Rebecca D. Jobes

International School of Panama
San Miguelito, Panama City, Panama
bjobes@isp.edu.pa

A fellow administrator says of Dr. Rebecca Jobes that “she asks nothing of those with whom she works that she does not expect of herself.” As principal of the International School of Panama (ISP) for the last five years, Jobes’ high expectations for leadership have been evident in her meticulous implementation of student-centered and constructivist teaching practices, which she has carried out while building a culture of feedback and developing systems to maximize instruction and planning time. Jobes led ISP’s transition from a traditional grading system to Standards Based Grading and Reporting, engaging students, parents, and stakeholders to make the necessary philosophical shifts toward personalized instruction. To address the complex needs of an international, multilingual student population, Jobes has deepened community relationships through initiatives like the Parent Advisory Council, which channels feedback, concerns, and creative ideas to make the school responsive on its path of change. Jobes has also led the implementation of a Game and Maker Area, which responds to the wet-season need for additional play space while building an inclusive, English-language play alternative. Jobes holds a Ph.D. and an M.A. in Educational Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado, where she has also taught as an adjunct professor. She completed a Senior Fellowship with Catapult Leadership in Denver, Colorado, and holds a B.A. in Psychology and Journalism from the University of Denver.