Full-Time Lead Teacher

START DATE: January 6th, 2025 About Wells International Preschool: At Wells International Preschool, located in the culturally rich and picturesque city of Kamakura, Japan, we are dedicated to igniting and empowering students for lifelong wellness. Our mission is to celebrate and honor each child's unique identity, motivations, interests, and curiosity. We deeply value well-being, mindfulness, openness, curiosity, and exploration. Kamakura, our home, offers a stunning backdrop filled with historical shrines, temples, local cuisine, handicrafts, and natural landscapes of mountains, rivers, and beaches. We integrate this vibrant local heritage into our curriculum, providing our students with enriching experiences both inside and outside the classroom. Collaboration is key at Wells International Preschool, and we have formed partnerships with creative advisors from diverse fields such as art, design, cuisine, and technology. This ensures that our curriculum includes embedded opportunities for real-world exploration and application, enhancing our educational offerings. Furthermore, our commitment to well-being is reflected in our holistic school programs which include a nutritious lunch program, yoga, and meditation. These initiatives help our students develop a balanced lifestyle and an appreciation for holistic health. Wells International Preschool is more than just a school; it is a community where education and well-being are intertwined, providing a foundation for a fulfilling and balanced life. About the Reggio Emilia Approach: Originating from the town of Reggio Emilia in Italy, the Reggio Emilia approach is a globally recognized educational philosophy, developed in the aftermath of World War II. This approach views children as competent, active participants in their learning—recognized as individuals with rights, who express themselves and learn through 'the hundred languages.' These languages include a variety of communication forms such as words, movement, drawing, painting, building, sculpture, shadow play, collage, and music, enabling children to interact with the world around them. At Wells International Preschool, we embrace this philosophy, promoting project-based, collaborative learning that engages children with their peers, teachers, parents, and the environment itself. This dynamic interaction fosters a deep, meaningful educational experience and encourages children to grow in relationship with others and their surroundings. About the Role: Wells International Preschool, located in the scenic city of Kamakura, Japan, is seeking a creative, collaborative, and passionate Lead Teacher to join our team as a foundational member. Our goal is to implement an inquiry-based, conceptual learning program and to integrate the Reggio Emilia approach into our curriculum, thereby enriching the educational experiences we offer. This role extends beyond the traditional responsibilities of an English Kindergarten Teacher, embracing a philosophy where children are seen as active contributors to their learning. Position Overview: As a Lead Teacher at Wells International Preschool, you will be responsible for teaching and collaboratively creating a child-centered, international educational experience. In this role, you will function as a facilitator, inquirer, researcher, designer, partner, and co-creator, working directly with children to shape meaningful learning experiences. You will play a key role in fostering a dynamic educational community that emphasizes interactive learning among students, teachers, and parents within an engaging and supportive environment. This position offers the unique opportunity to influence the development and implementation of innovative educational practices, making a significant impact on the lives of our young learners. Our campus will pre-open from January 2025. Our ideal candidate is available from September 2024 to support campus planning and preparation for opening, under the direction of the school leadership team. Duties may include learning space set-up, curriculum development, student recruitment, and marketing events. Initial training in our pedagogical approach will be provided. From January 2025, this individual will transfer into a full-time lead teacher position. Who We Are Looking For: Residency and Authorization: You must currently reside in Japan with valid work authorization. Language Proficiency: You possess native, bilingual, or fluent English skills, essential for effective communication in our diverse learning environment. Japanese language proficiency, while not required, is an advantage. Experience: You have at least three years of experience in early childhood education, with a preference for candidates who have worked in international settings or with additional language learners. Educational Qualifications: You hold a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field and/or a valid Teaching License. Educational Approach: You are experienced with and committed to inquiry-based, project-based, and play-based learning methodologies. Interests: You have a strong passion for creative endeavors and enjoy exploring arts, sciences, nature, cuisine, and culture. Personal Growth: You are inherently curious, consider yourself a lifelong learner, and are eager to grow both personally and professionally. Leadership and Initiative: You are excited about the opportunity to be a foundational member of a new campus, actively shaping its educational programming and contributing to the direction of our learning community. Collaboration and Flexibility: You are collaborative, flexible, open to diverse perspectives, and always solutions-oriented, qualities crucial for our dynamic educational setting. Communication and Organization: Your communication skills are excellent, matched by superb organizational abilities to manage classroom and school activities efficiently. Commitment to Safety: You have an unwavering commitment to ensuring child safety and upholding the rights of children within our school. Engagement with Children: You enjoy interacting with and supporting the comprehensive development of children, addressing their academic, linguistic, social, and emotional needs effectively. We seek a dedicated educator who is enthusiastic about building a nurturing and innovative educational environment at Wells International Preschool. If you share our educational philosophy and feel you can contribute significantly to our team, we encourage you to apply. Key Responsibilities: Instruction: Plan, prepare, and execute high-quality lessons utilizing principles of inquiry-based learning, play-based learning, and principles of the Reggio Emilia approach. Plan lessons at the daily, unit, and yearly levels, and ensure vertical alignment between grade-levels. Curriculum Development: Design and implement a high-quality early childhood curriculum that integrates inquiry-based, student-centered pedagogy and the child-led, project-based learning principles of the Reggio Emilia approach. Inclusive Community Building: Actively develop and maintain an inclusive school culture that values each student's unique contributions, aligning with the philosophies of the PYP and Reggio Emilia. Cultural and Environmental Integration: Craft learning environments and curricular elements that reflect the values of the IB PYP and Reggio Emilia approaches, enhanced with Japanese cultural elements to enrich the educational experience. Collaborative Learning Environment: Promote a collaborative learning atmosphere where education is a social construct achieved through interaction among students, teachers, and the broader community. Documentation and Parent Communication: Keep meticulous records of students' learning processes as promoted by the Reggio Emilia approach. Communicate regularly with parents to report on progress and engage them in the educational process through both formal updates and informal interactions. Wellness Integration: Lead the integration of wellness practices such as meditation, yoga, and aromatherapy into the daily routine, supporting the emotional and physical well-being of both students and staff. Classroom Management: Ensure the classroom is a safe, inclusive, and stimulating space that fosters active participation and supports the holistic development of each student. Student Assessment and Feedback: Regularly evaluate student progress, maintain precise records, and provide thoughtful feedback to both students and their parents, facilitating continuous educational growth. Professional Development: Participate in all professional development sessions. Meaningfully contribute to the professional learning community, including sharing ideas and strategies with fellow teachers and staff members. Team Collaboration: Maintain close collaboration with other educators and staff to ensure a cohesive educational approach and promote overall well-being within the school environment. Participate in collaborative planning meetings regarding curriculum development and reflections on student learning and assessment. Participate in additional meetings, such as staff meetings and coaching/development meetings with the Head of School, to ensure our continued growth as professionals and as a learning community. Event and Activity Support: Assist in organizing and conducting school events or special projects, including outdoor activities and community engagement, sometimes extending beyond regular school hours. Minimal Daycare and Hygiene Support: Although your primary responsibility is instruction, you will also support Assistant and After-School Teachers with student daycare and hygiene needs, including toileting, when necessary.

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The above information is a public job ad. This job ad is neither an offer nor a contract.