MYP Approaches to Learning (ATL) Leader

The ATL Leader is responsible for leading the planning, implementation, and continuous development of the MYP Approaches to Learning (ATL) framework in alignment with IB philosophy, standards, and practices. The ATL Leader serves as an instructional leader, coach, and collaborator, supporting teachers in the effective integration of ATL skills across all subject groups and ensuring a coherent, inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning.

Roles & Responsibilities

1. Strategic Planning & Curriculum Alignment

• Develop and implement a strategic plan for the vertical and horizontal articulation of ATL skills across all MYP year levels and subject groups.
• Collaborate with subject leaders to align ATL skills with subject-specific objectives and curriculum content.
• Support teachers in embedding ATL skills into inquiry-based, concept-driven unit planning.
• Lead the school's transition to the enhanced ATL framework, translating IB beta trial guidance into practical classroom application.

2. Coaching, Professional Development & Support

• Provide guidance and coaching to teachers on strategies for teaching, assessing, and reflecting on ATL skills.
• Conduct needs assessments to identify professional learning priorities related to ATL.
• Design and facilitate professional development sessions and workshops for staff.
• Support new staff in understanding the MYP ATL framework and school expectations.
• Develop ATL resources, planning tools, and assessment strategies for consistent use across the school.

3. Monitoring, Assessment & Data

• Conduct classroom observations to monitor ATL implementation and provide constructive feedback.
• Conduct regular assessments of ATL program outcomes using student data, teacher feedback, and classroom evidence.
• Analyze data to evaluate program effectiveness and recommend continuous improvements.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for school leadership on ATL implementation and outcomes.

4. Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with the MYP Coordinator, subject leaders, and other departments to ensure coherent ATL implementation.
• Liaise with the Community Engagement leader to ensure coherence between ATL skill development and Community Engagement, given the growing overlap between these two areas under the Enhanced MYP.
• Collaborate with librarians to strengthen students' information and media literacy skills.
• Work with the well-being department to support students' affective, social, and self-management skills.
• Communicate with parents to build awareness of ATL skills and their role in student development.
• Engage students directly in understanding the value of ATL skills for academic success and lifelong learning; conduct ATL classes as required by the timetable.

5. IB Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain evidence of effective ATL implementation to support IB evaluation, authorization, and verification processes.
• Serve as the school's point of contact for the Enhancing the MYP beta trial as it relates to ATL, providing structured feedback to the IB and keeping staff informed of emerging guidance.
• Work with administrators to ensure sufficient time, resources, and structures are in place to support ATL development.
• Stay current with IB developments, educational research, and best practice related to Approaches to Learning, including updates from the Enhancing the MYP project.

Key Competencies

• Strong instructional leadership skills, with the ability to coach and influence practice across departments.
• Thorough understanding of the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the ATL framework.
• Skilled in inquiry-based, concept-driven, and student-centered pedagogy.
• Strong data analysis skills, with the ability to use evidence to drive improvement.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong planning, organizational, and project management skills.
• Commitment to collaboration, reflective practice, and continuous professional learning.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education or a related field.
• Minimum three years' teaching experience, preferably within an IB MYP school.
• Previous experience as an ATL Leader or in a comparable instructional leadership role.
• Strong working knowledge of IB Standards and Practices and MYP programme requirements.
• Fluency in Arabic and English.