English Language Specialist (IB PYP)

Sunnyside International School, an IB Primary Years Program (PYP) World School, is currently seeking full-time ENGLISH LANGUAGE SPECIALIST teachers to start in December 2024 and April 2025*.

*Please list your start date availability in your cover letter.*

In 2016, Sunnyside International School became Japan’s first, Article 1 school to receive the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) accreditation. We strive to provide an international education while nurturing our students’ Japanese identity. We are seeking passionate, creative English Teachers to join our team!

Our campus is located in Gifu City, surrounded by nature, with year-round access to outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, biking, and skiing. Gifu is only a short, twenty-minute train ride from Nagoya, where you can access all the amenities and excitement Japan's third-largest city has to offer.

Position Details:

Successful applicants will work alongside Japanese Classroom Teachers to collaborate, plan and deliver transdisciplinary inquiry-based learning experiences in English to primary students. This style of teaching and learning requires practitioners who subscribe to constructivist pedagogical principles, and who are able to adopt the role of a ‘facilitator’ and an ‘activator’ within the classroom. Child-centered teaching and learning is central to the school program at Sunnyside International School. Our pedagogical approach utilizes the IB PYP program, principles of James Nottingham’s Challenging Learning and Learning Pit model, as well as best practices in instructed second language acquisition and early childhood education.

Standard working hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:45 pm. Teachers are also required to independently plan, teach and assess after-school English language classes to kindergarten, primary, and sometimes secondary students. English teachers are also expected to support, plan, and participate in various school events, such as Sports Day and Holiday Concert. These events occasionally occur on Saturdays.

Working at our school is a deeply rewarding experience, but one that requires a higher level of maturity, responsibility, work ethic, and commitment than many other English teaching jobs in Japan.

Our ideal candidate:
-Intentionally prepares, plans, and delivers engaging, inquiry-based, student-centered English lessons
-Has strong classroom management skills, high expectations for student learning, and provides a safe and inclusive learning environment
-Collaborates with others and enjoys being part of a team; communicates effectively
-Has a background in early childhood education, primary education, and EFL education
-Is interested in or has experience with IB Education
-Values professional development and would like to grow as an educator; is a lifelong learner
-Demonstrates a high level of creativity, initiative, and passion within the classroom

Requirements:
-MUST have At least 2 years of experience teaching English at the kindergarten or primary level
-MUST have Native or Bilingual English proficiency
-MUST have a BA/BS Degree
-Preferred: Degree in Education and Teacher Certification
-Preferred: Valid Japanese Driver’s License or ability to acquire one
-Preferred: Basic Japanese Language Proficiency

What we offer:
-Monthly salary of 285,000 JPY
-Social and Health Insurance
-Visa Renewal to Candidates with Bachelor’s Degrees
-Ongoing professional development and training
-At least 5 weeks of paid vacation (National holidays; winter, spring, and summer breaks)

Application Procedure:
-Please send a cover letter explaining your interest in the position, a resume, photo, and the contact details of two references. At least one reference must come from a previous supervisor.
-Applicants should be available to visit the school for a full-day working interview, and be able to attend orientation training before commencing employment. Candidates who aren’t able to visit the school for a full-day interview may still apply, however preference will be given to those who can.

If you enjoy teaching and working with children, are passionate about international education, and looking to grow as an educator, we look forward to receiving your application!