THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BRUSSELS

EVERYONE INCLUDED, EVERYONE CHALLENGED, EVERYONE SUCCESSFUL

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY:

DIRECTORBRUSSELS, BELGIUM | PRESCHOOL – GRADE 12 | 1,514 STUDENTS | WWW.ISB.BE

+1-617-542-0260 ▼ www.carneysandoe.com

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APPOINTMENT: Spring 2014 – START: July 2015

The International School of Brussels (ISB) in Belgium seeks an experienced and dynamic Director to lead a community of 1,514 students age 2½ through 12th grade and an experienced, able faculty drawn from around the world. A truly international learning environment with students from more than 60 nationalities, ISB is one of Europe’s premier international schools. The School remains the only not-for-profit international school in Brussels that is neither religiously nor nationally affiliated. During its 62 years of history, the International School of Brussels has built a reputation for both respecting tradition and fostering innovation. This reputation is built on a bedrock of sound governance and management, with a self-perpetuating Board and a record of three Directors in thirty-two years. Using this continuity as a springboard, and a simple, compelling mission of “Everyone Included, Everyone Challenged, Everyone Successful” as the shared inspiration, ISB has created a new, coherent international curriculum, added 1:1 technology and developed an approach to learning support that is viewed as a model for inclusive education. All of this has been built around an unwavering commitment to a rich, balanced program of academics, arts and athletics.

ISB’s ability to blend tradition with innovation was recently recognized by the National Association of Independent Schools in its report on Schools of the Future, in which ISB was one of only 6 schools cited as examples, and the only one outside the USA. At the same time, ISB is, of course, a work in progress, with ambitious future plans including a comprehensive campus re-build. The visitor notes the strong sense of school community, and a community which is ambitious yet without presumption, elite without being elitist, and above all, inclusive.

This is an exceptional leadership opportunity for a forward-thinking educator with a strong interest in international education and an appreciation for working with multiple cultures. The next Director will continue ISB’s truly learning-focused approach, preserving the spirit of this wonderful school while finding ways to improve the quality of teaching and learning for all students. The position offers the right candidate the opportunity to work with a talented, dedicated board, a well-qualified faculty and a supportive community in a dynamic European city with a rich and diverse culture.

­——­THE OPPORTUNITY­­——

MISSIONEVERYONE INCLUDED, EVERYONE CHALLENGED, EVERYONE SUCCESSFUL

The International School of Brussels (ISB) offers a challenging, inclusive international education designed to give every student opportunities for success within and beyond our school. This education is provided by teams of outstanding, well-resourced teachers, working in world-class learning environments in a safe, secure campus.

The ISB experience is shaped by a spirit of community, characterised by students, parents, faculty and staff working together to achieve our goal of developing independent learners and international citizens.

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The International School of Brussels opened in 1951, with four teachers and 27 students between the ages of 5 and 11. In 1953, with an enrollment of more than 100 students, the school moved to its current home at the Château des Fougères, in the Brussels commune of Watermael-Boitsfort. In its early years, the entire school was housed in the Château but has now grown to include buildings for all four school divisions as well as a lifelong learning center. The school is financially sound with excellent reserves.

Today, the ISB learning experience is designed as a continuous journey of self-development from Preschool to High School graduation. Students engage with a coherent curriculum that is developmentally appropriate, tailored to each child’s individual learning needs, and preparative for a world beyond school. The innovative, standards-driven curriculum, The Common Ground Curriculum, is a unique model addressing the common human experience from the multiple perspectives of students. Embedded in this framework are standards and benchmarks in all learning areas, and the whole curriculum is supported by curriculum mapping technology. Over time, students develop the skills to analyze ideas, products and processes and master strategies which will help them systematically improve the quality of their own learning. Overall, the ISB program is specifically designed to achieve the school’s goals of developing “independent learners / international citizens” through a coherent, challenging learning continuum.

For 25 years, ISB has been a leading exponent of inclusive, innovative, international education and is committed to building a balanced community of learners with a diverse range of talents and abilities, including exceptionally high academic ability and a carefully managed number of students with diagnosed learning disabilities.

­——­THE SCHOOL­­——

FOUNDED

1951

FACULTY

226STAFF

99

STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO

8:1NATIONALITIES IN FACULTY

15

OPERATING BUDGET

€45M

NATIONALITIES IN STUDENT BODY

64FACULTY WITH ADVANCED DEGREE

50%

CURRENT ENROLLMENT

1,514

FINANCIAL AID BUDGET

€1.2M

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The ISB learning experience in the Early Childhood Centre (ages 2½ to 8) is focused upon providing a safe, nurturing environment. The goal is for children to: enjoy their first experience of school; develop a range of social skills and begin to learn how to be a team player; grow in confidence and gain a sense of their own ability to succeed at school; explore the early stages of the various literacies (reading, writing, mathematical) that will be key to all future learning. French begins in these early years and continues through all grades. In the Elementary School (grades 3–6), students build upon the foundation and continue to develop reading, writing, mathematical skills and knowledge. The children interact in a range of educational settings, working on their own and in groups as they learn to explore the world with curiosity and develop skills in problem solving and interpretation. They also enjoy a widening range of extra-curricular opportunities, including an extensive field-trip program.

In the Middle School (grades 7–9), students strengthen their independent learning skills and begin to pursue specific academic interests. In these grades, adapted courses provide challenge for the academically able, as well as learning support for those who need it. Students can study history, geography, science and art in French. Extended Field Trips to Brittany (grade 7), Normandy (grade 8) and the Loire Valley (grade 9) supplement the curriculum in all subject areas. A detailed Middle School curriculum guide is available on the ISB website, www.isb.be.

The High School (grades 10–12) offers a rich, varied program designed to meet ISB’s mission of inclusion, challenge and success for every student. The program is built on the cornerstones of Academics, Arts, Athletics and Advisory and each student’s ISB experience comprises a balance among these different strands. Two ISB High School Diplomas are offered, Academic and General. In addition to the ISB High School Diplomas, students can also study for:

­——­THE ACADEMIC PROGRAM­­——

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• The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP), an externally prescribed curriculum comprising six courses, three taken at higher level and three at standard level, an extended essay of 4000 words, a seminar course in the Theory of Knowledge and a CAS program.

• The Advanced Placement International Diploma (APID), a globally recognized certificate for students with an international focus. The APID challenges a student to display exceptional achievement on AP Exams across several disciplines.

• The Individualized Diploma for those with particular learning needs, which includes the ASDAN Lifeskills program and a CAS program.

ISB was among the first 50 schools in the world to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The IBDP has been an integral component of the life of ISB and shares much in common with the educational values of ISB’s own Diploma Programme and learner profile. ISB’s academic results are excellent and students regularly achieve a 97 percent success rate in the International Baccalaureate, against a worldwide average of 84 percent. The ISB World of Work Program offers High School students each year the opportunity to prepare for life beyond ISB through an annual Careers Day and regular panel conversations with professionals working in different fields. The Program also offers students, at the end of their grade 11, the opportunity to take up two-week internships with partner corporations and non-profit corporations in and around Brussels.

A detailed High School curriculum guide is available on the ISB website, www.isb.be. ISB graduates are well-rounded individuals who care about the world they live in and are ready to make their contribution. The academic program ensures that each graduate will be prepared to succeed in a challenging college curriculum, and each year, seniors are accepted to many of the world’s most selective colleges and universities.

The Arts programs at ISB offer students a wealth of opportunities for success, both on-campus and in other settings. Students have the opportunity to demonstrate their theatrical, musical, and aesthetic abilities through a regular series of events, including concerts, art shows, theatrical performances, and internationally organized events, such as AMIS Honor Festivals and ISTA theatre festivals. The arts play an integral role in the lives of ISB students.

ISB believes that all students should understand the value of physical well-being and leave school “fit for life.” For many ISB students, athletic activities are an integral part of their education and an opportunity to mature physically, emotionally and socially. The School recently launched the ISB Sports Continuum, designed to provide an authentic sports experience for every child. The Continuum is a strategic alignment of competitive sports and physical education programs, supported by collaborative partnerships and volunteer sports organizations and schools, local and international. With 56 teams across 14 sports, ISB has the largest Athletic Department of any school in Europe. In 2011, ISB consolidated its long partnership with the Brussels Sports Association by providing office space within the Château. Each year, ISB students from the Special Education classes compete in the Belgian Special Olympics.

ISB adopted 1:1 technology 6 years ago. The use of technology in support of learning and communication is now embedded in practice throughout the school.

A further strong thread in the fabric of the school’s program is the commitment to Service Learning, defined as a research-based learning method through which skills and knowledge acquired in the classroom are applied through planned action that addresses an authentic community need. During the 2011–2012 school year, ISB students across the Campus also successfully completed numerous Service Learning Projects that opened up new challenges and engaged them in collaborating on responses to a variety of social, economic or global issues.

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One of the most striking features of ISB is the extraordinary sense of community and the welcome it offers to families from dozens of countries around the globe. The school is inclusive, with a strong sense of international-mindedness; children are happy here. Students hail from 64 different nations; 87 students are children of faculty and staff. Last year, 90 students received 1 million Euros of financial assistance through the ISB Assisted Places Program (APP); the average award was 40 percent of full tuition. ISB graduates attend universities around the world including Hokkaido, King’s, Stockholm University, Université de Bordeaux, Bath, Brown, Mount Holyoke, Duke, Leiden, MIT, Yonsei, Wellesley, West Virginia, Michigan, and University of Alberta among many others.

Drawn from all over the world, ISB teachers bring intelligence, energy, commitment to students, passion for learning, a collaborative approach and a close alignment with the ISB mission. All new teachers take part in a well-developed mentorship program that supports them through their first year at ISB. Seven years ago, ISB introduced a program of Learning Institutes to support professional development and establish a core set of skills for international teachers. The ongoing Learning Institutes have become an important part of ISB teaching and are now open to non-ISB faculty from other local and international schools. ISB teachers appreciate that their administration is “accessible, approachable, and respectful.”

­——­COMMUNITY­­——

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The historic Château, dating back to 1854, and the first building that visitors see, houses the reception area and administrative offices. The building is protected by the Royal Commission for Monuments and Sites in Belgium. The remaining buildings include the four division classroom buildings and the performing arts center with a 350-seat theatre and a smaller studio theatre. The extensive music program is offered in the Metairie. Set within the magnificent Sonian Forest, the campus feels both open and well-appointed.

The Middle School building opened in 2001 and includes five fully-equipped science laboratories, an art room, and a large cafeteria with an outside eating area. An extensive library and media centre houses an extensive book collection, as well as educational databases, audio-visual material and periodicals.

The new High School, scheduled to open in September 2013, is a world-class, innovative facility, designed to reflect latest research on learning environments and sustainable building, as well as reflecting key principles of the ISB Common Ground Curriculum. Set in a European protected zone and with two historic buildings, ISB is committed to a Green Agenda and ensures that the legacy of the past is preserved and honoured. The School also plans ahead for new, stringent, environmental standards. In 2001, 2007 and 2010, the Brussels Institute of Environment awarded ISB its eco-star for the way in which it managed its environmental impact and ISB remains the only school in Belgium to receive this commendation.

Athletic facilities include two gyms, tennis courts, a well-equipped fitness center, and two all-weather sports fields with floodlights.

­——­CAMPUS AND SETTING­­——

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ISB is situated in the south-east quadrant of Brussels, in the tranquil municipality of Watermael-Boitsfort, about nine kilometers from the Grand Place (city center). It is easily reached by car, bus, train and tram. Watermael-Boitsfort is home to one of Belgium’s most successful Rugby Union teams and for many years the home of Hergé, the creator of The Adventures of Tintin. The 40-acre ISB Campus is situated within the Forêt de Soignes and much of this land is protected by European Law under the Natura 2000 policy. The forest is home to a number of rare plant and animal species, including a very rare 40cm tall black woodpecker.

Founded by a descendant of Charlemagne as a 10th-century fortress, Brussels is now the capital and largest city in Belgium, with a metropolitan area population of over 1.8 million. Brussels is a bilingual city (French/Dutch). Since the end of World War II, Brussels has been a center for international politics, serving as headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and of the European Union. In the same latitude as Newfoundland, Kiev, and London, Belgium has a prosperous economy and is counted among one of the most developed nations of the world (18th in global HDI index).

Brussels itself is a green, well-organized, safe, “manageable” city in which to live. In terms of the arts, fine dining and architecture, it makes an extremely attractive home, as evidenced by the length of stay of many of ISB staff (average 7 years), and within easy reach of a host of major European cities. Travel, both locally and internationally, is easy and affordable. Taxation in Belgium is high, but compensated for by outstanding services such as health care and transportation. As a general guide, ISB faculty and staff live in comfortable housing, own a car should they so choose, and travel widely. With over 20 percent of the population being expatriates, Brussels is a very friendly and easy place to live. The city genuinely welcomes ISB into the community.

­——­BRUSSELS­­——

“ISB is truly an international school with

international citizens.”

“ISB is more than a school.”

“People here embrace change.”

“I feel all my teachers really care about us. They want us

to succeed.”

“You don’t have to change to learn at ISB; ISB

will support you to learn.”

“We have the best of both worlds: we have the

resources and teachers care.”

“Every day I work here, I feel there is respect for

the individual; everyone’s work is valued.”

“Parents feel that they are a part of the school.”

“Our administrators are always looking for input to

improve the school.”

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ISB’s long history of success is underpinned by decades of continuity of governance and leadership. The self-perpetuating Board of Trustees, drawn from the parent body, has approximately 20 voting members, and three ex-officio members, including the ISB Director, plus a number of Honorary Trustees. The Board members are committed to ISB now, and to its future. The governance structure and the tradition of a strong relationship between the Board of Trustees and the school’s leadership have ensured continuous progress towards a shared vision and resilience in the face of short-term challenges. The Board works in three modes: stewardship, strategy and generative work and is experienced in all three. The Board is stable, strong, and collaborative.

Spending time at the school and absorbing its strong sense of identity and community one hears many comments about ISB as a learning community, academic institution, and model world school such as:

­——­GOVERNANCE AND DEVELOPMENT­­——

­——­WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT ISB­­——

If one can judge a school by its effectiveness in producing students who live up to the school’s mission, one would conclude that ISB has been extremely successful in meeting its goal of “independent learners / international citizens,” based on the extensive time CS&A consultants spent with ISB students, faculty, parents, administrators, and trustees.

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The next Director will lead a school full of rich history and strong traditions yet constantly looking ahead and considering the best course. ISB is a well-respected school not only in Europe but globally, with strong continuity of leadership, having had only three directors in the last 30 years. The campus setting and facilities are superior. The school consistently serves as a role model for other schools, particularly in the areas of curriculum and learning. The school’s culture and its strong educational leadership team support its mission of producing students who are independent learners and international citizens. What ISB offers a new Director:

• ISB’s reputation as a highly-respected school in the international community

• A strong organizational culture and mission: a diverse student body and commitment to produce students who are “independent learners / international citizens.”

• A history of collaboration with other schools to further international education, particularly in the area of curriculum.

• A palpable sense of community built on trust and transparency.

• A culture that embraces new ideas and uses innovation for continuous improvement.

• An exceedingly attractive campus with extensive facilities.

• A strong Leadership Team and supportive Board, with positive working relationships between the two and a strong commitment to common goals.

• Sixty years of history and traditions with a continuity of leadership that brings a stable platform for improvement.

­——­OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES­­——

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The Board and school community of ISB seek a dynamic, forward-looking educational leader with the experience and skills to manage a large, complex K–12 school, and who understands governance and can work with a committed, capable Board. The Director will need to be internationally-minded, with international experience, comfortable being part of a diverse, international community for many years. In addition, the new Director must be:

• Committed to and inspired by the school’s mission of “everyone included, challenged and successful.”

• A learning leader, dedicated to teaching for understanding, with a proven track record in curriculum implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

• Able to work with an experienced Leadership Team.

• Able to manage a large, complex K–12 school and deliver both excellent educational and operational results.

• Visible, approachable, and involved; a great internal and external communicator.

• Understanding of and supporting of development / fund-raising.

• Someone who knows how to build cohesion and a shared sense of purpose and is a firm decision-maker.

• Committed to the effective use of technology in support of the learning program.

• Willing to commit for a significant period of time.

• Able to refine the school’s vision and lead ISB forward in pursuit of:

ever better models of education and learning.

fully integrated curriculum and technology.

ways to further build and foster the ISB “Ecosystem,” including the school itself, partnerships with the corporate world and local and regional governments, and a thriving, connected alumni organization.

­——­QUALIFICATIONS AND QUALITIES SOUGHT IN THE NEXT DIRECTOR­­——

“Our goal is to build upon the school’s strong tradition of leadership, inclusion, and innovation; ensuring that it remains at the

forefront of international education.”

ISB TRUSTEE

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Interested candidates should submit the following materials confidentially as separate Word or PDF attachments in one e-mail to the consultants (below):

• Cover letter addressed to the search consultants expressing interest and detailing reasons for the perceived fit;

• Current résumé with education, experience, and related professional experience, showing roles, responsibilities, accomplishments, and value added;

• Statement of professional philosophy of teaching and learning, leadership practice and style, and program management;

• List of five supervisory references with names, phone numbers, and email addresses for each (references will be contacted only with the candidate’s permission).

~ International School of Brussels is an Equal Opportunity Employer ~

­——­HOW TO APPLY ­­——

Arthur H. Charles | Benjamin L. Bolté | John R. ChandlerCARNEY, SANDOE & ASSOCIATES 44 Bromfield Street, Boston, MA 02108

email: isb@carneysandoe.com www.carneysandoe.com