Seeking: Full-Time Junior High School Teachers
Tsukuba International School develops critical thinkers and lifelong learners by providing opportunities for inquiry, creativity, and discovery, where respect for self, others and the environment is a core value.
Tsukuba International School (TIS) offers an international education for children in Grades 1 to 10. The junior high school is comprised of a Grade 6 class, a split Grade 7/8 class, and a split Grade 9/10 class. We are currently seeking two certified junior high school teachers to start in September 2012. The successful candidates will teach Math or Science to the three junior high school classes. (There is a possibility for the Math teacher to start earlier. Please mention in your cover letter when you would be available to start.)
As TIS is currently a candidate school for the Middle Years Programme (MYP) of the International Baccalaureate, experienced MYP teachers will be given preference, although certified teachers with a strong interest in transdisciplinary studies, collaborative planning, and the MYP are encouraged to apply.
Eligibility
The following are non-negotiable credentials for applying for this position.
- Native English proficiency.
- University degree in education (preferably with secondary specialization, i.e. ages 12 to 16) from a country with an English language-based curriculum. (A degree in “Teaching English as a Second/Foreign Language” is not sufficient.)
- Qualifications to teach in a jurisdiction with primarily English-based education. (This means that the candidate must be a certified teacher in a country such as Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the United States.)
Range of Experience
We hope to find a candidate with the following range of experience.
- Experience teaching in a junior high school.
- Experience teaching the Middle Years Programme of the International Baccalaureate.
- Experience teaching at an international school, or in a multicultural environment.
- Experience teaching non-native speakers of English.
- Experience with collaborative planning.
- Experience living in Japan, or living abroad.
Teacher Qualities
Tsukuba is an IB World School authorized to offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP) of the International Baccalaureate. We are also a candidate school for the Middle Years Programme (MYP). (Please note that candidacy does not guarantee authorization.) As such, we hope to find teachers who strive to embody the image of the learner profile (in brackets below).
In particular, we hope to find teachers who:
Subject / Grade Level Content
- Demonstrate enhanced knowledge of subject / grade level content (learner profile: knowledgeable)
- Demonstrate their understanding of the MYP (knowledgeable)
- Demonstrate their understanding of curriculum documentation (scope and sequence) (knowledgeable)
Planning
- Demonstrate the ability to plan effectively, in line with the curriculum documentation (thinker)
- Demonstrate the ability to create both long-range (annual) and short range (weekly) plans (thinker)
- Demonstrate the ability to document planning in enough detail to be replicated easily by others (caring)
Teaching
- Demonstrate the ability to teach subject / grade level content effectively
- Demonstrate the ability to teach in a way that is in line with MYP philosophy (principled)
- Demonstrate the ability to maintain control of class, manage behavior of students
- Demonstrate the ability to differentiate content for students of various levels (communicator, caring)
Assessing
- Demonstrate the ability to keep accurate records of student progress (communicator)
- Demonstrate the ability to write meaningful, personalized comments on reports (communicator)
Beyond the Classroom
- Demonstrate the willingness to volunteer for activities outside of own classroom (caring)
- Demonstrate the initiative to find creative solutions to problems
Professional Development
- Demonstrate the willingness to inquire, read, research to improve teaching (inquirer, reflective)
- Demonstrate the ability to seek out own opportunities for professional development (reflective, open-minded)
- Demonstrate the ability to put what is learned into practice (risk-taker)
Professionalism
- Demonstrate the ability to keep deadlines (principled)
- Demonstrate the ability to prepare adequately, and in advance, for absences (principled, caring)
- Demonstrate the ability to write formally (reports, emails to parents) (communicator)
- Demonstrate the ability to keep classroom tidy and presentable (balanced)
- Demonstrate the ability to form positive working relationships with colleagues (caring)
Working Conditions
Salary: based on experience
School Year: Late August to June
Vacation: 10 days paid personal leave, all Japanese national holidays plus winter, spring, Golden Week, and summer vacations
Visa sponsorship: available
Relocation: will pay for flight to Japan (for applicants who are currently residing overseas) and assist in finding accommodations
Please see our page on Tsukuba to learn more about living and working in the city.
Application Process
Submit a resume outlining your education and employment history (including your current position) and attach three reference letters, preferably from your former employers or mentor teachers. Attach a one-page cover letter stating why you are interested in this position and what you could contribute to our school. Applicants chosen for interviews will be required to submit copies of relevant degrees and certificates. Applications can be sent by email (preferred) or postal mail. Interviews may take place in person or by web conference. If you have a web camera and a Skype account, please mention that in your cover letter.
POSTAL ADDRESS
Tsukuba International School
Attn: Ms. Shaney Crawford
Kamigo 7846-1
Tsukuba, Ibaraki, JAPAN
300-2645
Please write: “Teacher Application” on the envelope.
EMAIL ADDRESS
Please submit your documents as PDF files or in plain text. Use the subject “Junior High School Teacher: September 2012″.
Applications are due by January 15, 2012, but we encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible. Applications will be considered as soon as they arrive and the position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found. We hope to fill the position by February 1, 2012.
Please note that Tsukuba International School is an elementary school and junior high school where all classes are taught in English, NOT a private company that teaches English conversation lessons to children and adults; therefore, we will only consider applicants who have proper teaching qualifications (i.e. a degree in education, preferably specializing in elementary or middle school education). A TESL/TEFL certificate and/or Bachelor degree in a subject other than Education would not be enough to meet these standards.
We apologize, but only those candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted. Documents that are submitted to the school will not be returned.
We look forward to hearing from you.
