Head of World Languages

The British International School of New York (BIS-NY) is a dynamic and nurturing community educating children in a stunning waterside campus in Manhattan.  We are proud to welcome families from around fifty countries to our school, which delivers a distinct and innovative curriculum, combining the International Baccalaureate and English National Curriculum.  Alongside this rigorous and engaging curriculum, the school is also committed to providing a broad and inspiring wider programme in sport, the creative and performing arts and Community Service.  The warmth of relations across the school and close, constructive co-operation with families are other essential ingredients in what makes the school such a great place to work and learn.  September 2016 was the tenth anniversary of BIS-NY and this post arises because of the continued growth and development of the school.  The school opened a new Upper School programme from September 2018 offering Cambridge International IGCSE and A Level courses.  We are looking for talented, committed and enthusiastic individuals to join our exceptional team of staff and help make BIS-NY even better.

We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and committed teacher of Spanish and/or French to lead our Languages Department.  All students across the school follow a language learning programme from Nursery and are encouraged to take a language at IGCSE level.  The successful candidate will be expected to teach across the school and ideally to have previous experience of teaching IGCSE and/or A Level.  The ability to contribute to the wider life of the school through clubs, trips or other activities will also be an advantage. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Foster a love of learning and engagement with languages
• Teach French and/or Spanish up to A Level and for university entrance
• Monitor student progress and attainment in Languages to help maintain standards of student attainment and achievement.
• Effectively use data and close collaboration with colleagues to ensure that all students are on track towards targets set, and agree appropriate intervention strategies to support progress.
• Lead the team of World Language teachers and work with other teachers to help meet the learning needs of all students across the subject area.
• Work with colleagues and be responsible for leading relevant and appropriate curriculum planning and evaluation. 
• Work with colleagues to use formative and summative assessment effectively to enable and enhance student progress.
• Provide subject expertise, support and encouragement to promote strong teaching and learning practice across World Languages.
• Contribute to the appraisal process for colleagues to help support staff development.
• Work with other subject leads and SLT as part of the Curriculum Team to help review, develop and enhance the overall school curriculum.
• Work with colleagues to identify and use materials and topics to ensure that there are opportunities to explore and address questions relating to diversity, equity and inclusion in the curriculum.
• Support colleagues and SLT in communicating with parents about World Languages and in providing subject choice guidance for the Upper School.
• Work with the Headmaster on the staffing needs of World Languages and assist in the appointment and induction of new staff.
• Produce and manage an annual departmental budget in consultation with SLT and the Business Office.
• Assist with admissions to the school through support with both recruitment and entry procedures.

Person Specifications:

• Genuine passion for the subject and ability to share energy and infectious enthusiasm for learning with students
• Qualified teacher
• Experience in working of IGCSE and/or A Level
• Excellent communication skills and be willing to adapt to the demands of an international school
• Have the ability to manage a diverse and demanding workload
• An interest in and understanding of how children learn a foreign language
• The enthusiasm to work with staff of all year groups to promote these subjects throughout the school
• Flexible and able to use own initiative
• Well organised with good time management skills
• Good ICT skills and committed to its use in class teaching
• Ability to offer a second language to at least Middle School will be an advantage  
• International perspective 
• Knowledge of IB and/or English National Curriculum including at Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 or willingness to learn.

Why work at BIS-NY?

Combining the IB, English National Curriculum and Cambridge International Examinations, BIS-NY’s unique curriculum inspires and challenges our students to develop a love of learning and develop as balanced individuals, academically successful and willing to take risks to face the challenges of an ever-changing world of the 21st century. 

Our students and teachers come from all walks of life, but the enthusiasm they share for learning and teaching helps to foster a unique sense of community that celebrates and thrives on diversity. 

The British International School of New York is an IB World School authorised to teach both the PYP and MYP and we are looking to recruit creative and dynamic teachers who can model the IB Learner Profile and will contribute to the daily life of a diverse international community.  

A strong commitment to collaboration and being part of a team is essential for those interested in applying to be part of our school community. 

Terms: 

• Generous salary commensurate with experience (Range: $58,887 - $98,138 for qualified teachers)
• Comprehensive benefits package – medical, dental, vision, retirement plan with employer match
• Lunch is provided free of charge
• Subject to fingerprinting and background check
• Up to $2000 annual contribution to Professional Development costs
• Relocation allowance available for overseas and out of state hires
• The post becomes available from September 2024

The British International School of New York is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. All appointments are also subject to the receipt of satisfactory references.

To apply for this position, you will need to submit the following:

• A completed application form
• A CV/Resume
• A covering letter

The British International School of New York Application Form is available here.

When you have completed the application form, a pdf copy of it will be emailed to you with further instructions on how to upload it, along with your CV/Resume and covering letter, to our application platform AirTable, which can be found here.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: MONDAY APRIL 29TH, 2024