Careers at SPARK Schools

Purpose of Role:

• SPARK Schools personalised learning facilitators in the foundation phase drive student achievement by overseeing the culture and effectiveness of the Learning Lab, SPARK’s innovative computer lab. SPARK Schools personalised learning facilitators work directly with students in whole class, small group, and individual settings to provide academic interventions in literacy and maths.
• Personalised learning facilitators are integral to the SPARK Schools “culture” and our commitment to rigorous, engaging learning experiences for our scholars.

Responsibilities:

• Create a positive student culture around online learning and small group tutoring and maintain high behavioural expectations for all students.
• Actively “coach” students on all computer programs and ensure that the educational software used in the lab effectively meets the needs of students.
• Create and submit lesson plans for tutoring sessions.
• Tutor small groups of students on literacy and maths skills.
• Create and submit bi-weekly reports on ST Maths.
• Communicate and collaborate with teachers and school administrators to create individualized learning plans for students.
• Use SPARK culture and behaviour management strategies.
• Incorporate SPARK SEL (SocialEmotional Learning) curriculum with scholars.
• Ensure all Learning Lab resources are used and stored responsibly and .
• Report all damages to hardware to the School Operations Manager and fill out relevant incident reports if needed.
• Have an updated asset list of all hardware in Learning lab received by the School Operations Manager.
• Participate actively in staff development opportunities as a member of the SPARK Schools team.
• Set into a classroom to cover, should there be an operational need.
• Conduct self in a professional manner at all SPARK Schools events and to all stakeholders.

Requirements
Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• English language fluency.
• Clear criminal record.
• Grade 12 Certificate.
• Studying part-time towards a B.Ed. or PGCE in the Foundation Phase, in their 3rd or 4th year with a view to becoming a qualified teacher.
• Provisional SACE registration

Experience:

• Previous experience managing or working with primary school-aged children.
• Basic computer skills and willingness to learn new technology.

Skills and Mindset:

• Strong desire to be part of a vibrant and dynamic technology-driven work environment fostering creativity, collaboration, and an atmosphere that encourages and allows top performers to thrive.
• Strong desire to be part of a collaborative, team-spirited, and fast-growing Social Impact Disruptor and Society Shaper who is leading change in the education space in South Africa through transformational education innovation, ensuring the accessibility of university and careers for all.
• Strong desire to be part of a learning culture with excellent career development and advancement opportunities supported by individualized professional development, support, and mentorship.
• Ability, Desire, and Passion to deliver high-quality transformational education at affordable fees

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Purpose of the role:

• SPARK Schools inside facilities maintenance staff ensure that the school building is well maintained and clean. Inside facilities maintenance staff are integral to the SPARK Schools “culture” and our commitment to providing a world-class learning environment for our scholars.

Requirements
Responsibilities:

• Maintain the upkeep of the school building, gardens, and grounds.
• Report facilities maintenance issues to school leadership and assist with repairs where applicable.
• Ensure that the school premises are safe for students, staff and parents.
• Assist with welcoming students during daily arrivals and dismissals, as required by school leadership.
• Manage tools and equipment, reporting any damaged or lost items to school leadership for fixing or replacement.
• Assist with ad-hoc operational tasks, such as moving furniture, working with maintenance and gardening suppliers, or setting up for events.
• Communicate and collaborate professionally with school staff, parents, and other stakeholders as required.
• Participate actively in staff development opportunities as a member of the SPARK Schools team.
• Conduct self in a professional manner at all SPARK Schools events and to all stakeholders.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications Qualities:

• English language fluency.
• Previous maintenance/cleaning and groundskeeping experience.
• Police clearance certificate.
• Grade 12 certificate.

Qualities:

• Grit: Persistence through challenges.
• Excellence: A track record of high expectations personally and professionally.
• Mission and Vision Alignment: Understanding of and passion for the SPARK Schools mission to provide excellent education at an affordable cost.
• Self­ Reflection: Finding the capacity to bring your best self to challenges and opportunities.

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Purpose of Role:

• The Schools Portfolio Manager (SPM) is responsible for the instructional, operational, cultural and financial performance of their portfolio of schools.  The primary role of the School Portfolio Manager is to coach, manage and support the Principals of the schools in their designated portfolio, with emphasis on excellence in scholar achievement, school culture, professional and leadership development, whilst ensuring that schools remain profitable in line with projected targets. In so doing SPM’s, and through their Principals, ensure that all school stakeholders which include parents, staff and scholars are receiving positive experiences. 
• SPMs work closely with the functional teams in SPARK Support Office , to ensure excellent service to the schools and network-wide alignment in decision-making and execution. SPMs are integral to SPARK Schools’ culture and our commitment to rigorous, engaging learning experiences for SPARK scholars.

Reports To: Head of Primary Schools

Direcr Reports: School Principals (typically anywhere between 5 and 10 schools with network size depending on enrolment and complexity)

Requirements
The role has four main pillars that individually and collectively ensure the success of the SPARK Schools portfolio:

Scholar

Scholar Safeguarding

• Ensure scholar safeguarding remains the highest priority across all schools in the portfolio by upholding SPARK's safeguarding principles and standards at all times. Monitor the quality and consistency of safeguarding practices across schools, and ensure that any safety concerns or breaches are addressed promptly, appropriately and with care. Support schools to maintain environments in which scholars are physically safe and emotionally secure across the campus, in classrooms and within peer groups.

Academic Outcomes

• Drive strong academic outcomes across the portfolio by ensuring that schools implement SPARK's academic model effectively and consistently. Support School Principals to create conditions in which scholars are nurtured and enabled to progress at an appropriate individual pace through personalised learning, in line with SPARK proficiency targets and academic expectations.

Social Emotional Learning

• Ensure the effective implementation of SPARK's Social Emotional Learning approach across all schools in the portfolio. Support school leaders to foster environments in which scholars develop confidence, resilience and self-awareness in ways that are appropriate to their stage of development and individual needs.

Parent Engagement

• Ensure that parents remain engaged, informed and aligned to SPARK's educational approach, products and expectations. Support schools to build strong and constructive parent partnerships that positively contribute to scholar learning, development and the overall school experience.

Business Performance

• Understand the key drivers of school profitability and actively manage those within the role's sphere of influence and control. In particular, support strong business performance through a focus on scholar retention, optimisation of the cost of learning and, where relevant, support for effective collections. Work closely with school leaders and support office teams to ensure these levers are managed in a way that contributes to the overall financial sustainability and success of the portfolio.

Operational Excellence

• Monitor and ensure the effective implementation and maintenance of operational excellence across all schools in the portfolio. Use the School Success Calculator and other relevant data sources to interrogate school performance, identify operational risks and gaps, and ensure that robust improvement plans are developed and executed to strengthen school operations.
• Ensure that school-based operational processes are regularly reviewed for integrity, compliance and alignment to SPARK standards. Maintain a strong focus on ensuring that schools are safe, well run, compliant and able to deliver a high-quality scholar and parent experience.

People and Culture

• Enable school staff to thrive by reinforcing SPARK's purpose and values, and by supporting a culture of continuous professional growth, accountability, feedback and coaching across the portfolio.
• With specific regard to School Principals, identify individual leadership and coaching needs and provide the support, challenge and guidance required to strengthen their effectiveness in leading and managing their schools. Act as a trusted partner to Principals, particularly when they are navigating complex parent, scholar or staff matters.
• Maintain awareness of staff well-being and work in partnership with the Human Capital team to ensure that appropriate support and interventions are activated when required. Contribute to the creation and maintenance of healthy, professional and scholar-friendly school environments.
• Model SPARK's values consistently, demonstrate ethical leadership and sound judgement, and promote high standards of professionalism, conduct and behaviour across the portfolio.

Stakeholder Relationships

• Serve as the primary liaison between the SPARK Support Office and the schools within the portfolio. Build, maintain and strengthen collaborative working relationships with key internal stakeholders, including the Product, Finance and Human Capital teams, to ensure aligned support and effective execution.
• Represent SPARK in selected external engagements as required, including interactions with government stakeholders, shareholders and other external partners or service providers.

Qualifications and Criteria:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and criteria:

• B.Ed. or PGCE
• SACE accreditation
• At least 3-5 years of experience leading leaders and/or a team of leaders in school management and instruction with proven record of high achievement
• Experience and practice with labour law
• Professional, clear, and concise written and verbal communication, which can be tailored to the audience and brief
• Critical thinking skills applied to strategic planning, data analysis, collaborative problem-solving, and confident decision-making

Competencies:

• Critical thinking skills applied to strategic planning, data analysis, collaborative problem-solving, and confident decision-making.
• Professional, clear, and concise written and verbal communication, which can be tailored by the audience and brief.
• Ability and willingness to take initiative, in order to drive one’s own development and team leadership in a fast-paced environment;
• Calm and resilience to lead self and others through challenges;
• Strong organisational skills that allow a detail-oriented approach, while maintaining a “big picture” view.
• Ability to consolidate feedback in order to clearly communicate highest leverage action steps.

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Purpose of Role:

• The Assistant Principal drives student achievement as an instructional leader by providing excellent instructional coaching and professional development to benefit classroom instruction and the Learning Lab. The Assistant Principal supports the Principal in providing teachers, blended learning facilitators, and PE coaches the training and support necessary to be highly effective, professional educators.
• The Assistant Principal is integral to the SPARK Schools “culture” and our commitment to rigorous, engaging learning experiences for our scholars

Responsibilities:

• Ensure the continual professional development of our educators by coaching members of the instructional staff to the successful completion of the goals set in their individualised professional growth plans. This includes designing and facilitating weekly professional development sessions for the whole faculty, as well as arranging for individual professional growth opportunities.
• Support student achievement by setting clear and high expectations for excellent teaching in all content areas. Maintain a regular schedule of observations in all learning spaces and observation review meetings with educators to ensure that they can successfully plan instruction, execute instruction, and implement SPARK Schools’ culture and behaviour management techniques.
• Implement the network’s rigorous curriculum, which aligns to and extends the South African national curriculum.
• Implement online curriculum and small ­group tutoring in the Learning Lab that aligns to and extends what is taught by classroom teachers.
• Facilitate an assessment and data analysis cycle that allows instructional staff to analyse student performance and identify areas for targeted instruction.
• Collaborate with school leadership team to manage instructional staff, including facilitating termly and final evaluations.
• Participate in the selection of new school-based personnel.
• Responsible for the onboarding of instructional staff members.
• Define and share information about network-wide policies and procedures to parents, students, staff and community.
• Implement disciplinary policies and procedures.
• Participate actively in staff development opportunities as a member of the SPARK Schools team.
• Conduct self in a professional manner at all SPARK Schools events and to all stakeholders.

Requirements
Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• English language fluency.
• Clear criminal record.
• Grade 12 Certificate.
• Completed B.Ed or PGCE degree.
• SACE registration.

Experience:

• Previous experience managing or working with primary school-aged children.
• At least 2 years of excellent classroom instruction.
• Previous experience leading a team.
• Experience and practice with labour laws.

Skills and Mindset:

• Strong desire to be part of a vibrant and dynamic technology-driven work environment fostering creativity, collaboration and an atmosphere that encourages and allows top performers to thrive.
• Strong desire to be part of a collaborative, team spirited and fast growing Social Impact Disruptor and Society Shaper who is leading change in the education space in South Africa through transformational education innovation, ensuring the accessibility of university and careers for all.
• Strong desire to be part of a learning culture with excellent career development and advancement opportunities supported by individualised professional development, support and mentorship.
• Ability, Desire and Passion to deliver high quality transformational education at affordable fees to ensure the accessibility of university and careers for all.

go to method of application »

Purpose of Role:

• SPARK Schools teachers drive student achievement by maintaining high expectations for classroom culture, behaviour, and academic growth for all scholars. SPARK Schools Senior Phase English Home Language Educators are content specialists in English language and literacy. SPARK high school Senior Phase educators equip scholars with the knowledge and tools required for matriculation and work collaboratively in leading an integrated inquiry-based curriculum. Senior Phase Educators are integral to the SPARK Schools’ culture and our commitment to rigorous, engaging learning experiences for our scholars.

Requirements
Responsibilities:

• Plan for, teach and co-teach face to face and distance lessons for and deliver academic and clubs lessons.
• Collaborate with grade level and content area partners to develop rigorous, engaging learning experiences and to create and implement high quality individualised behaviour and learning plans for scholars.
• Participate actively in all scheduled professional development sessions.
• Develop and administer formative and termly assessments to track student progress and analyse the data for student growth for all scholars to meet the required proficiency ratings.
• Submit and analyse scholar data in order to track progress and intervene when necessary.
• Lead scholar social and emotional development through CQ (Character Quotient) sessions and reflections.
• Plan for, deliver and monitor programmes to support low performing scholars, or extend high performing scholars.
• Participate in place-based education where required within mandated national curriculum or as part of SPARK Schools curriculum enrichment.
• Participate in career and tertiary pathways education where required as part of scholar culture and character development.
• Develop SPARK culture and implement behaviour management strategies.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with colleagues, parents and other stakeholders.
• Conduct self in a professional manner at all SPARK Schools events and to all stakeholders.
• Nurture a high ­achieving work environment where all scholars feel genuinely valued and supported.
• Promote the vision and mission of SPARK Schools to staff, scholars, families, and the greater community.
• Implement strategies implemented by the Crisis Management team. Adhere to the child protection, anti-bullying and health and safety policy.
• Attend Saturday events and parent community meetings.
• Submit student results data when required.

Qualifications and Criteria:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• English language fluency
• Completed B.Ed or PGCE degree in English Home Language Senior or FET Phase
• 0-2 Years' High School teaching experience
• SACE registration
• Clear/Clean criminal record

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Purpose of Role:

• SPARK Schools teachers are central to scholar achievement. This role maintains high expectations for classroom culture, scholar behaviour, and academic growth. Educators serve as subject specialists, responsible for equipping scholars with content mastery and critical thinking tools necessary for success in matric and beyond.

Responsibilities:

Instruction & Curriculum Delivery

• Independently plan and deliver all academic lessons both in-person and distance learning.
• Teach high-impact grades or core subjects.
• Deliver academic, clubs, and enrichment lessons aligned to the curriculum and SPARK’s pedagogical standards.
• Participate in place-based education and implement SPARK Schools curriculum enrichment activities.
• Teaching through Project-Based Learning 
• Personalising teaching through data driven decisions
• Differentiated instruction driven by technology

Collaboration & Planning

• Lead grade-wide or subject-wide initiatives (e.g., moderation, data tracking).
• Design and implement high-quality Individualised Behaviour and Learning Plans (IBLPs).
• Participate in and co-lead professional development sessions and ongoing instructional coaching.
• Review lesson plans and observe lessons
• Resource creation and implementation monitoring
• Co-creation of lesson planning and lesson materials

Scholar Progress Monitoring

• Administer formative and termly assessments to track academic performance.
• Submit and analyse scholar data to monitor growth and implement data-driven interventions.
• Plan and implement academic support programmes for low-performing scholars and enrichment for high-performing scholars.
• Monitoring the improvement of scholar performance through academic support programs
• Monitor scholar progress in the Innovation HUB (online program engagement)

Character Development & Culture Building

• Lead CQ (Character Quotient) sessions and facilitate scholar reflection activities.
• Co-create CQ program
• Lead training and development of culture and CQ for staff
• Plan, drive and participate in culture events and initiatives   
• Contribute to scholars' careers and tertiary preparation initiatives.
• Uphold and promote SPARK’s behaviour management strategies and cultural values.
• Promote an inclusive school environment that drive diversity, equity and inclusion

Professionalism & Stakeholder Management

• Communicate effectively with colleagues, families, and stakeholders.
• Maintain professionalism at all SPARK Schools events and engagements.
• Attend Saturday school events, parent meetings, and other required activities.
• Promote and model SPARK Schools’ vision, mission, and values.

Compliance & Safety

• Adhere to policies related to crisis management, child protection, anti-bullying, and health and safety.
• Implement directives from the Crisis Management Team.
• Participate fully in operational processes and procedures
• Submit scholar data and records as required.

Requirements
Qualifications and Criteria:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• B.Ed. degree or PGCE. Intermediate/Senior Phase. Recently qualified teachers are encouraged to apply!
• Certification through the South African Council of Educators (SACE).
• SAQA accreditation for non-South African equivalent qualifications
• English language fluency.
• A clear/clean criminal record

Experience:

• Recently qualified teachers or teachers with experience are encouraged to apply!

Skills and Mindset:

• Strong desire to be part of a vibrant and dynamic technology-driven work environment fostering creativity, collaboration and an atmosphere that encourages and allows top performers to thrive.
• Strong desire to be part of a collaborative, team spirited and fast growing Social Impact Disruptor and Society Shaper who is leading change in the education space in South Africa through transformational education innovation, ensuring the accessibility of university and careers for all.
• Strong desire to be part of a learning culture with excellent career development and advancement opportunities supported by individualised professional development, support and mentorship.
• Ability, Desire and Passion to deliver high quality transformational education at affordable fees to ensure the accessibility of university and careers for all.

go to method of application »

Position Purpose:

• SPARK Schools outside facilities maintenance staff ensure that the school building is well maintained and clean. Inside facilities maintenance staff are integral to the SPARK Schools “culture” and our commitment to providing a world-class learning environment for our scholars.

Requirements
Responsibilities:

• Maintain the upkeep of the school building, gardens, and grounds.
• Report facilities maintenance issues to school leadership and assist with repairs where applicable.
• Ensure that the school premises are safe for students, staff and parents.
• Assist with welcoming students during daily arrivals and dismissals, as required by school leadership.
• Manage tools and equipment, reporting any damaged or lost items to school leadership for fixing or replacement.
• Assist with ad-hoc operational tasks, such as moving furniture, working with maintenance and gardening suppliers, or setting up for events.
• Communicate and collaborate professionally with school staff, parents, and other stakeholders as required.
• Participate actively in staff development opportunities as a member of the SPARK Schools team.
• Conduct self in a professional manner at all SPARK Schools events and to all stakeholders.

Qualifications/Criteria:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications and Criteria

• English language fluency
• Previous maintenance and/or grounds keeping experience
• Clear/Clean Criminal Record
• Grade 12 certificate