Elementary School Principal
Introduction
The Walworth Barbour American International School (WBAIS) will be launching a search for a new Elementary School Principal to join our leadership team in August 2027. This follows the announcement that our current Elementary School Principal, who has served our community for 8 years, will be moving on at the end of the 2026–2027 academic year.
We are seeking a dynamic, experienced educational leader, someone with substantial Elementary School leadership experience, who will contribute to our strategic goals, support a talented and dedicated faculty, and enrich our collaborative leadership culture.
WBAIS educators, leadership, teachers, and staff alike are united by a commitment to student success. They care deeply about the physical and emotional well-being of students, are passionate about learning, and are energized by the opportunity to work in a dynamic, inclusive, and diverse international community.
Our instructional practices emphasize:
- Active, student-centered learning
- Collaborative group work and team-building
- The authentic integration of technology
- Differentiated instruction responsive to student needs
- A clear focus on individual student growth and achievement
We look forward to welcoming a new leader who shares these values and is eager to help us shape the next chapter of WBAIS.
Apply here: https://wbais.bamboohr.com/careers/132
Note on Context:
Our school community continues to operate during an ongoing conflict in the Middle East. While the reality of the conflict presents challenges, it has also deepened our sense of purpose and strengthened our leadership team and faculty. Throughout this time, the safety of our students and staff has remained our top priority, and we are proud to say they have remained safe. We are confident that when the conflict ends, the resilience we've built will lead to an even stronger and more vibrant school community.
The Search Process
The deadline for applications is August 28, with a school visit for short-listed candidates as early as mid-September, and a final decision coming in October. We reserve the right to accelerate the process if we identify strong candidates early.
WBAIS and Israel
Established under the auspices of the American Embassy in 1958, The Walworth Barbour American International School in Israel (WBAIS) is an MSA-accredited, fully independent, co-educational day and boarding Early Years-Grade 12 international school, which offers a robust program leading to a US high school diploma. WBAIS encompasses two campuses, AIS in Even Yehuda and JAIS in Jerusalem.
AIS is located on a 19-acre campus in Even Yehuda, a residential community approximately 20 kilometers north of Tel Aviv. The campus includes four separate divisions: Early Years, Elementary School, Middle School, and High School. The school has state-of-the-art facilities, including a performing arts building with a 400-seat auditorium, full gym, cafeteria, library and media center, athletic fields, tennis and basketball courts, and an Olympic-sized pool.
With a present enrollment of 400 students representing over 30+ nationalities, AIS Israel is a diverse and vibrant community. Approximately 30% of AIS students are American, 40% from countries all over the world, and 30% are Israeli.
Main Responsibilities
The Elementary School Principal is responsible for all activities involving students, families, and faculty in the AIS Elementary School. They serve on the Executive Leadership Team and contribute updates and presentations to the Board.
We are looking for candidates with the following attributes:
- Exemplary communications skills in all formats, including written, spoken, presentational, and social media,
- Ability to promote transparency in a decision-making process,
- Ability to frame and communicate a clear and compelling instructional vision,
- Deep and up-to-date knowledge of effective leadership and instructional practices, including standards-based grading and formative assessment,
- Commitment to working as part of an Early Years-Grade 12 Leadership Team, and to help build connections between school divisions,
- Open-mindedness and flexibility, as well as an ability to foster creative solutions to problems,
- Willingness to collaborate,
- Exhibit self-confidence coupled with humility,
- Show sensitivity coupled with emotional resilience, and
- Have high social and emotional intelligence, ability to listen and empathize.
In addition, the Elementary School Principal will:
- Maintain congruence between the WBAIS mission and all activities of the ES division.
- Act as the educational leader of the division, responsible for its day-to-day operation, directing the activities of the members of the instructional team and the non-instructional staff in the performance of their duties.
- Serve as chief articulator of the ES program, associated expectations, behavioral guidelines, and other information necessary to ensure that all constituencies are fully informed, consistent with their individual roles.
- Observe, supervise, and evaluate faculty in the development and implementation of the curriculum, and review and evaluate the academic programs.
- Provide an orderly, safe learning environment and a school climate that is supportive and reflects high morale.
- Ensure compliance with legal requirements of government regulations and those agencies that examine and accredit the school.
- Make recommendations to the Superintendent regarding the hiring and assignment of faculty, as a part of a collaborative hiring process.
- Establish programs for the orientation of new teachers, for in-service training of all ES teachers, and ensure that teachers are familiar with and adhere to school policies and assumed practices in all areas of the school operation.
- Conduct regular meetings with faculty that deal both with routine school matters and with the exchange of ideas on issues of educational/philosophical import.
- Oversee the coordination of the co-curricular and extracurricular activity programs of the Elementary School; assist in the planning and presentation of school assemblies and programs; assist in maintaining a comprehensive calendar of school events; keep all constituents informed of various school programs and activities.
- Establish guidelines for proper student conduct and maintaining high expectations and high support for students.
- Be a visible presence in all areas of the school, keeping the Superintendent informed of the general programs and activities of the school.
- Prepare a master class schedule and assign teachers and students to classes and other duties.
- Serve as a consultant to teachers in matters of classroom management, teaching methods, and general school procedures.
- Assist in the admission process for the testing, interviewing, and evaluating of applicants for enrollment.
- Support the school and its leadership.
- Work with a mixed faculty of both locally hired and international teachers
- Recruit and retain strong teachers in an international environment
- Advocate for student agency in and outside the classroom
- Create consensus and manage change in a complex cultural environment,
- Use data or feedback for school improvement and innovation,
- Promote best practices for supporting all students,
- Help students, teachers, and parents navigate challenging or sensitive issues,
- Promote a compelling and informed vision of Elementary School education with an emphasis upon inquiry and deep learning,
- Ensure consistent policies and expectations,
- Promote adult development, including staff mentoring and supervision, professional development, and parent education, and
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.
Benefits
For US Citizen International Hire:
- Competitive, Tax-free salary
- Housing allowance
- Social Security Contribution
- Matched Retirement Contribution
- Shipping Allowance
- Settling in Allowance
- Purchase of a car tax-free
- Annual home leave
- Private and public health insurance, with an international option
- Robust professional development allowance
- Complete relocation assistance
- Tuition waiver for child dependents
- Visa procurement for employee and dependents
For Israeli Citizen Hire:
- Competitive salary
- Social Security Contribution (with US citizenship)
- Keren Hishtalmut
- Pension
- Severance
- Local health insurance
- Robust professional development allowance
- Relocation support within Israel
Qualifications
Preferred experience with:
- Restorative Practices
- Responsive Classroom
- Multi-tiered Systems of Support
- Standards Based/Competency Based Grading and Reporting
- Trauma Informed Practices
- International Education
- At least 3 years experience as a Teacher Leader, Assistant Principal, or Principal
Requirements:
- At least 5 years experience as a Teacher
- Master’s Degree
- School Leadership Certification
- English Language Fluency
- US Citizenship or Israeli Citizenship (Based on a tax agreement between the US and Israel)
Child Protection
AIS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment. Aligned with the recommendations of the International Task Force on Child Protection, we hold ourselves to a high standard of effective recruiting practices with specific attention to child protection.
Position Details
Reports to: Superintendent
Job Capacity: 100%
Start Date: August 2027
Contact Information
WBAIS Website: https://www.wbais.net/
Phone: +972-9-890-1000
Address: 65 Hashomron St., Even Yehuda, 4051765
