Early Years Teaching Assistant (Living and eligible to work in The Netherlands)

Start 06 January 2025

We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Early Years Teaching Assistant to join our IB school in Amsterdam. This role will focus on creating an engaging, inquiry and play-based learning environment for early years students, nurturing their academic, social, and emotional growth in alignment with the IB PYP framework. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of international and early years education, a passion for fostering curiosity and independence, and the skills to work effectively within a collaborative, multicultural school community.  

Duties & Responsibilities: 

School Culture of Care and Belonging: builds respectful and supportive relationships with and amongst students, parents and colleagues, based on shared responsibility, that promote the IB’s philosophy and Amity’s values.  

Teacher Collaboration: works and communicates effectively with colleagues and the wider community to provide appropriately challenging and differentiated learning that is underpinned by data, IB and NEASC resources, school policies and educational research. 

Learner Engagement: supports the design of relevant and meaningful learning experiences that inspire curiosity for learning and promote student voice, choice, agency and leadership. 

Student Collaboration: promotes effective, empathic and healthy student relationships through purposeful collaboration, creates a positive, inclusive and dynamic learning community.  

Coherent Curriculum Design: co-plans, designs, reviews and shares units with clear learning goals and outcomes; using human, physical, and virtual resources, as part of a horizontal and vertically articulated programme.  

Approaches to Teaching: co-designs learning, driven by concept-based inquiry, transferable understandings and skills; promotes student action and reflection. 

Approaches to Learning: promotes autonomous learners who make informed choices and deploy appropriate higher-order thinking, research, communication, social and self-management skills.  

Approaches to Assessment: uses a variety of assessment methods and feedback that are connected to stated learning objectives and outcomes to measure the effect and impact of learning; provides clear and accessible success criteria; monitors, records and reports on individual student learning and growth. 

Requirements: 

Inquirers: Demonstrates a curious and reflective attitude, constantly seeking to deepen understanding and explore new ideas within the context of the PYP curriculum. Encourages a culture of inquiry among students and colleagues, fostering a love for learning and discovery. 

Knowledgeable: Possesses an understanding of the IB PYP framework, curriculum standards, and educational best practices. 

Thinkers: Applies critical thinking skills and problem-solving strategies to address complex educational challenges and opportunities within the PYP context. Encourages students to think critically, creatively, and analytically in their learning and teaching. 

Communicators: Communicates effectively and empathetically with students, parents, colleagues, and community members, fostering positive relationships and a sense of belonging within the school community.  

Principled: Demonstrates integrity, honesty, and ethical choices in all interactions and decision-making processes, upholding the values and principles of the IB Learner Profile. Advocates for fairness, equity, and social responsibility in the school community and beyond. 

Open-minded: Approaches challenges and opportunities with an open and inclusive mindset, valuing diverse perspectives, cultures, and experiences within the PYP learning community. Creates a supportive and inclusive learning environment where all students feel respected, valued, and empowered to contribute. 

Caring: Demonstrates empathy, compassion, and concern for the well-being and growth of students, colleagues, and community members, fostering a culture of care and support within the school community. Facilitates Restorative Practice to support students in navigating conflicts.  

Risk-Taker: Embraces new teaching strategies and educational technologies, showing a willingness to innovate and adapt to meet students' evolving needs. Encourages students to step outside their comfort zones and engage in new learning experiences. 

Balanced: Recognizes the importance of balancing academic, emotional, social, and physical development, helping students to achieve well-rounded personal growth. 

Reflective: Regularly assesses and reflects on teaching practices to enhance effectiveness, seeking feedback and professional development opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.

Experience and Qualifications:

Required: Bachelor's degree in early education or related field or teaching certification or license. 

Preferred: experience teaching Early Years in a PYP International Baccalaureate School. 

At Amity International School Amsterdam, we provide a supportive and collaborative environment where our staff can grow and develop professionally. As a Teaching Assistant, you will have the opportunity to contribute towards the growth and success of our students, and be part of a vibrant and dynamic team. 

If you have the passion and enthusiasm to make a positive difference in the lives of young learners, please submit your application today. We look forward to hearing from you!

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and the vacancy may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found before the closing deadline.