PTA Elementary School Classroom Teacher at American International School of Johannesburg

Qualifications

• Appropriate elementary teaching certification with at least a four-year degree in education.
• Master’s degree or similar preferred.
• Current teaching certification (appropriate to age level).

PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES:

• International school teaching experience.
• Experience in curriculum and assessment development.
• Expertise in building an active, collaborative, inquiry-driven classroom which encourages problem solving, critical thinking skills, and which develops a sense of classroom community and trust.
• Previous teaching experience, and strong knowledge in the area of balanced literacy; reader’s and writer’s workshop, phonics and word study instruction.
• Recent and relevant professional development in balanced literacy, reading and writing workshop, Fountas and Pinnell Benchmark Assessment, and a variety of assessments and differentiation strategies.
• An ability to communicate well with elementary school students, staff and parents.
• A positive attitude and a committed team player. Someone who is solutions based versus problem orientated.
• Deep understanding of the developmental needs of elementary school students.
• A proven ability to differentiate instruction to meet individual needs and integrate learning into the daily schedule.
• Understanding of a wide range of assessment tools and strategies with the ability to apply them to inquiry-based instruction.
• Experience in integrating technology to enhance learning.
• Experience using standards and backwards design to plan instruction.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
In addition to the grade level expectations, teachers at AISJ are welcomed into a collegial and collaborative working environment. In support of this, teachers are expected to:

• Communicate and liaise on a regular basis with fellow team department/grade members with regards to planning, assessment, parent and community contact, subject organization and classroom issues including discipline, expectations and routines.
• Communicate and liaise with other school colleagues to identify and develop transdisciplinary learning experiences.
• Take an active role in proactive behavior management and pastoral care of students.
• Use a range of strategies to differentiate learning where needed.
• Collaboratively plan units of study using the CHALK unit planner.
• Attend and constructively contribute to staff meetings.
• Assist in supervision of student breaks. Supervise students in and out of classroom activities during the school day.
• Coordinate class activities as deemed necessary.
• Maintain up-to-date records of assessment, attendance, planning, reports, conferences, and communication with parents.
• Establish links with the parent community to ensure that parents are kept well informed about student progress.
• Assist, as required, in the development of a strong elementary program.
• Act as a resource/contact/support for new staff members (i.e., curriculum, schedules, procedures)
• Participate in at least one co-curricular activity per year.
• Participate in and assist with school events as required.
• Participate in curriculum and staff development opportunities as required and implement new learning.
• Teach a full elementary program excluding the specialist areas of art, music, world languages and PE.
• Identify student needs and be the primary advocate of the students in meeting their needs.
• Plan and assess learning based on the needs of the students.
• Provide learning environments that are stimulating where children can develop their potential and experience growth.
• Other tasks as determined by the supervisor.