College Counselor

College Counselor 

As a College Counselor at KAS, you will play a pivotal role in helping our students make informed decisions about their academic and career paths. In the 9th and 10th grades, the emphasis is navigating the transition to high school, understanding learning styles, exploring interests, and delving into potential career paths. In the 11th and 12th grades, the work focuses extensively on the comprehensive college application process.

Our College Counseling program has three full time professionals. The counseling team will take on academic advising and other ‘college readiness’ roles and activities to support students in grades 9–12. We look for faculty members with a learning mindset, “can do” approach to teaching and learning, a sense of humor, and a desire to contribute to innovation and improvement as a team player. Tech and AI agility and confidence, and a commitment to excellence in a student-centered school are needed! Additionally, our team is seeking faculty who share a commitment to engaging in a diverse professional community that is growing in its DEIJ principles and practices. 

Key Responsibilities for the College Counseling Team:

• Academic and Career Advising: Provide personalized academic and career guidance to students, helping them set and achieve their educational and professional goals.

• College Preparation: Assist students in selecting appropriate courses, extracurricular activities, and enrichment opportunities to enhance their college applications.

• College Visits: Organize international college visits to expose students to a wide variety of higher education institutions. 

• College Application Support: Guide students through the college application process, including essay writing, interview preparation, and scholarship applications.

• Parent and Student Workshops: Organize and conduct workshops and information sessions for both students and parents on college and career planning.

• Standardized Testing: Oversee the administration of standardized exams for students, which may include PSAT, SAT, and/or Advanced Placement assessments.

• Maintain Records: Keep detailed records of each student's progress, interests, and goals to track their academic and career development.

About KAS:

Kaohsiung American School (KAS) is a private, not-for-profit day school established in 1989 for the children of expatriate families in Kaohsiung. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and offers the IB’s MYP and DP programmes. We receive annual grants and sponsorship from the US Department of State.

KAS brings global opportunities to Kaohsiung and southern Taiwan, by inspiring excellent holistic learning in a nurturing environment. We embrace collaboration, creativity and professionalism as we model a balanced learning environment. We have a strong commitment to professional development which aligns with schoolwide and personal learning goals.

Kaohsiung American School moved into its beautiful, purpose-built campus buildings in 2015/2016. We are recognized as the premier international school in southern Taiwan. We currently enroll 770 students from 40+ countries, although most of our students share Taiwanese heritage and Mandarin as a first language. The High School enrolls 260+ students and includes 35+ full or part time faculty members. All of our students are multilingual learners. 

KAS is Committed to Child Safeguarding

• KAS conducts rigorous background and reference checks on all candidates.

• Employees and volunteers at KAS receive training to recognize signs of abuse and neglect and are required to report suspected incidents of child abuse and neglect.

• Our child protection response team uses a team-based approach to respond to each reported incident in accordance with Taiwanese law and international best practices.

• KAS is committed to supporting and recognizing the identities of all students. We foster an environment free of discrimination and other forms of identity-based harm

• A Bachelor's degree in counseling, education, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).

• Strong knowledge of American, European, and Australian higher education institutions, application processes, and admission requirements.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in writing, speaking and presenting.

• Ability to work collaboratively with students, parents, and faculty.

• Demonstrated strengths as a self-starter who can contribute to a growing, innovative program. 

• Familiarity with standardized tests and resources for test preparation.

• Fluency in English; fluency in Mandarin is a plus.

• Has life experiences that demonstrate, among other things, a growth mindset, versatility, adaptability and resilience.

• Previous experience in college or career counseling, preferably in an international school or selective university setting.