Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning

Gems Education UAE; Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

GEMS International School - Dubai Hills is seeking an experienced Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning to join its Senior Leadership Team, with a January 2027 start. The role centers on enhancing teaching quality, developing classroom practice and driving continuous improvement within an IB environment.

The successful candidate will collaborate with academic leaders, teachers and middle leaders to promote inclusive, evidence-informed practices and lead professional learning and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and a recognised teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE, BEd).
• Master’s degree or educational leadership qualification desirable.
• Proven experience in middle or senior leadership within a school.

Responsibilities

• Lead teaching and learning strategy across relevant phases or whole school.
• Collaborate with academic leaders to improve classroom practice and student outcomes.
• Promote effective pedagogy, curriculum delivery and assessment approaches.
• Lead professional learning, coaching and mentoring initiatives.
• Support quality assurance, learning walks and inspections readiness.
• Contribute to school improvement planning and IB programme development.

Skills

Middle/Senior leadership

Instructional coaching

School improvement

IB knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree + teaching qualification (PGCE/BEd)

Master's degree in educational leadership (desirable)

Job description

Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning Job Snapshot - Role: Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning - Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Industry: Primary-Secondary Education - Function: School-College Administration - Experience: Proven middle or senior school leadership experience with a record of improving teaching, learning and student outcomes - Job Type: Full Time - Work Arrangement: On-site

• Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Industry: Primary-Secondary Education
• Function: School-College Administration
• Salary: Not disclosed
• Gender: No Preference
• Candidate Nationality: Not specified
• Job Type: Full Time
• Work Arrangement: On-site

Position Overview

GEMS International School - Dubai Hills is seeking an experienced and passionate Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning to join its Senior Leadership Team, with an anticipated start date of January 2027. A later start date may be considered for the right candidate. This leadership opportunity is focused on strengthening teaching quality, developing effective classroom practice and supporting continuous school improvement within a dynamic International Baccalaureate (IB) learning environment. Reporting to the Senior Vice Principal - Teaching and Learning, the successful candidate will work closely with academic leaders, teachers and middle leaders to promote innovative, inclusive and evidence-informed educational practices. Depending on the appointed candidate's experience and the school’s priorities, responsibilities may extend across specific educational phases or the whole school. The position offers opportunities to lead instructional coaching, professional learning, IB programme development and wider initiatives designed to improve teaching and student achievement.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of the school’s Teaching and Learning strategy, promoting consistently high standards across relevant educational phases.
• Work collaboratively with academic leaders and teaching teams to improve classroom practice and student achievement.
• Promote effective pedagogy, curriculum delivery and assessment approaches that respond to students’ learning needs.
• Encourage innovative and evidence-informed teaching strategies that support engagement and academic progress.
• Contribute to a culture of high expectations, reflective practice and continuous educational improvement.
• Help ensure teaching and learning initiatives align with whole-school priorities and the school’s educational philosophy.
• Lead and contribute to professional learning activities that strengthen teaching expertise and classroom effectiveness.
• Support instructional coaching and staff mentoring initiatives.
• Work with teachers and middle leaders to identify professional development priorities.
• Encourage reflective professional dialogue, collaboration and the sharing of effective teaching practices.
• Support the development of colleagues through constructive feedback and ongoing professional guidance.
• Foster a positive professional culture that values innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Support the school’s quality assurance processes through learning walks, lesson observations and professional discussions.
• Use evidence-informed evaluation to identify strengths and opportunities for improving teaching and learning.
• Work with academic teams to strengthen curriculum implementation, assessment practices and student engagement.
• Contribute to school improvement planning and the implementation of agreed educational priorities.
• Support preparations for inspections, accreditation activities and other school evaluation processes.
• Help maintain consistent expectations for teaching quality and student learning experiences.
• Champion inclusive teaching practices that respond to the needs of all learners.
• Promote effective differentiation to support students with varying abilities, learning profiles and educational needs.
• Work with teaching teams to strengthen provision for students of determination, English as an Additional Language learners and high-attaining students.
• Encourage classroom approaches that provide appropriate support and challenge for individual learners.
• Contribute to the development of learning environments where students feel included, supported and motivated to succeed.
• Promote teaching practices that strengthen student confidence, engagement and academic achievement.
• Support the school’s commitment to the International Baccalaureate philosophy and educational principles.
• Encourage inquiry-based learning, conceptual understanding and student agency across relevant phases and programmes.
• Promote international mindedness and meaningful student engagement in learning.
• Collaborate with academic leaders to support effective IB curriculum delivery and development.
• Contribute to initiatives designed to strengthen teaching and learning within the school’s IB programmes.
• Encourage approaches that connect curriculum understanding, independent thinking and student development.
• Contribute to strategic planning and educational decision-making as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Lead designated teaching and learning projects, initiatives or areas of responsibility.
• Support the implementation of relevant whole-school priorities and GEMS-wide educational programmes.
• Work collaboratively with senior leaders to promote academic excellence and continuous school improvement.
• Participate in wider school development initiatives, including staff learning, inspection readiness and accreditation preparation.
• Demonstrate professional leadership that inspires colleagues and supports the school’s long-term educational objectives.

Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following qualifications and professional experience:

• A Bachelor’s degree and a recognised teaching qualification, such as PGCE, BEd or an equivalent.
• A relevant Master’s degree or educational leadership qualification is desirable.
• Proven experience in a middle or senior leadership position within a school.
• A strong record of improving teaching quality, learning experiences and student outcomes.
• Experience leading or contributing to staff professional development, instructional coaching or mentoring.
• Experience supporting quality assurance and school improvement initiatives.
• Strong understanding of effective pedagogy, curriculum development, assessment and inclusive classroom practice.
• Experience working within an International Baccalaureate educational environment.
• Ideally, knowledge of one or more IB programmes and a commitment to inquiry-based learning.
• Demonstrated ability to support, inspire and develop teachers and middle leaders.

Leadership Skills and Professional Attributes

GEMS International School - Dubai Hills is looking for an educational leader who combines strong professional knowledge with a collaborative and proactive approach. The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills.
• The ability to build positive working relationships with teachers, middle leaders and senior colleagues.
• Strong understanding of teaching effectiveness and student learning.
• Confidence in leading professional discussions and supporting instructional improvement.
• An evidence-informed approach to evaluating educational practice.
• The ability to inspire colleagues and encourage continuous professional growth.
• A commitment to inclusive education, academic excellence and student success.
• Strong collaborative leadership skills and a willingness to contribute to wider school priorities.
• Enthusiasm for educational innovation and effective school improvement.

Professional Development and Career Opportunities

GEMS Education offers a collaborative professional environment where educational leaders are encouraged to contribute ideas, strengthen teaching practice and support school improvement. The successful candidate will have opportunities for professional development, career progression and collaboration across the wider GEMS Education network of international schools. The position also offers the opportunity to contribute directly to educational development within an established IB school while working alongside experienced academic leaders and teaching teams.

Remuneration and Employment Package

GEMS Education offers a competitive employment package for this leadership position. Further salary and package details are not disclosed in the vacancy.

Application Process and Start Date

The preferred appointment date is January 2027, although a later start may be considered for a suitable candidate. Interested applicants should submit an up-to-date CV through the GEMS Education careers portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted regarding the next stages of the recruitment process.

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The organisation is dedicated to providing safe, supportive and inclusive learning environments where students can thrive. All employees, volunteers and partners are expected to share this commitment and maintain high standards of professional conduct and child protection. Successful candidates will undergo comprehensive pre-employment screening, including verification of identity, qualifications, employment history, professional references and criminal records from relevant countries of residence and employment. Additional screening may include enhanced disclosure, prohibition and barring checks, and overseas police clearances where applicable, in accordance with local and international safeguarding requirements. Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to student wellbeing, professional integrity and the safeguarding responsibilities associated with educational leadership.

About GEMS International School - Dubai Hills

GEMS International School - Dubai Hills is an inclusive IB World School providing international education from Early Years through Grade 12. The school delivers the International Baccalaureate curriculum through the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP). Its educational approach emphasises academic excellence, innovation, international mindedness and the development of confident, compassionate learners. Through a broad international curriculum and a commitment to inclusive teaching and learning, the school aims to prepare students for success beyond the classroom. As part of GEMS Education, one of the world’s leading private education providers, GEMS International School - Dubai Hills benefits from a wider international network dedicated to educational quality, professional development and student achievement.