This position offers a unique opportunity for an American principal to serve in a public school of a host country as an administrator in that country’s school system.
The School/Community
The John F. Kennedy School is a public school of the city of Berlin. Established more than 60 years ago, it serves a student body of about 1700 students (60 % German, 30 % American, 10 % other nationalities) in grades K-13 of whom 850 are in the High School. Unlike an international school, the Kennedy School is a German public school under the direction of the Berlin School District. The Berlin State Department of Education is responsible for the overall operation of the school. A ten-member Educational Directorate, comprised of representatives from the U.S. Embassy, the Berlin government, and the parent body, functions in a board of education capacity. As a public school, no tuition is charged. The school year consists of two semesters normally extending from mid-August to early July. This bilingual, bicultural school combines the best of both educational systems and holds membership in the Educational Collaborative for International Schools.
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.
Berlin is a cosmopolitan city of more than 4 million inhabitants. The city has been the focal point of European and world politics for the past century and has reassumed its role as capital of Germany as of summer 1999. The city offers unsurpassed cultural opportunities including museums, theaters, concerts, opera, and ballet. Public parks, lakes, and natural preserves combined with the city’s rich historic tradition and vibrant night life make it one of the most livable capitals of the world. Berlin has a fine public transportation system and has excellent rail, air, and highway connections with all major European cities.
Curriculum/Faculty
The curriculum combines features of both the American and German educational systems. Instruction is in German and English. American students learn German through required formal, daily lessons beginning in the third grade. The program at all levels is designed to accommodate American children who have little or no knowledge of the German language. Classes in remedial reading and Math are available in the elementary school. The Kennedy School emphasizes academic excellence.
There is a one-year probationary period following acceptance for all students. The secondary school, grades 7-12, is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and offers students the possibility to attain the American High School Diploma and/or the German Abitur. A comprehensive Advanced Placement program is also offered.
Newly accepted American students with no knowledge of the German language receive additional support. As their proficiency in German increases, they participate in classes where the medium of instruction is bilingual German and English, or predominantly German. French, Spanish, and Latin are also taught as foreign languages. Religious instruction is offered on an optional basis.
Numerous extra-curricular activities are available for both elementary and high school students. Musical performances, drama productions, clubs, and Model United Nations are particularly strong features of the school’s program. Students may also become involved in various individual and team sports, in student government, and in yearbook, or literary publications. For older students, class trips are scheduled to Austria, England, France, Spain, Italy, and within Germany, depending on the particular grade level, which promote German-American integration among students.
There were 127 full-time and 38 part-time faculty members during the 2023-2024 school year, including 69 U.S. citizens, 94 host country nationals, and 2 persons of other nationalities. All staff are fully trained and certified according to either American or German state standards.
The Position
The American High School Principal is one of a team of four principals at the Kennedy School. There are two principals at the High School level, one German and one American. The same applies to the Elementary School. One of the four principals is elected by the principals to serve as the Managing Director or Head of School.
The American High School Principal performs the following duties:
- Coordinates faculty recruitment and hiring of new staff
- Participates in new teacher orientation program
- Evaluates and supervises staff
- Oversees development of curriculum and its appraisal
- Organizes professional development opportunities
- Supervises development and implementation of schedule for staff and students
- Sets the tone and spirit of the High School
- Promotes and advances team structures
- Conducts day to day operations of the High School
- Involves parents appropriately in school affairs
- Carries out the policies of the Educational Directorate
- Shares responsibility for development of school budget
- Supervises the expenditure of school budget
- Maintains liaison with U.S. Embassy
- Serves on various school related organizations and boards
- Coordinates Trust Fund and U.S. Grant activities
Qualifications
- United States citizenship
- Certification as a high school principal from one of the fifty U.S. states
- Recent experience as a principal in a school of similar size in the United States or in an overseas school
- Substantial background in teaching at the high school level
- Academic qualification with minimum of a M.A. degree
- Evidence of ability to lead, motivate, and evaluate staff
- Knowledge of German or commitment to learn the language
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
- Ability to contribute as an administrative team member
- Appreciation of and desire to live and work in a bicultural atmosphere
- Strong commitment to international understanding
- Ability to adopt flexibly to a new culture
- Knowledge of current U.S. educational practices
Additional qualities desirable:
- Earned doctorate
- Experience as Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent
- Ability to serve as Managing Principal
Terms and Conditions
An initial two-year contract will be offered, beginning in August 2024. Applicants will be interviewed online. The finalists will then be scheduled for virtual interviews with the Educational Directorate and other organizations belonging to the school community. Selection expected in May 2024.
Salary paid in Euros based upon age and degree. 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.
