Job Openings at The Vale School Muthaiga

Responsible to

The KG and PYP coordinators for the effective delivery of the curriculum The Head of School for the continued wellbeing of every student

To the KG and PYP Coordinators for the support for, and implementation of the school’s policies

General responsibilities

Every teacher will

Be an active advocate for the school’s curricular and philosophical commitments as a PYP school, ensuring alignment of all policies and practices to IB Standards and Practices

Support the School Leadership Team (SLT) in the implementation of the school’s strategic and operational goals

Collaborate with the KG and PYP Coordinators to develop, implement and deliver the school’s curricular goals, aligned to the school’s strategic planning

Collaborate to ensure that at all times the school’s curriculum provides a safe, supportive learning environment for students, teachers and all other members of the school community

Promote a culture where diversity and inclusion are encouraged and students learn to respect differences, take responsibility for their actions, exercise leadership, actively build community and strive for academic excellence

Engage with leadership, colleagues, students and the school community to create a dynamic, aspirational and innovative culture – a professional learning community grounded in collaboration, focused on improving learning outcomes, and driven by data-informed decision-making

Lead and support a culture accepting of innovation Be an active, life-long learner

 

Specific responsibilities

To lead learning, every teacher will

1. Ensure a consistent collaborative focus on improving student learning outcomes through the effective understanding, development, delivery, and analysis of the IB curriculum
2. Be up to date with and respond to current research about improving student learning outcomes
3. Differentiate in the classroom, taking into account each student’s learning needs
4. Use a wide range of technologies and creative teaching styles
5. Contribute to the development of interdisciplinary learning and the development of transdisciplinary skills.
6. Ensure students have an active and engaged role in developing their own learning outcomes Facilitate the setting, monitoring and evaluation of student targets to meet achievable measurable learning outcomes
7. Engage purposefully in collaborative professional learning
8. Ensure that current and innovative digital learning strategies are promoted and embedded in practice
9. Be ready to share understanding about how students learn
10. Ensure, in collaboration with colleagues and the KG and PYP coordinators, an effective scope and sequence of learning outcomes, vertically and horizontally
11. Model best practice within our professional learning community
12. Attend scheduled student progress meetings, including student/teacher/parent conferences Be accountable for effective learning in the classroom
13. Be accountable for the wellbeing of each student in the classroom

To lead teaching, every teacher will

1. Ensure a consistent collaborative focus on improving student learning outcomes through the modelling of best teaching practice
2. Support the KG and IB coordinators in developing common understandings, based on current research, about best teaching practice as this applies to the school’s vision
3. Collaborate with colleagues to evaluate and improve teaching strategies, using Effective, research-based learning and teaching programmes
4. Support the delivery of the curriculum to ensure an appropriate, comprehensive, innovative and high quality program
5. Collaborate with colleagues as required to team-teach, share resources, mentor,
6. Coach, and support the school’s collaborative approach to teaching
7. Be familiar with course syllabi, support materials, IB regulations, programme developments, professional IB discussions
8. Ensure, in collaboration with the KG and PYP coordinators and colleagues, effective curriculum articulation of PYP.
9. Ensure all curriculum is appropriately mapped, and all unit planners are available as required by the IB coordinators
10. Ensure the effective use of digital platforms (Toddle) in line with the expectations and of the KG and PYP coordinators
11. Ensure the use of local, national and international resources within the curriculum
12. Be familiar with, and adhere to the school’s assessment policy
13. Attend regular scheduled curriculum planning meetings

To support operational/strategic planning, every teacher will

1. Support and develop planning targets aligned to the school’s vision and mission, and the school’s wider strategic planning targets
2. Support the School in preparation for evaluation/accreditation/inspection visits,
3. Support the School, through the provision of appropriate teaching and learning data (learning outcomes, curriculum planning, course materials, feedback data), to facilitate mission and data-driven strategic planning.

To support staff professional learning, every teacher will

• Commit to the school’s Professional Learning and Development Program
• Engage in professional learning conversations that are informed by appropriate data and focused on learning outcomes
• Provide, as requested, coaching for collaborative professional development
• Support new colleagues, providing coaching and access to learning resources, curriculum materials and student learning data
• Ensure a positive engagement in, and support for, safeguarding policy and practice Promote collaborative practice and ensure effective learning relationships
• Act as a positive role model

To support quality assurance, every teacher will

1. Establish and monitor personal professional targets in line with wider school goals, and work toward their achievement
2. Support agreed standards of learning and practice across the school
3. Support and maintain school policies, being ready to offer constructive criticism and engage in policy development
4. Be responsible for the continuous review and improvement of classroom teaching and learning Evaluate the effectiveness of classroom learning using multiple sources of evidence including: student assessment data, curriculum documents, teaching practice,
5. Learning outcomes, and feedback from students, colleagues and parents/carers Ensure the timely and accurate recording of student attendance
6. Ensure the prompt feedback and recording of any and all safeguarding concerns, liaising with the Designated Safeguarding Lead as necessary
7. Ensure all health and safety concerns, or any other threat to student or community wellbeing is accurately logged and reported.

To support communication & liaison, every teacher will

1. Support and communicate the school’s mission and objectives, and model these within the community
2. Communicate all learning policies effectively to all members of the school community, using agreed communication protocols
3. Be conversant with learning policy and practice
4. Communicate IB policy and practice accurately with students, ensuring appropriate guidance through all relevant subject-specific elements of the IB
5. Provide written reports, reference letters, and other support materials as requested by the Head of School or IB Coordinators, to support student learning or student placement
6. Communicate and liaise regularly with parents, ensuring the community has timely and appropriate access to student learning

To support the management of resources, every teacher will

1. Support the School Leadership Team (SLT) in the determination of appropriate and necessary teaching resources, linked to strategic planning and intended learning outcomes
2. Support the KG and PYP Coordinators in the maintenance of an accurate inventory of educational resources
3. Additional professional expectations

Every teacher will

1. Be available to support extra-curricular activities
2. Provide supervision as requested by the KG and PYP coordinators

Educational and Vocational Qualifications/Experience The teachers will have:

• TSC Certificate
• Minimum of two years teaching experience Preferably PYP/IB knowledge and experience Relevant teaching qualifications

go to method of application »

The Head of School is responsible for providing leadership and coordination of the PYP/Learning and Teaching program within the school.

 

It is an expectation that this person will have extensive knowledge and experience with delivery and leadership of the IB PYP.

The Head of School will be expected to work within the Senior Management Team (SMT) to realise the school’s Vision and Mission (with a specific focus on the Educational Vision). To take overall responsibility for the ongoing organization, development and implementation of learning and teaching in the School. The Head of School is an active ambassador for the school in the community who is responsible to the Board and Senior Management Team (SMT)

The Head of School will be expected to work with the KG and PYP Coordinators and teaching team, and the parent community, demonstrating outstanding communication skills.

The role also requires supporting and monitoring teachers to ensure that an inquiry approach to learning is delivered across the school, as well as supporting the school’s vision.

Specific Responsibilities

General management

• Member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) and Senior Leadership Team (SLT)
• Attend Board Meetings
• Uphold all aspects of the school’s ethos and policies, and encourage staff dedication and morale
• Developing links and relationships with other international and PYP schools both in Kenya and abroad
• Ensure equal opportunities for staff and pupils regardless of gender, ability and culture;
• Offer general oversight of teaching and learning matters in relation to staff, students and parents
• Develop whole-school learning culture
• Oversee all school trips and work as the key lead of the school’s health and safety team
• In collaboration with the KG and PYP Coordinators manage the Staff Professional Development plan and budget
• Maintain open communication with school regarding curriculum
• Lead, support and manage the School’s KG and PYP coordinators

Administration

• Supports the Admissions Committee by meeting with prospective students and parent/s, assessing student readiness and providing recommendations to the Admissions Committee
• Give school tours to all prospective parents
• Oversee implementation of the annual budget and orders
• Monitor teaching staff and student attendance
• Write termly Board reports highlighting accomplishments, progress toward goals, specific concerns, and general updates
• Engages with and supports the HR team throughout the hiring process - recruiting highly qualified and capable faculty members and staff who will fulfill the school’s vision
• Organise with the Human Resource Manager and assist the KG and PYP Coordinators in the induction of new staff

Students

• Ensure student records are maintained by the teachers
• Liaise with the PYP, KG coordinators and consultant to ensure the needs of students with SEN are being identified and met
• Liaise with staff, students and parents to ensure effective student transition from one class to another
• Ensure that there is an appropriate and varied programme of extra-curricular activities for all students
• Oversee the planning and organising of an informative assembly programme that supports and promotes PYP student learning and philosophy

Staff

• Lead, supervise and support all teachers and administrative staff
• Coordinate regular meetings to support the implementation of the school programme
• Oversee the PYP and KG Coordinators in the implementation and development of annual professional staff appraisal/growth plans
• Ensure that there is regular communication with the KG and PYP Coordinators on a formal and informal basis
• Through an appraisal process reflect and review the work of the KG and PYP Coordinators and receive formal and informal feedback from staff
• Determining academic staffing requirements and in assist in appointing new staff

 

Learning and Teaching

• Being a cover teacher as required
• Constantly reappraise your own professional performance, participate in training courses and keep informed of current legislation and best practice
• Assist Kindergarten (KG) and Primary Years Program (PYP) Coordinators with the appraisal programme for both new and established staff

 

Communication

• Inform the Senior Management Team (SMT) about progress being made in terms of implementation and development of the programme
• Promote International Mindedness throughout the school.

Resource Management

• Oversee the management of the resource budget for the entire school.
• Liaise with the Senior Management Team (SMT) in recommending and facilitating the purchase of suitable resources to support the implementation of the IB programme.

Documentation and Curriculum

• Monitor the overall academic standards, assessment principles, policies and practices within the School.
• Ensure that all curriculum areas are developed, delivered and assessed appropriately.
• Ensure teaching and learning promotes international mindedness.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of teaching and learning.
• Participate in the formation of the school’s strategic development plan.
• Establishes and maintain a record of completed planners.
• Support the PYPC with publishing the school’s Programme of Inquiry
• Support the PYPC with developing and implementing the PYP Action Plan

Implementation

• Organise teacher support with planning, modelling and strategies in learning environments in collaboration with the KG and PYP coordinators
• Work with KG and PYP Coordinators to ensure that inquiry-based learning is the leading pedagogical approach in all learning environments
• Have an oversight of the KG and PYP Coordinators that meet the needs of the IB.
• Have oversight of the integration of digital technologies

Educational and Vocational Qualifications/Experience

The Head will have:

• TSC Certificate
• Minimum of ten years teaching experience
• PYP/IB knowledge and experience
• Primary school teaching qualifications
• Have previous experience in a leadership position within a Primary School.
• Have previous successful experience with International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme

go to method of application »

Responsible to

1. The KG and PYP coordinators for the effective delivery of the curriculum The Head of School for the continued wellbeing of every student
2. To the KG and PYP Coordinators for the support for, and implementation of the school’s policies

General responsibilities

Every teacher will

1. Be an active advocate for the school’s curricular and philosophical commitments as a PYP school, ensuring alignment of all policies and practices to IB Standards and Practices
2. Support the School Leadership Team (SLT) in the implementation of the school’s strategic and operational goals
3. Collaborate with the KG and PYP Coordinators to develop, implement and deliver the school’s curricular goals, aligned to the school’s strategic planning
4. Collaborate to ensure that at all times the school’s curriculum provides a safe, supportive learning environment for students, teachers and all other members of the school community
5. Promote a culture where diversity and inclusion are encouraged and students learn to respect differences, take responsibility for their actions, exercise leadership, actively build community and strive for academic excellence
6. Engage with leadership, colleagues, students and the school community to create a dynamic, aspirational and innovative culture – a professional learning community grounded in collaboration, focused on improving learning outcomes, and driven by data-informed decision-making
7. Lead and support a culture accepting of innovation Be an active, life-long learner

Specific responsibilities

To lead learning, every teacher will

1. Ensure a consistent collaborative focus on improving student learning outcomes through the effective understanding, development, delivery, and analysis of the IB curriculum
2. Be up to date with and respond to current research about improving student learning outcomes
3. Differentiate in the classroom, taking into account each student’s learning needs
4. Use a wide range of technologies and creative teaching styles
5. Contribute to the development of interdisciplinary learning and the development of transdisciplinary skills.
6. Ensure students have an active and engaged role in developing their own learning outcomes Facilitate the setting, monitoring and evaluation of student targets to meet achievable,measurable learning outcomes
7. Engage purposefully in collaborative professional learning
8. Ensure that current and innovative digital learning strategies are promoted and embedded in practice
9. Be ready to share understanding about how students learn
10. Ensure, in collaboration with colleagues and the KG and PYP coordinators, an effective scope and sequence of learning outcomes, vertically and horizontally
11. Model best practice within our professional learning community
12. Attend scheduled student progress meetings, including student/teacher/parent conferences Be accountable for effective learning in the classroom
13. Be accountable for the wellbeing of each student in the classroom

To lead teaching, every teacher will

• Ensure a consistent collaborative focus on improving student learning outcomes through the modelling of best teaching practice
• Support the KG and IB coordinators in developing common understandings, based on current research, about best teaching practice as this applies to the school’s vision
• Collaborate with colleagues to evaluate and improve teaching strategies, using Effective, research-based learning and teaching programmes
• Support the delivery of the curriculum to ensure an appropriate, comprehensive, innovative and high quality program
• Collaborate with colleagues as required to team-teach, share resources, mentor,
• Coach, and support the school’s collaborative approach to teaching
• Be familiar with course syllabi, support materials, IB regulations, programme developments, professional IB discussions
• Ensure, in collaboration with the KG and PYP coordinators and colleagues, effective curriculum articulation of PYP.
• Ensure all curriculum is appropriately mapped, and all unit planners are available as required by the IB coordinators
• Ensure the effective use of digital platforms (Toddle) in line with the expectations and of the KG and PYP coordinators
• Ensure the use of local, national and international resources within the curriculum
• Be familiar with, and adhere to the school’s assessment policy
• Attend regular scheduled curriculum planning meetings

To support operational/strategic planning, every teacher will

• Support and develop planning targets aligned to the school’s vision and mission, and the school’s wider strategic planning targets
• Support the School in preparation for evaluation/accreditation/inspection visits,
• Support the School, through the provision of appropriate teaching and learning data (learning outcomes, curriculum planning, course materials, feedback data), to facilitate mission and data-driven strategic planning.

To support staff professional learning, every teacher will

• Commit to the school’s Professional Learning and Development Program
• Engage in professional learning conversations that are informed by appropriate data and focused on learning outcomes
• Provide, as requested, coaching for collaborative professional development
• Support new colleagues, providing coaching and access to learning resources, curriculum materials and student learning data
• Ensure a positive engagement in, and support for, safeguarding policy and practice Promote collaborative practice and ensure effective learning relationships
• Act as a positive role model

​​​​​​​To support quality assurance, every teacher will​​​​​​​

• Establish and monitor personal professional targets in line with wider school goals, and work toward their achievement
• Support agreed standards of learning and practice across the school
• Support and maintain school policies, being ready to offer constructive criticism and engage in policy development
• Be responsible for the continuous review and improvement of classroom teaching and learning Evaluate the effectiveness of classroom learning using multiple sources of evidence including: student assessment data, curriculum documents, teaching practice,
• Learning outcomes, and feedback from students, colleagues and parents/carers Ensure the timely and accurate recording of student attendance
• Ensure the prompt feedback and recording of any and all safeguarding concerns, liaising with the Designated Safeguarding Lead as necessary
• Ensure all health and safety concerns, or any other threat to student or community wellbeing is accurately logged and reported.

To support communication & liaison, every teacher will

1. Support and communicate the school’s mission and objectives, and model these within the community
2. Communicate all learning policies effectively to all members of the school community, using agreed communication protocols
3. Be conversant with learning policy and practice
4. Communicate IB policy and practice accurately with students, ensuring appropriate guidance through all relevant subject-specific elements of the IB
5. Provide written reports, reference letters, and other support materials as requested by the Head of School or IB Coordinators, to support student learning or student placement
6. Communicate and liaise regularly with parents, ensuring the community has timely and appropriate access to student learning

To support the management of resources, every teacher will

1. Support the School Leadership Team (SLT) in the determination of appropriate and necessary teaching resources, linked to strategic planning and intended learning outcomes
2. Support the KG and PYP Coordinators in the maintenance of an accurate inventory of educational resources

Additional professional expectations

Every teacher will

1. Be available to support extra-curricular activities
2. Provide supervision as requested by the KG and PYP coordinators

Educational and Vocational Qualifications/Experience The teachers will have:

1. TSC Certificate
2. Minimum of two years teaching experience Preferably PYP/IB knowledge and experience Relevant teaching qualifications

go to method of application »

Scope and Nature of the Position

The Kindergarten (KG) Coordinator is responsible for providing leadership and coordination of the Kindergarten Program within the school.

The KG Coordinator will be expected to work within the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to realise the school’s Vision and Mission (with a specific focus on the Educational Vision).

The KG Coordinator will be expected to work with year-level and single-subject teaching teams, and the parent community, demonstrating outstanding communication skills.

The role also requires supporting and monitoring teachers to ensure that inquiry pedagogy and play-based learning lead the learning and teaching across the Kindergarten, as well as supporting the school’s aims of an IB PYP education.

General Responsibilities

• Curriculum coordination for the kindergarten level, in relation to staff, students and parents
• Member of the Senior Leadership Team
• General management of the Kindergarten
• Deputise for the Primary Years Program Coordinator when absent or offsite
• Promote a culture where diversity and inclusion are encouraged and students learn to respect differences, take responsibility for their actions, exercise leadership, actively build community and strive for academic excellence
• Propose and develop kindergarten level budget requirements for implementation of the programme in partnership with the Head of Finance

Students

• Ensure student academic records are maintained
• Ensure the needs of students with special education needs are met (extra-support and highly-capable)
• Liaise with staff, students, and parents to ensure affection student transition from one class to another
• Ensure there is an appropriate and varied programme of extra-curricular activities for all students
• Plan and organise an assembly programme that supports and promotes PYP student learning and philosophy

Communication

• Enable all communication and collaboration among Kindergarten staff involved in implementing the programme
• Conduct parent information sessions related to learning in the Kindergarten level and publish articles pertaining to the programme in the Newsletter.
• Collaborate with the Primary Years Program Coordinator (PYPC) to prepare and submit any documentation required for Evaluation
• With guidance from the PYPC ensure all requirements and procedures set by the IB concerning the programme are adhered to
• Inform the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) about progress being made in terms of implementation and development
• Promote International Mindedness throughout the school

Professional Development

• In collaboration with the PYPC, support teacher to be aware of professional development opportunities (online or face-to face)available and encourage participation
• In collaboration with the PYPC, organise induction of new staff in the Early Years
• Develop and implement a training programme for nannies in Sparkles and Fireflies
• In collaboration with the PYPC, keep a record of workshops and school visits in order to achieve equality of opportunity and identify ongoing needs
• In collaboration with the PYPC, assist teams or individuals in developing units of inquiry
• In collaboration with the PYPC, arrange for own professional development needs, in negotiation with the Head of School
• Encourage teachers to collaborate and to develop their professional skills
• Keep a record of workshop attendance and school visits to ensure equality of opportunity and identify ongoing needs

Resource Management

• Manage the resource budget for the Early Years programme communicating with the Head of School and PYP Coordinator as required
• Facilitate the purchase of suitable resources to support the implementation of the programme in consultation with the Head of School and PYP Coordinator as required
• Have an oversight of the integration of digital technologies into the curriculum
• Encourage staff, parents and students to identify people in the community and resources that can be used to support the programme
• Make recommendations for the purchase of suitable resources to support the implementation of the programme.
• Assist in establishing an inventory of resources to facilitate efficient management.

Documentation

• Coordinate year level outcomes to ensure both vertical and horizontal articulation maintain a record of completed planners electronically
• Lead the process of developing or reviewing the school’s scope and sequence documents according to the requirements
• Ensure that reporting formats reflect the Kindergarten level and school requirements manage the PYP Action Plan
• Participate in the formation of the school’s strategic development plan
• Establish and maintain a record of completed planners
• Publish the school’s programme of inquiry
• Lead the process of developing or reviewing the school’s scope and sequence documents
• Ensure that essential agreements are formulated for assessment and for teaching and learning language
• Participate in the formation of the school’s strategic development plan
• Observe teaching, learning and assessing and collects all necessary information considering the status and changes of the programme

Implementation

• Organise teacher support with planning, modelling and strategies in learning environments
• Work with teachers to ensure that the inquiry approach is being used in all learning environments
• Facilitate and coordinate weekly teacher planning meetings and staff meetings

Teaching

Being a class teacher as required

Review and Accountability

The KG coordinator shall:

• Ensure that there is regular communication with the Head of School and PYP Coordinator in a formal and informal basis
• Attend appropriate team meetings as required
• Through an appraisal process reflect and review the work of the teachers, receive formal and informal feedback from teachers and relay that to the Head of School
• Provide regular informed feedback about any ongoing issues.

The KG Coordinator is supported in terms of fulfilling the responsibilities in the following ways:

• Developmental opportunities both on and off site with the view to being a fully informed KG Coordinator
• Adequate time, as negotiated, to pursue the requirements of the IB
• Regular communication with the Head of School, particularly in matters relating to resourcing of the KG regular time for reflection and review
• The establishment of appropriate curriculum teams to assist with the implementation and continuing development of the programme
• Access to some administrative support

Educational and Vocational Qualifications/Experience The KG Coordinator will have:

• TSC Certificate
• Minimum of two years teaching experience
• Relevant teaching qualifications