Elementary School American Principal

American Elementary School Principal for 2025-2027

BASIC FUNCTION: Under the direction of the Superintendent (Berlin Senate) and Managing Principal (JFKS)

Plan, organize, and direct the instructional programs, operations, facilities and personnel for an elementary school (EC-6); assure a safe and positive learning environment for the students and staff; implement mission and goals of school.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• United States citizenship
• Recent experience as a principal in a US school preferred; minimum of three (3) years of teaching experience.
• Valid Elementary Principal Certificate/License, as well as valid teaching certificate, issued by one of the US States.
• Master’s degree
• Proven background in instruction, assessment & professional development

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Serve as member of Elementary School, as well as the All-School Administrative leadership team
• Interview, select, and evaluate certificated and classified American personnel; manage American teacher contracts.
• Plan and direct the business operations of school; develop and administer budgets; assure proper allocation of funds for instructional and non-instructional equipment and materials.
• Direct the evaluation and revision of curricular and instructional programs in cooperation with the Superintendent; communicate with teachers to assure instructional programs meet student needs and Berlin curriculum requirements.
• Liaison with U.S. Embassy and Dept. of State and Office of Overseas Schools
• Establish, coordinate and maintain communication with community and parent groups.
• Prepare and write correspondence, bulletins and other communications on behalf of the school; arrange for school-level public relations and publicity within the JFKS community for special events and achievements, as appropriate.
• Oversee attendance, behavior management, counseling, guidance and other student support services; provide individual academic and personal counseling to students and parents.
• Oversee and complete admissions for grades EC-6 including admissions processes and procedures, managing and overseeing staff, reporting to Board and Superintendent as needed. Ensure adherence to admissions regulations. 
• Direct the implementation of staff development and in-service training; update staff on revised policies and procedures and implement changes.
• Attend, conduct and chair a variety of meetings with faculty, parents, community representatives and US Embassy Berlin; represent the school at Board, State and community functions.

• Ability to learn German school law and applicable sections of the State Education Code, state curriculum requirements, and board policies, procedures and regulations.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Operating knowledge of computers and Google Suite.
• Perform related duties as assigned. 
• Show an interest in learning German.

John F. Kennedy School

The John F. Kennedy School is a public school of the city of Berlin. Established in 1960, it serves a student body of 1650 pupils (55% German, 45 % American) in grades K-12. Unlike an international school, the Kennedy School is a German public school organized under the Berlin government. The Berlin State Department of Education is responsible for the overall operation of the school. As a public school, no tuition is charged. This bilingual, bicultural school combines the best of both educational systems and is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. 

Located in Zehlendorf, a residential area in the southwest of Berlin, the school’s 10 buildings house an integrated elementary and high school. The school has 135 classrooms, nine science labs, two library-media centers, three computer labs, modern sport facilities, a fine arts and drama wing and a cafeteria.

The curriculum combines features of both the American and German educational systems. Instruction is in German and English. Classes in remedial reading and math are available in the elementary school. The Kennedy School emphasizes academic excellence, offering students the possibility to attain the American High School Diploma and/or the German Abitur. A comprehensive A.P. program is also offered.

There are currently 122 full-time and 34 part-time faculty members. All staff are fully trained and certified according to either American or German state standards.

Terms and Conditions

An initial two-year contract will be offered, beginning August 1, 2025. Applicants will be screened virtually. The finalists will then be flown to Berlin in February 2025 for interviews with the Educational Directorate and other organizations belonging to the school community. Selection expected in March 2025.

Salary paid in Euros based upon professional experience. Extra stipend for children, transportation for administrator and dependents to and from place of hire plus household-goods allowance. One-half comprehensive health and medical insurance.