Holistic Primary Teacher

Job description

Are you a forward-thinking educator with a passion for holistic learning? At Hypha International School, located in the heart of the Natural Park of Sintra, we embrace the outdoors as an extension of the classroom and value creativity, inquiry, and hands-on experiences. We’re searching for an empathetic and innovative primary years teacher skilled in Reggio-Emilia and outdoor learning, who is ready to challenge conventional teaching methods and inspire students to think critically and creatively. If you’re eager to make a real impact and work in a setting that fosters both student and educator growth, we’d love to hear from you.

Our Mission 

Empower learners to reach their full potential. 

Our Values 

·      Empower each learner with a personalized approach that pushes beyond conventional academic boundaries, fostering both intellectual rigor and creativity.

·      Cultivate adaptive thinkers by embedding 21st century competencies—critical thinking, problem-solving, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit—preparing learners for opportunities and challenges of the future. 

·      Inspire deep connections to self, community, and the natural world. Through mindful guidance, we help learners discover purpose, resilience, and a sense of wellbeing that extends far beyond the classroom.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

·      Design and deliver engaging, project-based lessons inspired by Reggio-Emilia, with a focus on humanities and mastering of core subjects.

·      Deliver core subject mastery classes using effective practices to ensure a strong foundation.

·      Initiate projects with captivating events that spark curiosity and inquiry and conclude with a community-based celebration of student learning.

·      Inspire a love of learning by helping learners connect concepts to real-life applications.

·      Ensure projects adhere to high standards of project-based learning, using rubrics to guide mastery.

·      Integrate outdoor learning deeply into the curriculum, connecting students to the natural environment.

·      Create inclusive, differentiated learning plans to meet the needs of individual students, ensuring that all learners are challenged and supported. 

·      Foster critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and 21st century skills through hands-on, real-world projects.

·      Utilize a variety of teaching methods—group work, play, experiments—to promote active participation and exploration.

·      Set clear objectives and success criteria, while using formative assessments and immediate feedback to track progress.

·      Encourage Visible Thinking and Learning strategies and ensure classroom displays reflect ongoing student work.

·      Cultivate organizational skills, time management, and care for materials, instilling respect for the classroom and school environment.

·      Promote social-emotional learning, conflict resolution skills, mindfulness, and kindness throughout the day, fostering intrinsic motivation and a growth mindset.

·      Maintain a collaborative, compassionate classroom culture, free of competition, while reflecting on teaching practice for continual improvement.

·      Lead after-school activities, participate in professional learning, and communicate regularly with parents, providing updates on each child’s progress.

·      Foster a joyful learning atmosphere where students feel valued, connected, and excited to be part of the school community.

·      Commit to ongoing professional development, staying up to date with educational advancements and best practices in literacy and numeracy instruction.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS 

·      Bachelor’s degree in Primary Education with a recognized teaching qualification

·      Five to 10 years of relevant teaching experience with a commitment to enhancing literacy and numeracy.

·      Native-level English proficiency

·      Highly experienced with inquiry-based, project-based, or Reggio Emilia-inspired programs.

·      Strong background in outdoor learning or forest school

·      A nurturing and loving approach to teacher-learner relationships, using conscious discipline.

·      Highly skilled in differentiation techniques to meet diverse academic, social and emotional needs.

·      Dedication to continuous professional development and growth in teaching.

·      Alignment with Hypha’s educational values, with a passion for innovation and excellence.

·      Excellent communication, organizational, and time-management skills.

·      Enthusiastic, imaginative, caring, and resourceful with a desire to embrace growth and learning.

WHAT WE OFFER 

·      Competitive salary and benefits based on experience and qualifications.

·      The excitement of a start-up environment, where you’ll help shape a unique learning experience.

·      High-quality training, ongoing support, and regular feedback for professional growth.

·      A beautiful, inspiring environment to work in.

·      A chance to make a meaningful impact in the world of education.