Early Years Teacher

ROLE SUMMARY:

For an immediate start, we are looking to appoint an experienced IB PYP Early Years teacher to join our team at the International School of Como, Italy.  Applicants must have experience teaching IB PYP or a strong Early Years Reggioo-Inspired teaching background. The successful applicant will be a dynamic teacher with experience enabling students to achieve their potential.  We seek knowledge, enthusiasm and a passion for teaching to inspire our students with a love of learning. They must be team players who can work within a small but mighty Primary School, collaborate with specialists and manage their curriculum under pressure. This is an opportunity to contribute significantly to the development of our primary school.  Over time, the right candidate may be considered for middle leadership positions. 

Please note that due to the immediate start needed for the role, please only apply if you have Qualified Teacher Status, are an EU passport holder, or already have a valid visa that enables you to work in Italy.

About the school:

This is an exciting time to join The International School of Como, a recognised IB World school, authorised to offer the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum: the Primary Years Programme (PYP, ages 3-11), Middle Years Programme (MYP, ages 11-16) and Diploma Programme (DP, ages 16-18). We are also a candidate school for the Career-related Programme (CP, ages 16-18). In September 2024, new Executive Principal Philipa Smithson joined the school. An expansion project which has begun means that the school will grow over the coming years from 400 students to around 700. This means that there are likely to be several career development opportunities going forward.

The International School of Como is a vibrant, friendly and expanding school located in the beautiful Como area.  ISC's mission is to empower all students to be active, reflective and responsible life-long learners. They are confident and will go and make a positive difference in an ever-changing world. The school ethos is based on the attributes of the IB Learner Profile.  We are models of what we value. Our staff are innovative and creative, we put our students at the centre of all we do in a collaborative environment. The International School of Como moved into its definitive purpose-built campus in the nearby village of Fino Mornasco, 6km south of the beautiful lake Como. Our modern and spacious campus was designed to foster collaborative approaches to teaching and learning. Our campus benefits from science laboratories fitted with state-of-the-art equipment, a well-stocked central library, as well as studios for visual arts, drama and music. There are sports facilities on site and off site while we wait for our new pitches to be completed. Additionally, our youngest students thrive in their carefully designed on-site spaces which support the delivery of our Reggio-Inspired Early Years Curriculum. The expansion project is underway and will make for an impressive campus.

ISC currently has an enrolment of just under 400 students representing over 45 nationalities, with over 70 dedicated faculty and administration staff. Staff are supportive and welcoming and there is a close sense of community here. The school is one of several very successful Italian schools belonging to ISE (International School of Europe) which in turn is part of the Inspired group (www.inspirededu.co.uk), a worldwide network of premium schools offering global best practice and further professional development. Our teachers are international and certified through recognised and accredited institutions across the world; they are also trained and certified to deliver the IB programmes.

More information about the school can be found on our website at https://www.iscomo.com

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• To provide a high standard of physical, emotional, social and intellectual care;
• Planning and delivering the curriculum for one specific PYP EY grade level;
• Leading pedagogical activities, setting up learning invitations, interacting with students, documenting progress, and managing resources;
• Plan for and provide particular support for students, including those with special needs;
• Give regular feedback on student development to the parents and guardians; 
• Attend to students’ personal needs, including pastoral, social, health, physical hygiene, and minor first aid and welfare matters; 
• To be alert to issues of safeguarding students and child protection, ensuring that the welfare and safety of students are promoted and safeguarded;
• Assist in the supervision of outdoor break times;
• Establish good relationships with students, role-modelling the IB Learner Profile and responding appropriately to individual needs; 
• Promote the inclusion and acceptance of all students; 
• Assist in the development and implementation of behaviour management strategies;
• Attend all Staff Meetings and Training to remain active in discussions and tasks;
• Contributing to school development through active participation in staff professional development;
• Offering an Extracurricular activity that supports or extends the current portfolio;
• To provide a happy, stimulating, safe, and secure environment where all students are encouraged to meet their potential and where their physical, emotional, and intellectual needs are met.

PERSONAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Good communication and interpersonal skills;
• A proactive approach to supporting students in their learning and day-to-day experience;
• The belief that all students, regardless of their circumstances, can excel;
• A commitment to ensuring students are safe and maintain an environment where they are encouraged to meet their potential and where their physical, emotional, and intellectual needs are met.

Knowledge and Understanding

• In-depth knowledge of the IB PYP philosophy, principles and practices and Inspired Reggio Approach;
• Understanding of contemporary teaching and learning theories and practice.

The duties and responsibilities listed in this job description summarise the main aspects of the Early Years Teacher role.  However, this is not an exhaustive list, and the post holder may be required to carry out other tasks as deemed appropriate.
 

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.