Primary Years Programme Coordinator/Class Teacher

Start date 13th August 2021

Empowering our students to thrive is at the core of everything we do. “Here, I can be me.” If this quote of one from our students makes you curious about working at our school, you are in the right place! Amity International School Amsterdam is a family-oriented school, proud of our connections with the wider community and Amity Education Group. We are still growing and are ambitious to be a school at the forefront of impactful teaching and learning.

The position of PYP Coordinator is a position of responsibility within the school. The role involves maintaining a full overview and active involvement in the development of the curriculum throughout the Early and Primary Years. The successful candidate will gain 40% release time from classroom teaching to complete the Coordinator role.

We are looking for an inspiring coordinator and practitioner who can build on the foundations already laid and enhance the teaching and learning to further development practices that reflect the IB philosophy. We want a candidate who utilises qualitative and quantitative data to guide school improvement and develop academic achievement for all students. A coordinator that will work alongside educational staff to develop practices and understanding of the PYP. An individual that will be present and engaged in the day-to-day management, organisation, and administration of the programme. A coordinator focused on enabling everyone around them to thrive and make a positive difference in the community and in the world.

What will you do on a day-to-day basis?

As well as the requirements outlined in individual appointment terms and conditions of service, the PYP Coordinator has the following specific responsibilities. The PYP Coordinator is expected to undertake any other reasonable task assigned by the Principal and to comply with all requirements of the International Baccalaureate Organization relating to the role of PYP Coordinator. The Coordinator responsibility will account for 40% of your weekly schedule, the other 60% will be class-based teaching.

Organisational

• Ensuring that the school's status as an accredited IB PYP school is maintained by developing practices within the school to consolidate good teaching
• Maintaining professional standards in all aspects of the role
• Building effective relationships and communications with parents to ensure full understanding of the IB PYP at Amity International School Amsterdam
• Support the Head of School in determining budgetary priorities and strategy in line with the school’s overall goals

Teaching and Planning

• To ensure there is coherent development of the planning and teaching across the Early Years and Primary Years
• Ensuring all children can access the teaching and learning and individual needs are met
• Ensuring a wide range of teaching strategies and activities are implemented and student agency is developed within the school

Assessing

• Views planning, teaching, and assessing as interconnected processes using a range and balance of assessment strategies
• Involving students, parents, and colleagues in the assessment process

Programme Administration

• Implement the guidance outlined in Principles into Practice for the goals, objectives, criteria, and assessment of the programme 
• Ensure that all requirements of the IBO concerning the programme are met
• Act as the liaison between the school and the IBO and carry out all necessary tasks outlined in the IBO’s list of coordinator’s responsibilities, including liaising with the Business Office with regards to payment of invoices, monitoring of and dispatch of necessary documentation

Community

• Develop strong relationships with Parents and Guardians through regular communication and the development of events aimed at increasing parental engagement with the school
• To look at ways of further expanding links within our local community

What will you bring to the table?

The ideal candidate for this role will have the following qualifications, experience, skills, and attributes:

• A minimum 4-year recognised teaching qualification, including a bachelor's degree or equivalent teaching diploma (PGCE)
• A master's in Educational Leadership or related field of expertise or qualification
• 5+ years’ experience teaching in international schools' settings with 3+ years in an IB World school
• Experience in an educational leadership role
• Experience in curriculum development and leading professional learning
• Strong knowledge of IB PYP requirements
• Excellent fluency in English (verbal and written)
• Demonstrated ability to incorporate technology into teaching
• Computer skills (MS office, Apple environments, web-based applications)

What is in it for you?

We are looking for candidates that are willing to go the extra mile for our young school to be successful. In return, we are offering a competitive salary and package to successful candidates. If you are internationally minded, permitted to work in the European Union and have the desire to help shape the exciting future of our school, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Who are we?

We are young and vibrant school located in Amstelveen. We pride ourselves in supporting and challenging every student to achieve excellence in their development. We place particular emphasis on providing the students with opportunities to demonstrate agency and collaborative skills, as well as finding ways for them to serve others and contribute to the wider community.

We are a fully international school with students and staff from 39 different countries and we are proud of our diverse and inclusive culture. We welcome new colleagues from different backgrounds and highly encourage people from around the world to apply for this position.

Amity International School Amsterdam is part of the not-for-profit Amity Education Group, home to over 150.000 students worldwide with school campuses across Amsterdam, Dubai, London, Singapore, New York, Delhi, Tashkent and plans to be in every major city of the world.

Why is Safeguarding important to us?

We take caring for the physical and emotional health of each member of the school community very seriously. As a school, we are committed to safeguarding and expect all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. We will follow safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks before any appointment is confirmed.

What should you do next?

If you feel that you are the candidate we are looking for, make sure to share your CV (resume) and supporting statement via the ‘apply now’ button.

If you have additional questions, do not hesitate to contact our HR department via recruitment@amityamsterdam.nl.