Foundation Phase; Grade R Teacher; Paulshof Primary

Position Overview

Nova Pioneer is looking for a superstar substitute teacher to teach Grade R at our Paulshof Primary school.

We need a dynamic teacher to empower students using an enquiry-based learning approach and to be part of our innovative network of schools that is developing generations of innovators and leaders who will shape the African Century.

Nova Pioneer is a pan-African, independent network of schools offering high-quality, accessible education from pre-primary through secondary school. We use a unique enquiry-based learning approach that encourages students to ask “why” instead of telling them the “what”. We are currently in 15 schools in South Africa and Kenya with a vision to launch 100 schools and reach tens of thousands of students across the African continent in the next decade.

We are looking for a Grade R teacher. Resident Teachers lead instruction and planning for the subject- or grade-level classrooms and are responsible for driving a rigorous, enquiry-based learning environment the Nova Pioneer way. Resident Teachers are supported by Deans of Instruction who partner with them in their growth journey – working full-time to empower teachers’ development by observing lessons and providing consistent feedback and coaching.

Resident Teachers also support and mentor Apprentice Teachers.

• Work closely with learning designers to design impactful lessons.
• Deliver impactful and engaging enquiry-based lessons with a focus on learning through play.
• Observe, coach, and be a model teacher for Apprentice and Assistant Teachers.
• Provide a flexible, nurturing environment that is child-centered and focused on and responsive to the dynamic needs of young children.
• Assisting with toilet training and toilet routines of pre-schoolers as well as developing the key skills of socialisation, separation, and speech development.
• Infuse joy and passion for learning into lessons so that students are excited about and invested in their development.
• Set and communicate rigorous and ambitious goals for all students within an age appropriate set of expectations.
• Conduct ongoing assessment of student progress and communicate this with parents on a regular basis.
• Attend weekly feedback meetings with Deans and learning designers to enhance teaching practices.
• Fully participate in opportunities for professional growth including daily team meetings and reflections, weekly professional development meetings, instructional coaching, and organisation wide learning and reflection.
• Communicate regularly with parents through e-mail, telephone and parent-teacher conferences.
• Contribute to and participate in co-curricular programming for at least one activity in the course of a term.
• Participate in a variety of collaborative teams and committees, fulfil supervision duties as assigned, including some morning, evening and weekend events.

Skills and Qualifications required:

• Completed Bachelor’s degree in Education (B.Ed) or Bachelor’s Degree + Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) - (Foundation Phase).
• 2-3 years of experience teaching Foundation Phase.
• SACE registered (Provide registration number and certificate in application).
• Understand child development and exhibit a sound understanding of play-based learning.
• Experience in Reggio Emilio would be an added advantage.
• Ability to lead a classroom independently, with experience in a classroom (practicals included).

• You love teaching and care deeply about the success of each and every student.
• You have an understanding of and passion for enquiry based, student-centered learning.
• You have a deep understanding of children and you know how to connect with the specific age group that you teach.
• You are deeply committed to your development as a teacher and welcome constructive feedback, translating feedback into improvements and innovations in your approach and in your classroom.
• You are able to work within a team-based environment and collaborate with other resident teachers, apprentice teachers and deans.
• You communicate openly and effectively with your colleagues.
• You are adept at using…