Job
description
School
Description:
In February 2013 we
opened a unique parent-initiative kindergarten in Gulu and for the new year
starting February 2015 through December we are looking for a new teacher .
The international
ki
ndergarten employs a Ugandan assistant teacher, having a teacher-child-ratio
of maximum 15 children per 2 teachers. Children are from international and
local families and from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Language spoken in
school is English though many children also speak Acholi and/or European
languages. Children’s ages are between three and five years old. Class hours
are from 8.30 am to 1 pm Monday to Friday. The school runs on the Ugandan
academic calendar, so there are 3 (12 week) terms in a year with approximately
one month break between each. The academic year begins in February.
The school started
as a unique initiative in Gulu, northern Uganda as the only Kindergarten with a
child-centred approach to early childhood education/development. As parents, we
were inspired by the ideas of Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf and we aim to
draw from the best of these. We are open to new ideas, and would want a teacher
who has vision, creativity, and would enjoy the freedom to shape the character
of the school.
Also, the parents
rotate organizing special activities each term, e.g. yoga, music day, swimming
and excursions to the ropes course and climbing wall run by one of the parents.
Location
The school is in
Gulu, northern Uganda. We, the founding parents, all think this is a great
place to live. The weather is temperate with wet and dry seasons, ideal for
year round BBQs. It is a friendly, lively, and growing town. Although in the
past the region was affected by a war between the notorious LRA and the
government of Uganda, the area has been secure since 2006. There are
restaurants, banks, supermarkets and modern amenities (usually) available.
During term breaks there will also be ample time to explore the rest of the
country, which has much to offer, from white water rafting on the great
NileRiver, to gorillas, game drives, beautiful national parks, waterfalls ,
etc.
What we are
looking for:
We are open to new
graduates and seasoned teachers alike with an educational background and/or
practical experiences in the field of early childhood development and/or as a
kindergarten teacher particularly child centred and child-led learning. A
successful candidate will benefit from an open adventurous, self-motivated and
flexible posture to life and require an ability to accept and understand
children where they are and help them to grow in curiosity and a love of
learning.
It is important to
us that the successful teacher will foster an appreciation in our kids for
differences at the same time not reinforcing but creating an oasis from and
challenge to pervasive (sometimes destructive) attitudes about gender, race,
economic disparities and special needs—all of which effect our kids in various
ways.
We are looking for
someone who is passionate about teaching young children in an international
environment with creative ideas: arts and crafts, sports, outdoor activities,
basic literacy, social skills/character development, etc. for a one year
commitment (with the possibility to extend).
Main
responsibilities include:
1) Leading joint
lesson planning with assistant teacher, including organizing materials and
classroom.
2) Teaching (the
most amazing group of Kindergartners EVER—they really are awesome).
3) Providing termly
assessments to parents.
4) Mentoring and
continuing professional development with assistant teacher through reading,
discussion and regular debriefing and feedback.
We would welcome
someone who can fund raise or raise support to sustain their time here. Our
school has a tuition scale, which enables us to include children from extremely
low-income families as well as those who earn international non-profit wages.
We are then able to cover a modest budget for educational materials and running
costs. Our ability to do this is dependant on finding a voluntary Lead Teacher
who is native (or fluent) in English. We welcome your interest in service and
filling this important need.
How
to apply
To apply please send
a letter of interest and attached CV via email to:
hollyeporter@gmail.com
Please also feel
free to contact us if you are interested or if you have any questions. We could
also skype to get to know each other. We are happy to help with finding
accommodation, settling in, orienting the new teacher to life in Gulu, etc.