Responsible to:

The Principal, for the professional execution of teaching duties and responsibilities in meeting the educational requirements of the school.

As Class Teacher, to:

• Plan, implement and reflect on engaging, concept-based and inquiry-driven learning experiences that develop students' knowledge, skills, understanding and dispositions.

• Create a stimulating, inclusive and supportive classroom environment in which students are active participants in their learning, encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, make connections and apply their understanding in meaningful contexts.

• Plan learning experiences that respond to students' interests, needs and abilities, providing appropriate challenge and differentiation to support individual progress.

• Integrate learning across subject areas, making meaningful connections with everyday life, the natural environment and the wider community.

• Use observation, documentation, assessment and reflection to understand students' thinking, monitor progress and inform future planning.

• Foster students' independence, agency, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity and responsibility for their learning.

• Establish positive relationships with students and families, communicating regularly about students' learning, progress and wellbeing.

• Maintain accurate records of planning, assessment, student progress and other professional documentation as required by the school.

• Uphold the school's safeguarding, health and safety policies and procedures, ensuring the wellbeing of all students.

As Team Member, to:

• Work collaboratively with colleagues to plan, implement and reflect on curriculum and pedagogy, contributing to a shared understanding of effective teaching and learning.

• Contribute to the ongoing development of the school's curriculum, drawing on professional knowledge and experience of concept driven and inquiry-led approaches.

• Share observations, ideas, resources and documentation with colleagues to strengthen collaborative planning and deepen understanding of students' learning.

• Contribute to a culture of professional inquiry, reflection and continuous improvement through dialogue, professional learning and the exploration of new ideas and approaches.

• Participate actively in staff meetings, professional development, school events and community activities.

• Develop meaningful connections with the local community and explore opportunities to incorporate Karuizawa's natural environment, cultural context and wider community into learning experiences.

• Contribute to a positive, respectful and supportive professional culture, demonstrating flexibility, initiative and a willingness to take shared responsibility for the development of the school.

Qualifications

• A recognised teaching qualification, preferably a Bachelor's degree in Education or an equivalent qualification.

• Demonstrated experience teaching in an elementary or primary school setting.

• Knowledge of inquiry based learning is required;

• A strong understanding of child development, curriculum planning, assessment and differentiation to meet the needs of diverse learners.

• Excellent English language proficiency.

• Experience in outdoor learning, nature-based education or expeditionary learning is highly regarded.

• Strong communication, collaboration and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with students, colleagues and families.

• A reflective approach to teaching, with a commitment to ongoing professional learning and the development of practice.

• A willingness to engage with the natural environment and local community as meaningful contexts for learning.

Contract: Two-year contract