Head of Middle School - Aug 2026
GEMS Dubai American AcademyTeaching
Status
Actively Hiring
Date Listed31 March 2026
ContractPermanent
PlatformW5_SYNC
About This Role
Dubai American Academy is the premier American institution under GEMS Education, providing a top-tier education from PreK through Grade 12, alongside the IB Diploma Programme. Celebrated for 13 consecutive years with an Outstanding rating by the KHDA, DAA is acknowledged for its academic distinction, dynamic international community, and cutting-edge facilities.
Highlights:
•
Outstanding KHDA rating for 13 consecutive years
•
Recognized as the Best American Curriculum School in the UAE (2023–2024) and recipient of the Wellbeing Award for Schools (2024–2027)
•
Accredited by CIS and NEASC, and authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme
•
A diverse international student population supported by highly qualified staff and excellent facilities
At DAA, educators have access to exceptional professional learning and development opportunities, fostering their growth while contributing to the Academy's ongoing success.
Position Overview:
Dubai American Academy (DAA) seeks to appoint a remarkable Head of Middle School to enhance its visionary leadership team. As a leading school in the GEMS network, DAA is recognized for its high standards, robust community engagement, and dedication to excellence. This is a remarkable opportunity for a seasoned leader to significantly influence the Middle School experience and aid in the continued advancement of the institution.
The role involves providing visionary leadership and demonstrating outstanding management in recruiting and developing faculty, executing a superior curriculum, ensuring long-term financial stability, and fostering effective communication with all stakeholders. The aim is to promote the social well-being and academic progress of every student.
Key Accountabilities:
•
Uphold and promote the ethos and standards of excellence defined in the GEMS Core Values.
•
Ensure adherence to GEMS policies, procedures, and codes of conduct at all times.
•
Model and foster DAA’s Culture of Kindness while reinforcing the school’s mission and values.
•
Dedicate time and leadership to successfully implement DAA’s School Improvement Plan and create division-specific strategies aligned with our strategic priorities.
•
Guarantee that all teachers and support staff understand their performance expectations (e.g., job descriptions and faculty handbook) and assist them in becoming master educators.
•
Provide mentorship to all faculty and encourage their professional development and career progression.
•
Exhibit role-model traits that allow others to view the principal as an instructional leader.
•
Cultivate a sense of shared purpose and collective pursuit of consensus goals in the decision-making process.
•
Communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, parents, and the community (e.g., through verbal, nonverbal, and written means).
•
Encourage faculty and parent involvement in a wide range of school activities.
•
Develop the leadership skills of teachers and share leadership responsibilities as appropriate.
•
Ensure that curriculum documentation clearly outlines content, skills, instructional methods, and assessment practices.
•
Utilize assessment results to evaluate whether curriculum and instructional goals, as well as student performance outcomes, are being met.
•
Foster a supportive, productive, and caring environment where all students (and faculty) can be acknowledged for their best efforts.
•
Ensure that all school resources are identified and utilized effectively to support students and faculty in achieving their full potential.
•
Take responsibility for sound financial management, including accurate program budget planning and fiscal accountability.
•
Demonstrate a personal commitment to ongoing professional learning and growth, embodying the principles of a lifelong learner.
•
Recognize the importance of attending after-school student activities and parent events.
•
Assume full responsibility for the logistical aspects of the role, including tasks such as developing a master class schedule, maintaining accurate records, and handling office accounting.
•
Actively participate in committee work.
•
Thoroughly review all student admission applications in alignment with DAA policy and established regulations.
•
Perform additional tasks as required for the overall welfare of the school or as directed by the Head of School and Deputy Head of School.
Qualifications/Knowledge:
•
Current North American teaching and administrative certifications
•
Master’s Degree in Leadership and/or Administration (preferred)
Skills:
•
Proven ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written forms
•
Demonstrated ability to collaborate successfully
•
Strong work ethic and a willingness to contribute positively to the overall school program
•
Positive and professional demeanor that supports both DAA and the GEMS organization
Experience:
•
Teaching and administrative experience, including significant exposure to elementary-aged children (minimum 10 years preferred)
•
Demonstrated record of successful operational and management experience
•
Established track record as an instructional leader with a profound understanding of teaching and learning in elementary grades
•
Experience in the successful implementation of an enriched, standards-based American curriculum
GEMS Education is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a prerequisite for all appointments.
Highlights:
•
Outstanding KHDA rating for 13 consecutive years
•
Recognized as the Best American Curriculum School in the UAE (2023–2024) and recipient of the Wellbeing Award for Schools (2024–2027)
•
Accredited by CIS and NEASC, and authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme
•
A diverse international student population supported by highly qualified staff and excellent facilities
At DAA, educators have access to exceptional professional learning and development opportunities, fostering their growth while contributing to the Academy's ongoing success.
Position Overview:
Dubai American Academy (DAA) seeks to appoint a remarkable Head of Middle School to enhance its visionary leadership team. As a leading school in the GEMS network, DAA is recognized for its high standards, robust community engagement, and dedication to excellence. This is a remarkable opportunity for a seasoned leader to significantly influence the Middle School experience and aid in the continued advancement of the institution.
The role involves providing visionary leadership and demonstrating outstanding management in recruiting and developing faculty, executing a superior curriculum, ensuring long-term financial stability, and fostering effective communication with all stakeholders. The aim is to promote the social well-being and academic progress of every student.
Key Accountabilities:
•
Uphold and promote the ethos and standards of excellence defined in the GEMS Core Values.
•
Ensure adherence to GEMS policies, procedures, and codes of conduct at all times.
•
Model and foster DAA’s Culture of Kindness while reinforcing the school’s mission and values.
•
Dedicate time and leadership to successfully implement DAA’s School Improvement Plan and create division-specific strategies aligned with our strategic priorities.
•
Guarantee that all teachers and support staff understand their performance expectations (e.g., job descriptions and faculty handbook) and assist them in becoming master educators.
•
Provide mentorship to all faculty and encourage their professional development and career progression.
•
Exhibit role-model traits that allow others to view the principal as an instructional leader.
•
Cultivate a sense of shared purpose and collective pursuit of consensus goals in the decision-making process.
•
Communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, parents, and the community (e.g., through verbal, nonverbal, and written means).
•
Encourage faculty and parent involvement in a wide range of school activities.
•
Develop the leadership skills of teachers and share leadership responsibilities as appropriate.
•
Ensure that curriculum documentation clearly outlines content, skills, instructional methods, and assessment practices.
•
Utilize assessment results to evaluate whether curriculum and instructional goals, as well as student performance outcomes, are being met.
•
Foster a supportive, productive, and caring environment where all students (and faculty) can be acknowledged for their best efforts.
•
Ensure that all school resources are identified and utilized effectively to support students and faculty in achieving their full potential.
•
Take responsibility for sound financial management, including accurate program budget planning and fiscal accountability.
•
Demonstrate a personal commitment to ongoing professional learning and growth, embodying the principles of a lifelong learner.
•
Recognize the importance of attending after-school student activities and parent events.
•
Assume full responsibility for the logistical aspects of the role, including tasks such as developing a master class schedule, maintaining accurate records, and handling office accounting.
•
Actively participate in committee work.
•
Thoroughly review all student admission applications in alignment with DAA policy and established regulations.
•
Perform additional tasks as required for the overall welfare of the school or as directed by the Head of School and Deputy Head of School.
Qualifications/Knowledge:
•
Current North American teaching and administrative certifications
•
Master’s Degree in Leadership and/or Administration (preferred)
Skills:
•
Proven ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written forms
•
Demonstrated ability to collaborate successfully
•
Strong work ethic and a willingness to contribute positively to the overall school program
•
Positive and professional demeanor that supports both DAA and the GEMS organization
Experience:
•
Teaching and administrative experience, including significant exposure to elementary-aged children (minimum 10 years preferred)
•
Demonstrated record of successful operational and management experience
•
Established track record as an instructional leader with a profound understanding of teaching and learning in elementary grades
•
Experience in the successful implementation of an enriched, standards-based American curriculum
GEMS Education is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a prerequisite for all appointments.