Posted: 15-May-26
Location: Austin, Texas
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Required Education:
ASSISTANT HEAD OF PRIMARY SCHOOL
Classification: Exempt
Reports To: Head of Primary
Location: Austin, TX, USA
Job Closing Date: Open Until Filled
JOB DESCRIPTION
Summary/Objective
The Assistant Head of Primary at Magellan International School (MIS) is a strategic leader and cultural ambassador who plays a crucial role in the overall administration of our multicultural community. Working in close partnership with the Head of Primary School, the Assistant Head ensures the effective daily operation of the school while fostering a positive, inquiry-based learning environment. This role provides instructional leadership, supervision, and support to staff, students, and parents, upholding the school’s mission and IB standards through a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
Essential Functions
Administration & Operational Management
Assist the Head of Primary in the day-to-day administrative operations of the school, including scheduling, procedures, and protocols.
Guide the Primary School faculty in maintaining a physical environment that is safe and enhances teaching and learning.
Coordinate and manage substitute teacher assignments, in the absence of teachers.
Assist in the 5th grade overnight field trip planning.
Maintain comprehensive digital records by systematically archiving all parent-teacher correspondence within student electronic files.
Behavior and Discipline Management
Assist in the process of disciplinary cases in accordance with the policies and procedures in the Magellan Student-Parent Handbook.
Ongoing refinement of the school’s behavior policy, ensuring it is applied consistently by all staff members across the Primary Section.
Conduct thorough, unbiased investigation into peer conflicts, ensuring all voices are heard before determining outcomes.
Mentor and coach teaching and support staff on effective classroom management strategies and de-escalation techniques.
Act as the primary responder for high stress incidents, using multiple de-escalation strategies to support student wellbeing.
Determine consequences for moderate to severe student behaviors.
Develop behavior contracts in collaboration with the Head of Primary and Student Support Resources team (SSR) (if applicable) following the Student-Parent Handbook guidelines.
Academic & Instructional Leadership
Provide instructional leadership by observing and evaluating teachers, providing constructive feedback, and facilitating professional development opportunities.
Support with beginning of the year training to Teaching Assistants.
Support in the coordination of school-wide assessments, data analysis, and interpretation to inform instructional decision-making and improve student achievement.
Hold regular meetings with faculty members, academic leadership team, and the Student Support Resources (SSR) department when asked by the Head of Primary.
Support and model professional learning by staying updated with educational trends, research, and best practices, and providing recommendations for continuous improvement.
Provide professional development to teachers when applicable.
Strategic Planning & School Growth
Assist in the development of annual Primary School goals to support the fulfillment of the school’s strategic plan.
Assist in the development of strategies with the leadership and academic team to enhance the performance and wellbeing of the Primary School faculty and staff.
Participate in the school’s accreditation process.
Assist in processing applications for admission into the Primary Section of MIS.
Personnel, Recruitment & Support
Assist in the recruitment, hiring, and orientation of new faculty members and substitute teachers.
Ensure that Primary School teachers receive the appropriate support and resources to provide students with high quality learning experiences.
Communication & Community Engagement
Promote a welcoming environment for members of the wider school community into the school.
Work collaboratively to facilitate coordination and alignment between the Preschool, Primary School, and Secondary School.
Liaise with other international schools in order to enhance the school’s development and profile.
Attend meetings, professional development sessions, and conferences to enhance professional growth and keep abreast of educational developments.
Other Duties
Performs other duties as assigned, which may change at any time with or without notice.
Qualifications
A university degree in Education or a closely related field is required; an advanced degree in Educational Leadership is preferred.
Teaching and academic leadership experience.
Experience leading a team in a multicultural environment.
Communicate effectively in English and Spanish, both orally and in writing.
Knowledge of the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) & accreditation process.
Salary and Benefits
A competitive salary package commensurate with experience, including medical and supplemental benefits, tuition discount for dependent children, retirement offerings, and paid time off.
Work Environment
This job operates in a professional office in a school setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. It requires constant interaction with stakeholders in a variety of settings. This job operates indoors and outdoors.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
“Core” work days are Monday through Friday. The precise length of day may vary. Availability during occasional nights and weekend events.
Travel
Some out-of-area travel may be expected, but is not common.
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position. If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification form, I-9. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States.
Equal Opportunity Employer
MIS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable law.
