Position:
Elementary School Vice Principal & PYP Coordinator

Reports to:
Elementary School Principal

Working at Canadian Academy: 

CA's Elementary School is a highly collaborative professional environment where innovation is encouraged, and student learning and well-being drive everything we do. Grade-level teams work closely together and learn from one another, and opportunities for professional development abound. A low student-teacher ratio and a stimulating, well-resourced, technology-rich environment make this an exceptional place to teach. Our teachers get to know their students well, both in and out of the classroom, and work together to ensure that every student is appropriately challenged and supported.

Canadian Academy teachers inspire minds and nurture compassion by providing a rich and engaging program that develops students' skills, promotes curiosity and love of learning, and prioritizes well-being. All students follow the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) in PK-Grade 5; teaching and learning are enriched by opportunities for exploration in the arts, athletics, outdoor education, service, and more.

Position Overview:

The Elementary School Vice Principal and IB PYP Coordinator is a key leadership role within Canadian Academy's Elementary School, responsible for supporting the academic, social, and emotional development of learners from Early Years through Grade 5.

As both a divisional leader and the IB PYP Coordinator, the Vice Principal ensures the effective implementation of the PYP framework while fostering a positive, inclusive, and collaborative school culture. This role provides instructional leadership, promotes evidence-based teaching practices, and ensures that the school's learning program meets high standards of quality, consistency, and alignment with CA's Definition of High-Quality Learning and the IB philosophy.

The Vice Principal works closely with the Elementary School Principal, Counselor, Instructional Coach, and faculty to provide a holistic and engaging learning experience for every child, and to nurture a culture of professional growth, collaboration, and innovation among educators.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership and Programme Development

• Provide pedagogical leadership across the Elementary School to ensure high-quality, inquiry-based learning and teaching within the IB PYP framework.
• Lead the ongoing implementation and evaluation of the PYP, ensuring alignment with CA's mission and IB standards and practices.
• Facilitate collaborative planning, unit design, and assessment moderation across grade levels.
• Support faculty in developing transdisciplinary units of inquiry and integrating conceptual, skills-based, and student-led approaches to learning.
• Partner with the Director of Learning to coordinate professional development, training, and resource allocation related to the PYP and divisional goals.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), maintaining compliance with all authorization and evaluation requirements.

Leadership and Administration

• Collaborate with the Principal in overseeing daily operations, school improvement planning, and the development of systems that support student learning and well-being.
• Support the recruitment, supervision, and evaluation of faculty, contributing to a culture of reflection and continuous professional growth.
• Lead scheduling and class placement processes to ensure balanced groupings and equitable learning experiences.
• Promote and uphold policies related to behavior, safety, and academic expectations.
• Assume leadership of the division in the Principal's absence.

Pastoral Care and Positive Community Development

• Work closely with the Counselor and Principal to ensure the holistic well-being of all students.
• Promote restorative practices and developmentally appropriate approaches to behavior that build accountability, empathy, and belonging.
• Champion student agency, inclusion, and voice in shaping the culture of the Elementary School.
• Support transitions into and out of the Elementary School, collaborating with Early Learning and Middle School teams.
• Ensure that all teachers utilize the appropriate resources and allocate designated time in the schedule for building community and fostering a sense of belonging among students.  

Collaboration, Coaching, and Professional Learning

• Model effective teaching and co-teach with colleagues to promote instructional excellence.
• Facilitate professional learning communities that focus on reflection, inquiry, and innovation.
• Foster a sense of teacher agency, encouraging autonomy, professional confidence, and shared responsibility for student learning outcomes.

Family and Community Engagement

• Communicate clearly and consistently with families about the Elementary School's learning program and priorities.
• Build positive relationships with parents and caregivers through both formal and informal engagement.
• Represent CA at school and community events, strengthening connections across the broader CA community.
• Engage actively in regional and international professional networks.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in Educational Leadership or related field strongly preferred.
• Significant experience as a teacher and/or leader in an IB PYP school.
• Demonstrated understanding of curriculum design, assessment, and pedagogy for early childhood and elementary learners.
• Proven ability to lead professional learning and facilitate team collaboration.
• Deep understanding of student well-being, behavior guidance, and restorative practices.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Experience in international and multicultural settings preferred.

Personal Attributes

• Warm, approachable, and student-centered.
• Culturally responsive and inclusive in practice.
• Collaborative, collegial, and community-minded.
• Reflective, adaptable, and growth-oriented.
• Skilled communicator with strong interpersonal and cross-cultural awareness.
• Committed to the mission and values of Canadian Academy.