Photos
Job Qualifications
- a US teaching/school administration license preferred
- master's degree preferred
- bachelor's degree required
- familiarity and experience implementing the US Common Core State Standards and NGSS
- experience with curriculum development and instructional coaching
- a desire to work as a leader, while teaching 1-2 middle/high school classes
- a desire to work as part of a co-principalship with the elementary principal (or as vice-principal to the school's principal)
- experience working/living in a developing country
- experience managing budgets
- experience managing building maintenance
- experience with Expeditionary Learning and Restorative Justice
- experience maintaining and creating relationships with various community, volunteer and government agencies
- cultural sensitivity and an adventurous attitude
Job Benefits
- Paid flight to RMI at start of contract. Paid return flight at end of contract.
- Housing stipend
- $120 (pre-tax) utilities support
- 40% off tuition for employee children
Company Description
Majuro Cooperative School was founded in 1975 by a small group of concerned parents who wanted to provide their children with a high-quality education. Co-op was first accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges in March 1994. In April 1997, the school was awarded a 3-year extension of its term of accreditation. It was revisited again in March of 2000, obtaining another 3-year term of accreditation, which was subsequently extended for an additional two years through 2005, and then again through 2007. In July of 2007 the school was accredited for three years through to the summer of 2010. In 2010 the school was given a six year accreditation by WASC. A six year accreditation was obtained by the school in 2016 with brief visits before 2022. Delayed by the pandemic, in 2023 Coop recently received a new 6 year accreditation with a planned mid-cycle visit in 2026.
Our Student Population
The school has grown significantly since its early days as a one teacher school with a single classroom. There are currently 370 students (about half boys and half girls) enrolled at Co-op, representing diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. The current ethnic/nationality makeup of the student body is very similar to what it was in the late 1990s. This is reflective of the fact that a consistently large number of Marshallese parents have chosen to send their children to Majuro Cooperative School because of its remarkable academic record.
The large percentage of Marshallese attending Co-op means that English is a second language for the majority of students. For the vast majority of Co-op students, even those who have one parent who is a first language English speaker, the language that they use with their family and friends is Marshallese, and English is used only at school. The need for strong English skills underlies the school’s policy of starting English language instruction from the earliest grades in an effort to develop fluency in written and oral English among the students.
A significant challenge for the Marshall Islands is its transition from a rural, largely subsistence way of life to a highly urban, cash economy. Today, with more than 2/3 of the population living in the two major urban centers, cultural norms through the extended family system that governed the society for generations are breaking down.
Job Description
The Elementary Principal is an instructional leader responsible for the academic program, staff supervision, student wellbeing, and operational effectiveness of the Elementary division (ECE–Grade 5), while working in partnership with the Middle/High School Principal as part of a shared leadership structure supporting schoolwide policy implementation, accreditation requirements, staff culture, and strategic direction.
The Elementary Principal supports implementation of the school’s mission, vision, guiding principles, and Expected Schoolwide Learning Results.
This shall be done through the performance of the following duties and actions:
Instructional Leadership.
Leads recruitment, supervision, and evaluation of Elementary division staff, in coordination with the MS/High School Principal to ensure alignment with schoolwide expectations.
Communication of standards for curricular and instructional quality and student achievement, and observation and assistance for staff in the implementation of effective teaching and assessment strategies.
In collaboration with the MS/High Principal, monitoring and evaluation of the instructional programs to promote achievement of the Expected School-Wide Learning Results and academic standards.
Monitoring student performance and ensuring that instructional strategies, resources, and materials promote maximum student achievement.
The elementary Principal will train and monitor Teacher Assistants within the Elementary division.
Principals will support short term coverage in the event of teachers’ absences (e.g sick or personal leave).
Supports the vision, mission, and goals of the school with team centered work ethics and student centered actions.
Supports continuity of school operations during leadership absences.
Management and Reporting.
Working collaboratively with the Finance Officer, MS/High Principal, and the school board to prepare the school yearly budget.
Follow school guidelines for purchasing curriculum and school materials.
Prepares and presents reports to the Board on Elementary division progress, needs, and priorities as required.
In collaboration with the Leadership Team, seeks resources, including staff, materials, and funding, to achieve school critical learner needs.
Ensures that all measures are implemented to maintain a safe environment to promote the health, safety, and security of staff and students. This is accomplished through oversight of teaching and non-teaching personnel, including maintenance, kitchen, security, and office administrative staff; enforcement of policies relating to child protection; and review of proper administration emergency procedures.
Oversees non-teaching personnel assigned to the Elementary division: kitchen, and office administrative staff. Note: the MS/High Principal is assigned to the maintenance and security.
In collaboration with MS/High Principal, and other stakeholders support WASC accreditation process of creating a school reflection, report, and to implement and review a schoolwide action plan based on critical learner needs and in accordance with school expected school wide learning results.
In collaboration with the MS/High Principal, prepare monthly reports for the Board to communicate progress on action plan, grant requirements, long term planning, staff reviews and ongoing needs.
Reviewing budget with Leadership Team in appropriate reporting of revenue and expenses.
Monitor teacher and staff absences, reporting absences to the Financial Officer, and ensuring class coverage.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors or agreed upon within the Leadership Team.
School/ Community Relations.
Effective and interactive communication with stakeholders, including Board of Directors, PTA, parents and PTA Board.
Promote positive school participation within the community at large, in accordance with critical learner needs and Expected Schoolwide Learning Results.
Foster excellent school/community relations by keeping the community aware of and responsive to school events, activities, and the athletic program.
Encourage positive and cooperative relationships between the school and community agencies and offices.
Create, review, and sustain a variety of opportunities for parent and community involvement in school activities and student learning.
Help teachers communicate effectively with parents and community members.
Student Support.
Ensures that all students receive support and services to promote growth in intellectual, physical, social and emotional development through academic, wellness, and extracurricular activities.
Provide opportunities and clear pathways for students to communicate their ideas and perspectives in regards to both the school community or other areas as needed.
Climate.
Initiate and maintain strategies to promote collegiality and collaboration among staff.
Involve parents, staff, students and community in efforts to create and maintain a positive learning environment.
Supervise the standards of conduct for students and staff members to develop and promote a positive school climate.
Promote and uphold standards for appropriate student behavior in line with school policies, using restorative practices that support accountability, reflection, and positive relationships.
Manage conflict and (emergency) crisis situations.
Supporting the COOP school community members in the process of addressing and solving challenges within stated school policy and procedures.
Professional Relationships & Expectations:
Respect for Marshallese Manit (custom) in dress and behavior
Models desire to learn about Marshallese culture and collaborate with teachers to incorporate it into the curriculum.
Models Expected Schoolwide Learning Results and can effectively communicate school mission and vision in a compelling manner
Communicates effectively, both orally and in writing, with students, parents, and other professionals
Collaborates with peers to maximize student learning and enhance instructional environment
Models professional and ethical standards when dealing with students, parents, peers, and community
Meets professional obligations through efficient work habits such as meeting deadlines, honoring schedules, collaborating with peers, punctuality, and working with parents to maximize scholar learning
Facilitates teacher-parent relationships in the areas of academics, discipline, and student support services
Schedules private parent teacher conferences as necessary and/or requested when students
Additional Expectations:
Be on campus and available for consultation with parents, students, and staff between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., daily
Attend and support (lead when required) school events and functions throughout the school year (Halloween Carnival, Holiday Show, Graduation and Talent Show are some of these events)
Attend monthly staff meetings, monthly/quarterly PTA meetings, Team Planning Time (TPT) and RTi meetings.
Attend board meetings.
Co-leads the WASC accreditation process in collaboration with the MS/High School Principal and WASC Coordinator.
Conduct professional development opportunities for teachers and staff based on school needs.