HS History & Social Studies Reports to: High School Principal or designee Collaborates closely with: Assistant Principals, Head of Department, Curriculum & Instructional Coach, K-12 Coordinators and Specialists, and other colleagues as appropriate.
Responsibilities: (Including but not limited to) 1. Classroom Responsibilities: To provide learning opportunities for every child relative to his needs, abilities, and stages of development establishing effective relationships with students based on mutual respect, recognizing the individuality of each child, ensuring an effective and challenging learning environment, and ensuring the classroom is an attractive and welcoming place.
2. Planning, Curriculum, and Organizational Responsibilities: To design authentic and meaningful units by starting with the end in mind. Use effective instructional strategies to make learning interactive, e xciting, meaningful, and social. Develop and manage classroom resources. Provide students feedback to support their academic and social-emotional growth. Use standards to guide evaluation of student work, and record results to provide an accurate assessment of student achievement.
3. Professional Development Expectations: To embrace a growth mindset by keeping up-to-date on best practices, engaging in teacher development opportunities, participating in in-service courses, attending professional meetings as scheduled by Leadership, seeking out and using feedback from coaches and administrators, and participating in the ISP professional learning cycle as outlined in the evaluation process.
4. Community Expectations: Engage with our ISP community by sharing updates on the progress and development of the students in the teacher's care, as well as important events happening in the classroom. Find opportunities to meet with parents, caregivers, and guardians to discuss the progress and development of the students, and collaborate to support the child's specific needs, interests, and passions. Connect with our larger community by attending PTA events, athletics events, and various student performances.
5. Social Emotional Learning, Wellness and Student Leadership: As an integral part of The International School of Panama, we are committed to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment that values character development, social-emotional learning (SEL), wellness, and student leadership. We are seeking individuals who not only possess the necessary qualifications for the role but also bring a deep understanding and experience in promoting SEL, wellness initiatives, and facilitating student leadership development. Successful candidates will actively contribute to our mission of empowering students to thrive academically and personally by incorporating these topics into their work.
WHAT YOU DO: day to day tasks ? Support the ISP Teaching and Learning Philosophy (ISP Way) by developing and teaching a curriculum that engages all learners in purposeful, connected and balanced work that cultivates 21st-century skills ? Plan with the end in mind (Understanding by Design or other backwards design model) to develop units that are focused on essential questions and enduring understandings.
? Design authentic assessments (and aligned standards-based rubrics) to measure student learning in a real-world setting ? Provide frequent feedback to students to help guide them in their learning process. Report on student progress using standards-based grading ? Build a robust learning atmosphere that leads students to value being at school and feel part of a challenging yet joyful and inclusive learning community ? Help ensure that all students achieve key learning outcomes for the grade level, targeting instruction thoughtfully to address individual needs ? Collaborate intensively and daily with colleagues to continually improve student learning and school culture. Work collaboratively to create cross-curricular learning opportunities ? Participate actively in ongoing, intensive professional learning ? Use the CASEL Framework to actively support the social and emotional development of students and build relationships and ensure belonging WHAT YOU BRING: Characteristics this candidate needs to possess to excel in this position.
? Deep dedication to learning and developing the craft of teaching ? Very resourceful and adaptive, eager to embrace constant change, growth and learning ? Passion for working with and appreciation of International and diverse students ? Deep dedication to continual growth and development ? A commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice-related education ? Eagerness to collaborate with colleagues ? A willingness to be flexible, and adaptable, and committed to the unique nature of working in an international school ? Organization, time management, and problem-solving skills ? A high degree of professionalism ? Commitment to participating in the whole school experience including embodying our core values, mission, and definition of learning.
? Previous experience in an international school ? Experience in Standards-Based Grading, Universal Design for Learning, and Blended Learning are highly desirable.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE JOB ? At least five years of experience teaching history, social studies, middle school and or high school ? Experience in an international school ? Experience with Standards-based teaching and learning, Universal Design for Learning, and Blended Learning and authentic assessment using a backward design model ? Bachelor or Masters Degree in a relevant subject area ? High level of English proficiency ? Cross-cultural sensitivity and an international mindset