colleagues and willingness to be flexible and adaptable.
• Commitment to the unique nature of working in an international school environment.
• Strong organization, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and follow-through in planning, instruction, and communication.
• Commitment to participating in the whole-school experience, embodying ISP’s core values, mission, and Definition of Learning.
• Social Emotional Learning, Wellness and Student Leadership: As an integral part of The International School of Panama, we are committed to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment that values character development, social-emotional learning (SEL), wellness, and student leadership. We are seeking individuals who not only possess the necessary qualifications for the role but also bring a deep understanding and experience in promoting SEL, wellness initiatives, and facilitating student leadership development. Successful candidates will actively contribute to our mission of empowering students to thrive academically and personally by incorporating these topics into their work.

Qualifications: Necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to perform the job.

• Master Degree in the relevant subject area
• Desire to learn more about education, teaching, and learning
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills
• High level of organization
• Ability to take independent initiative
• High level of English proficiency
• Cross-cultural sensitivity and an international mindset
• Previous experience is preferred