Early Years Arts Teacher / Atelierista 60%

The Early Years Arts Teacher is responsible for creating a rich arts focused, play based learning environment that promotes student learning and optimum personal growth, according to age, ability and aptitude. He or she establishes an effective relationship  with students and creates an environment  that provokes and motivates them to develop the skills, attitudes and knowledge required for a strong foundation as capable learners. The Preschool Arts Teacher plans collaboratively with Preschool homeroom teachers to create an integrated approach to the arts (Visual art, music, dance and drama) that supports students development of skills and conceptual understanding of the arts. The Early Years Arts Teacher establishes good relationships with parents and works closely with colleagues to develop an efficient team.

Responsibilities

Classroom Management

• Prepare a dynamic and stimulating environment and arts engagements aligned with the curriculum and individual needs of each child including
• Planning for the development of children’s artistic skills and dispositions
• Supporting the development of children’s basic gross and fine motor skills in relations to the arts
• Facilitating the development of arts learning through a blend of play based and other creative development opportunities
• Stimulating  childrens’ artistic inquiries through careful consideration of their interests, needs and readiness
• Provide pastoral care and support to children and provide them with a secure and stimulating learning environment during all activities both inside and outside the school
• Research, develop, source and adapt learning materials to promote student self direction, curiosity and learning 
• Monitor, assess and document each child’s learning to assess progress and set appropriate goals
• Celebrate the cultural diversity of the school population and explore possible links with home countries through the internet and other activities
• Identify individual needs around learning, social and emotional development and collaborate where necessary with the Counsellor/Learning Support
• Identify any students who may need additional support for learning and provide this with differentiation or collaboration with support teachers

Other Tasks

• Organise and manage resources relate to the arts program
• Plan and organise field trip programmes 
• Supervise and instruct the Teaching Assistant and ensure effective deployment of support in the classroom
• Liaise with peer teachers, the PYP coordinator to ensure that programme requirements are met 
• Liaise with the Primary Arts department to ensure cohesion between the Preschool and Primary arts programs.
• Attend Parent/Teacher  and Student-led conferences and inform parents about child’s progress
• Attend meetings for planning and administration, in-service training and professional development workshops
• Engage in the Appraisal Process in accordance with the school’s policy

Requirements

Education/Experience/Requirements

• Current classroom teacher qualification and or advanced training in Early Years Education
• BA / BSc or equivalent university degree
• Qualifications or Experiences related to the Arts (Visual, Drama, Music and Dance)
• Native English speaker is an advantage
• Strong listening skills and respect for children’s thinking.
• Initiative, patience and a good sense of humour
• Must have recent teaching experience of at least 2 years.
• Experience in an International School environment advantageous
• PYP knowledge preferred Understanding of the principals of the Reggio Emilia approach to Early Childhood education advantageous.
• Experience in teaching learners with diverse needs
• Strong Classroom Management Skills
• Strong organisational skills
• Ability to support the range of artistic pursuits needed for Nursery and PreSchool aged children. (Art, Dance, Drama and Music)
• The ability to use technology thoughtfully to enrich learning.The applicant must demonstrate knowledge of the developmental needs of children of 18 month -6 years
• Empathy and social skills
• Documented record of excellence in teaching
• Collaboration, teamwork and active participation in school life

Terms and conditions

The initial contract is for two years and is renewable. The generous salary and range of benefits will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate, with the overall package reflecting the importance of the position.

Next steps

Interested candidates should email a full letter of application, a statement of personal educational philosophy, detailed resume/curriculum vitae, and three referees. The Head of School reserves the right to apply directly to the writers of open testimonials for confidential statements.

Applications should be adressed to:

Ms Mary-Lyn Campbell,

Head of School

We are looking forward to receiving your online application.