Grades 2 & 3 (Early Years) Teacher

PURPOSE OF JOB:

• To teach students in Grades 2 and 3 all core subjects and others as required.
• Deliver the Grade 2 & 3 curriculum with consistency and excellence.
• Design immersive learning experiences that incorporate outdoor activities and fieldwork, leveraging Woodstock School’s facilities, our Indian cultural context, and the unique Himalayan environment
• Assess student progress using effective evaluation methods
• In both pastoral and professional ways, exemplify Our Calling by teaching in a way which Elicits Greatness and make decisions that align with our Guiding Principles. 
• Develop a genuinely personal and profound enjoyment of Early Years and the learning environment

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Teaching and Curriculum Development:

• Model a lifelong love for learning, generosity of spirit, and integrity
• Develop, maintain, and continuously update existing unit plans and curriculum-related documents
• Work collaboratively and positively contribute to departmental tasks such as policies, common assessments, instructional practices, grading practices etc.
• Develop and implement assessment strategies that support student learning and provide meaningful feedback
• Embrace the department focus on critical thinking and student-centric hands-on, inquiry-based learning approach
• Ensure that students develop a strong conceptual and contextual understanding while honing their practical problem-solving skills.
• Consider the differing ability of students by differentiating work, accordingly, utilizing varied teaching strategies and modes, and offering regular out of class opportunities for support
• Coordinate with the TA to differentiate between grade-levels and groups using grade-level standards.
• Organise the classroom, learning resources, and displays to create a welcoming, safe and positive learning environment
• Keep all students safe by abiding by the Safeguarding and Child Protection policies at Woodstock as well as active supervision 
• Develop meaningful, collegial, and professional relationships with all students and staff
• Plan, prepare and present lessons that are differentiated to cater for the needs of the whole ability range within the multi-grade class, and a range of learning styles, using the core resources provided.
• Identify new resources for the annual Early Years budget request.
• Teach all areas of the core curriculum with enthusiasm. Subjects such as general Music, Drama, Art, Religious Education, Wellness and Physical Education are taught by specialist teachers with whom crosscurricular planning and collaboration are encouraged.
• Motivate students with enthusiastic, imaginative presentations and interesting project-based learning activities
• Utilize a restorative approach to classroom management

Supporting student centric learning and development:

• Take responsibility for the learning and progress of all students in Grades 2 and 3
• Meet requirements for the assessment and recording of students’ achievements and progress
• Mark work and give timely feedback to students to facilitate positive student development
• Lead and facilitate the Morning Meeting at the start of each day, and, when possible, a time of reflection at the close of the day 
• Establish and maintain a classroom atmosphere that nurtures understanding, respect, safety, and care, in the play areas and in the dining hall.
• Be mindful of the social and emotional needs of all the students in the class. 
• Provide pastoral care and support to the students in Grades 2 and 3, in collaboration with the Head of Early Years
• Be a good role model for your students
• Provide informed feedback to parents on a student’s progress at Parent Teacher Conferences and other meetings
• Work with others to plan, improve and develop the implementation and delivery of a purposeful and enjoyable student-centred curriculum, making effective use of resources and the outdoors
• Plan and deliver learning which meets children where they are; reflect upon how teaching and learning in your classroom align with the school’s Definition of High Quality Learning and Definition of Global Citizenship.
• Prepare the Grade 2 students for the transition to Grade 3

Co- Curricular and School Commitment:

• Supervise students in Early Years in the Quad and the playground during recess, lunch times and after school, as assigned by the Head of School
• Contribute to the Early Years enrichment programme by running an after-school club linked to your passion, hobby or interest
• Chaperone student travel at the end or beginning of each semester
• Accept and support Woodstock School’s inclusive Religious Life Policy.
• Participate in annual evaluation and professional growth, taking full advantage of professional development opportunities
• Be a supportive and active member of the Early Years Team at all times
• Attend Whole School Staff Meetings and regular Early Years Team meetings 
• Attend and participate in Early Years Weekly Assemblies and other important whole-school and Eearly Years division events throughout the school year
• Be willing to participate in and share Professional Development with colleagues
• Organise and take part in school and community events, outings and activities, including Activity Week and the Early Years Outdoor Education program, some of which take part outside of school hours
• Be aware of and follow school policies
• Support the regular review, evaluation and development of the curriculum and enrichment provision in Early Years as outlined in the Curriculum Policy

BACKGROUND ON CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT:

• The Curriculum in Early Years is standards-based. Mathematics and English Language Arts are based on the Common Core; Science uses the NGSS standards. The Early Years Curriculum has been presently planned to align with the IB Middle Years Program.
• The Early Years Department uses Jumprope for now BUT is planning on shifting to SeeSaw as its online gradebook, to record data on students’ achievements and progress.
• Knowledge of Responsive Classroom would be useful, as the Morning Meeting and Reflection are based on this approach.
• Knowledge of Montessori & Reggio Emilia philosophy methodology is a plus.
• Knowledge of Tribes PLC is a plus.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• A Bachelor’s / Master’s degree from an accredited institution
• Valid Certification(s)/ Teaching License
• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in elementary teaching
• At least 2 years’ full-time teaching experience in an International School
• Fluency and accuracy in written and spoken English
• Computer skills at a level that permits the creative and effective use of technology in the classroom
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team, preferably involving both national and international staff

PREFERRED QUALITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• International experience in a multi-cultural environment
• Enjoys working with children
• God communication skills – both verbal and written – appropriate, clear, effective, articulate
• Skills in organization, multi-tasking, and time management
• Able to cope well with stress and keep confidence
• Culturally sensitive
• A creative thinker, good team player, and life-long learner
• An enthusiastic and energetic person, comfortable working in the outdoors (camping)
• A record of successful engagement with students in distance learning and hybrid learning contexts.