eab head of school position description

AmericAn School of BrASiliA (eAB)

BrASiliA, BrAzilheAd of School

July 2017www.eABdf.Br

1The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates [email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com

The PoSiTionLearners Inspiring Learners. That is what the community at the American School of Brasilia (Escola Americana de Brasilia - EAB) does each and every day. Since 1961, this exemplary school has provided an international education that prepares students for success and leadership in a global world. Three distinct diploma programs—American, Brazilian, and International Baccalaureate—provide various opportunities for each student to pursue his or her own educational goals and forge his or her unique path. The result is a school composed of 674 students of 45 nationalities, who come together with their families, teachers, and administrators to form a powerful sense of community. EAB is a serious school that is open, warm, kind, supportive, respectful, and, above all, human.

The foremost international school in the capital of the second largest Western Hemisphere economy, EAB has enjoyed a remarkable period of growth, strengthening, and consolidation. The school is healthy and vibrant, filled with talented teachers and administrators and characterized by an innovative and student-centered environment. At this time, the school seeks a new Head to lead it toward an even brighter future. This is an excellent career opportunity for a passionate educator with the capacity to lead and inspire the school community while carefully managing operations and prudently overseeing its financial well-being. The new Head will be culturally sensitive with a high EQ. S/he will be a good listener, a transparent leader, an effective recruiter, and a champion of the unique culture of Brazil.

School hiSToryJust one year after the inauguration of Brasilia as the federal capital of Brazil, the need for an English-language school became apparent as embassies, missionaries, and businesses began to transfer offices to the new

capital. In March of 1961, the U.S. Embassy asked the Franciscan Sisters of St. Anthony’s Parochial School to undertake the task of educating their children in English. The result was a school based on the American model, supplied with resources and materials by American missionaries and embassy personnel. The school opened in April of 1962 with just three students, but by the following year, 17 students were enrolled. Over the next few years, the school grew quickly. In 1967, the school building was completed to house a small but growing community of 70 students.

Mission

Learners inspiring learners to be inquisitive in life, principled in character, and bold in vision.

Vision

• Students: 674• Nationalities in student body: 45• Faculty members: 75• Faculty with advanced degrees: 63%• Students receiving full financial support: 10%

To positively impact the world through excel-lence in academics, activities, arts, leadership, and service.

Beliefs

All EAB Learners are: • Engaged in their own learning,• Principled in their learning and actions,• Collaborative to enhance learning for all,• Contributing positively to their learning

community.

Fast Facts


Today, EAB is fully accredited by AdvancEd and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, as well as by the Ministry of Education of the Federal District. It is also an authorized IB World School. Its 674 students in grades PK-12 learn in a diverse and inclusive community that values a whole-child approach to education grounded in EAB’s Five Pillars of Learning: Academics, Activities, Arts, Leadership, and Service.

The SchoolEAB is a diverse community that provides an English-language PK-12 education to its 674 students. Guided by its Five Pillars of Learning, EAB provides a student-centered education that focuses variously on academics, activities, arts, leadership, and service. Thus the student body comprises a group of curious, service-oriented global citizens. Students at EAB are encouraged to grow and contribute to their environment, preparing for success at EAB, in college, and beyond.

AcAdemicS

Beginning in the lower school, EAB faculty prepare students to succeed in a rapidly changing, challenging world. Faculty encourage a lifelong love of learning and a sense of responsible citizenship at all grade levels. The lower school’s educational program is designed to develop the understanding, skills, and attitudes to support these values. Through courses in literacy, math, science, social studies, music, visual arts, technology, and physical education, teachers help students optimize their academic potential and develop an understanding of themselves, of other people, and of the larger world. As lifelong learners, students strive to ask meaningful questions, to listen and be open-minded, to think critically and compassionately, to communicate their thoughts effectively, and to reflect on their own learning styles.

As responsible global citizens, students learn to demonstrate empathy and compassion as well as respect and tolerance for other traditions and for the planet. In an environment grounded in trust, respect, responsibility,


and caring, students gain the confidence to defend their own rights and values and to learn the opinions of their peers. The lower school is a secure, supportive, and multicultural environment where honesty, respect, and caring are key values.

These key characteristics continue in the middle and upper schools: student-centered learning communities dedicated to nurturing bold, caring, and creative learners who are empowered to meet the challenges and embrace the opportunities of a rapidly changing world. Faculty are committed to providing each child a balanced education based on EAB’s overarching vision of positively impacting the world through excellence in academics, arts, activities, athletics, leadership , and service. The individualized, innovative program in the middle and upper school empowers students to explore different paths and pursue individual passions in a supportive yet challenging environment. A 1:1 BYOD laptop program ensures that students are constantly abreast of the latest technology, learning how to be strong contenders in an increasingly connected world.

Middle school students enjoy unique opportunities to embark on experiential learning opportunities. Each year, EAB offers students unique opportunities to create connections to the Five Pillars while allowing choice and connection for middle school students. This year, trips included “Be an Adventurer in the Amazon,” “Be an Artisan in Pirenopolis and Sitio Pineiros,” “Be a Conservationist in the Pantanal,” and “Be a Surfer in Santa Catarina.”

In the Upper School, students can pursue the U.S. Diploma and/or the Brazilian Diploma, as well as the IB Diploma. Whichever route they choose to pursue, students must complete coursework in English/Portuguese, math, science, social studies, arts, PE, Foreign Languages, and Electives. As they move through the upper school, students strive

college AccePTAnceS

EAB graduates were recently accepted to the following colleges and universities, among others:• Bates College• Boston College• Boston University• Brown University• California Institute of

Technology• Columbia University• Cornell University• Dartmouth College• Emory University• George Washington University• Georgetown University• Harvard University• New York University• Northeastern University• Princeton University• University of California:

Berkeley, Davis, Irvine, LA, Riverside, SD, SB, SC

• University of Chicago• University of Michigan• University of Pennsylvania• University of Virginia• Yale University• ESPM - Sao Paulo• FACIPLAC - Brasilia• IESB - Brasilia• UNB• UNIP - Brasilia• McGill University• Queen’s University• City University London• Edinburgh University• King’s College London• Saint Andrew’s University• University of the Arts London• Nanyang Technological

University• University of Hong Kong• University of Bocconi• University of Utrecht• University of Pretoria, Cape

Town


to be engaged, principled, collaborative, contributing members of the school community. Through the IB program, students begin a two-year journey to gain the intellectual, personal, emotional, and social skills needed to live, learn, and work in a rapidly globalizing world. The IB program is a well-respected program worldwide and is currently implemented in 3,258 schools in 141 countries. Through the program, students study six subjects, complete an extended essay, follow a Theory of Knowledge course, and participate in Creativity, Action, Service.

The IB and other aspects of the upper school curriculum make students attractive to colleges worldwide. EAB’s college counseling center provides U.S. and international college-bound students the ability to understand the importance of finding a college match. Using smart navigational skills and practicing thoughtful decision-making, students work with the counseling center to acquire an aptitude in visualizing their compatibility with various institutions and career paths.

STudenT life

Arts and Athletics are both major parts of life at EAB. The Silvia Cancado Center for the Arts is the home of the Visual and Performing Arts center and is the place where students go to uncover their artistic potential. Students take exploratory art classes in lower and middle school, focusing on particular areas of interest in upper school. Students can choose from courses such as art themes, studio art, IB art, digital photo, and digital video. Those with an interest in the performing arts can pursue singing, acting, and instrumental work, as well as extracurricular opportunities in music, drama, band, and GleEAB.

The EAB Athletic Department is committed to excellence in academics and athletics. The school allows students to participate in interscholastic competitions, which helps them learn the values of teamwork, discipline, commitment, and the pursuit of victory with honor. Students are taught to adhere to the rules of competition and sportsmanship, displaying character both on and off the field. Students can participate in varsity sports including basketball, cheerleading, jiu-jitsu, soccer, strength/conditioning, futsal, softball, and volleyball.

In addition to artistic and athletic pursuits, students can become involved in a wide range of activities, including Community Service Club, EAB Goes Green, Global Issues Network, Model United Nations, National Honor Society, and Student Council. At EAB, there is an outlet for each interest and passion.


BrASiliA, BrAzilIn 1960, Brazil’s capital moved from Rio de Janeiro to the more central location of Brasilia. A uniquely beautiful city, Brasilia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its assortment of modernist architecture and its artistic city planning, which was completed by architect Lucio Costa from 1956 until 1960.

The city enjoys a tropical climate, with wet, mild winters and warm, dry summers. The city features a large artificial lake, Paranoa Lake, which increases the available water and humidity in the region. Divers, swimmers, boaters, and windsurfers flock to the lake throughout the year.

Brasilia is a vibrant cultural and civic center, with 124 embassies, various art galleries and museums, and a thriving music scene. In June, Brasilia hosts large festivals (“festas juninas”) to celebrate Catholic saints including Saint Anthony of Padua, Saint John the Baptist, and Saint Peter.

Brasilia is heavily frequented by tourists, who visit the Ministries on the Monumental Axis, the Palaces of the President, and the “Praca dos Tres Poderes,” or Square of Three Powers government building. There are a plethora of waterfalls, hiking, and rural tourism day trip opportunities.

Like many of their national compatriots, residents of Brasilia are major football (soccer) fans. Brasilia was one of the host cities of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and will host football tournaments during this summer’s Olympic Games.

oPPorTuniTieS And chAllengeSThe next Head of School at the American School in Brasilia will enjoy opportunities to:

• Promote learning and growth for every member of the EAB community, driven by a continuous spirit of improvement, with excellent resources for teaching and learning, and teacher professional development.

• Lead a school with a powerful and caring sense of community.• Oversee dedicated international and Brazilian administration and faculty.• Uphold the school’s reputation as a leader in quality education and professional development.• Maintain EAB’s enviable position of financial strength and a healthy reserve fund.• Collaborate with a self-appointed Board of Trustees that honors principles of good governance.• Promote EAB in the Associations of American Schools in Brazil and South America and other school

associations.

The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 6 [email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com

The next Head of School will be challenged to:

• Ensure Brazil’s current economic contraction and political uncertainties do not undermine EAB’s strong educational program and ability to achieve its mission.

• Fully realize a fledgling development campaign to raise funds and execute a three-phase, advanced Facilities Master Plan, while also supporting the well-maintained but mid-century school facilities.

• Oversee the continued recruitment, development, and retention of top faculty and school leaders given the recent devaluation of the Brazilian currency.

• Consolidate the rapid and successful improvements in all aspects of EAB’s program over the last five years to provide a stable platform for future growth and development.

• Lead an international school operating within the context of the Brazilian education system, in which the school must always be sensitive to dealing diplomatically and effectively with government agencies and bureaucracy.

QuAlificATionS And QuAliTieS of The nexT heAd of School• A proven record of outstanding educational leadership, including recruiting, developing, and retaining

world-leading faculty and staff.• A community leader with excellent people skills and high emotional intelligence. Personable, approachable,

and culturally sensitive. • A progressive educational leader who is committed to PK-12 education• Able to master and balance complex institutional, financial, and managerial priorities while supporting

and empowering the school leadership team and faculty. • Commitment to facilities development and willingness to lead fundraising efforts.• A creative and innovative leader who embraces the school culture of transparency and openness.• Curiosity for and appreciation of Brazil and Brazilian culture. Portuguese fluency would be helpful, but a

willingness to learn is most important.• A willingness to commit for a significant period of time.

The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 7 [email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com

To APPlyInterested and qualified candidates should submit electronically in one e-mail as separate documents the following materials to Art Charles, Fred Wesson, and John Chandler of Carney, Sandoe & Associates:

• Cover letter expressing interest in the EAB position;• Current résumé;• Statement of educational philosophy and practice;• List of five references with name, phone number, and e-mail address of each.

ArT chArleS | fred weSSon | John chAndler

Senior Search [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected]

cArney, SAndoe & ASSociATeS

eab head of school position description

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