Director

Director

The dedicated professionals at School Vest are looking for a steadfast leader with a clear communication style and a hands-on approach—someone who is confident, unafraid to make tough decisions, and open about their appreciation for the team. We are looking for a school principal with the courage to work with the energetic team and parents to consolidate the developments already underway and, building on this strong foundation, take the next steps toward future-proof education.

As the principal of School Vest, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of our 390 students, alongside a dedicated team of approximately 40 education professionals. Your team consists of teachers, subject specialists, teaching assistants, administrative staff, and a technical assistant, all of whom are driven by a passion for education and strive to provide the best possible experience for our students.

In recent years, School Vest has undergone an impressive transformation. By enhancing the quality of our teaching through DPL/EDI and implementing the Kanjer Method to create an even better educational environment, we have made significant progress of which we are proud. It is our ambition to continue to foster and build upon this progress, which is why we are seeking an inspiring leader who will maintain the focus on implementing our quality agenda, as outlined in the school and Strategic Plan.

A key component of our School Plan is the continued development of a professional culture. Our new leader will engage in professional dialogue with colleagues, provide clarity, and be willing to enforce the standards we set. Things may get a little tense at times, but you can handle that. You are also an empathetic leader who cares about the well-being of the team and is willing to offer support when needed. You understand the importance of showing appreciation and regularly giving positive feedback and compliments to your team members.

School Vest is part of the Dordtse Schoolvereniging, a small association that offers ample opportunities for initiative and entrepreneurship. As director, you will have significant influence over policy and the freedom to act independently. We are a hands-on organization that does a lot on our own, but we also don’t hesitate to bring in outside expertise when necessary to ensure we make the right decisions. Your substantial contribution is therefore highly valued by our team.

It is also important that you meet regularly with your colleagues at the daycare center and preschool to ensure a consistent educational approach and to coordinate organizational matters.

This is you

You are an inspiring leader who prioritizes trust and connection. You know how to inspire, challenge, and motivate your team through a strong bond. Setting clear guidelines and keeping priorities in check comes naturally to you.

A few key points:

• Ideally, you have experience leading teaching teams and understand how policy affects day-to-day classroom practice.
• Being listed in the school leaders' registry is a plus, but if you are not yet listed, you are willing to complete the necessary training.
• Please note that we invite both experienced and entry-level directors, assistant directors, construction coordinators, and project managers to apply

This is us:

School Vest is located in a beautiful, spacious school building in the heart of Dordrecht. We challenge our students to become more independent and responsible. Starting in fourth grade, all students have their own Chromebook. In addition to a strong focus on basic skills, we offer many opportunities for sports, culture (Vest is a museum school), remedial instruction, and education for gifted students.

What we offer you:

• The position is classified in pay grade D12 (Cao PO).
• This is a position of approximately 36 hours per week.
• You will be offered a one-year contract with the express intention of converting it into a permanent position.
• We offer coaching and a wide range of training opportunities. Whether you want to specialize or broaden your knowledge, the Dordrecht School Association will support you in developing your talents to the fullest.
• The start date is scheduled for August 1, 2024.

In conclusion: our students

Our students’ voices have also been heard and valued in the search for our new school principal. They offer valuable insights into what they consider important in a leader.

Our students see the principal as someone who is involved in day-to-day operations, even if sometimes from a distance. They appreciate it when the principal comes into the classroom to share something or just to observe. The fact that the principal is available during breaks and stops by for a chat from time to time is also appreciated.

When it comes to their expectations for the new principal, the students emphasize the importance of listening carefully and taking their ideas and concerns seriously. They want the principal to be open to discussion and transparent about changes within the school. They also stress that the principal can be strict, but not too strict, and that attention should be paid to improvements such as organizing lunch break supervision and reducing stress related to Cito tests.

In addition, the students share their enthusiasm for School Vest, with its spacious and bright environment, diverse range of courses, and supportive teachers. They appreciate the Kanjer training, but note that there is room for improvement and variety.

In short, the students are actively involved in school life and are looking forward to a principal who takes their views seriously and can help the school grow in a way that meets their needs and expectations.

Interested?

We look forward to receiving your response by Tuesday, May 22, 2024. You may submit your resume and cover letter directly via the application form, addressed to Ms. Pien Verwilligen, Director. Email address: p.verwilligen@dsvag.nl

We look forward to hearing from you and would love to welcome you as a new colleague!

Information

Do you have any questions or would you like to learn more about this job opening? Please contact Pien Verwilligen or feel free to stop by for a visit. We’d be happy to show you around our beautiful school.

• The interviews are tentatively scheduled for June 5 and 12, 2024. We would very much like to complete the process by June 2024. Please note: Quality comes before speed, so we will take the time needed to ensure a good match.
• An assessment may be part of the process.