Teacher of Biology and Environmental Systems and Societies

**Teacher of Biology and Environmental Systems and Societies (maternity cover from January 2025, with the possibility of a permanent contract)**

The International School of Monza is situated in the heart of the city and is in the ideal vicinity of buzzing Milan, the beautiful Italian lakes and ski resorts. We welcome approximately 320 students of nearly 40 nationalities, from ages 2.5 to 18. An International Baccalaureate continuum school, we strive to deliver the IB programmes in their purest form, embodying our core values and the IB’s Learner Profile in everything that we do.

Applicants will be highly qualified, fluent in English and be committed to supporting the academic and personal development of all young people. In addition, whilst IB experience is not essential, candidates should be committed to developing experiential learning through inquiry and be able to teach at both MYP (Middle Year Programme) and DP (Diploma Programme) levels.

Applications from suitably qualified candidates are invited by submitting the school application form, C.V., and accompanying letter outlining why you wish to be considered for this post. All applications should be written in English.

As this is a maternity cover only applications from candidates already eligible to work in Italy will be considered.

Job Purpose 

The successful candidate will uphold and actively promote the Principles and Values of the International School of Monza and contribute fully to the ethos and wider life of our community. The role of a teacher at IS Monza is to provide dynamic, creative and high-quality learning and teaching experiences for all our students, ensuring that they achieve their potential, both academically and personally. Teachers also undertake to support extra-curricular clubs and duties as agreed with the Principal and Head of Primary/Secondary.

Department:

The school has a very well-equipped Science department with 4 full-time teachers, laboratories and a full-time Science technician. The department takes an inquiry approach to learning science and as such practical experimentation plays a significant role in learning and teaching in the department. Students are taught general science from Grade 7-9 (MYP1-3) and the discrete sciences are taught from Grade 10. IS Monza is an International Baccalaureate continuum school offering PYP, MYP and DP. At the Diploma level Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies are taught.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Teaching Biology within the Middle Years Programme.
• Teaching both Biology and Environmental Systems and Societies IB Higher Level.
• Identifying up-to-date, relevant resources needed to support learning and teaching, and working within a team to refresh, refine, and develop these.
• Ensuring that lessons are differentiated to meet the needs of individual pupils, including additional challenge and support as required.
• Preparation of creative, inspiring, and effective lessons, along with robust formative and summative assessment material in accordance with the Department’s schemes of work.
• Contributing to departmental and whole school improvement, including reviewing and updating the curriculum, methods of learning & teaching, schemes of work, and assessments.
• Confidence in, and ability to deliver, a wide range of teaching methodology including the most up-to-date strategies for online and face-to-face delivery.
• A willingness to engage in school-based, external, and independent Professional Learning including curricular developments.
• Ensuring high levels of achievement and attainment through high expectations, collegiate working, effective communication, and quality learning and teaching.
• A commitment to collegiate working and quality assurance within and across the Science department.
• Monitoring and recording pupil progress and reporting in line with school policies.
• Contributing voluntarily to interdisciplinary learning initiatives within the school.
• Positive marketing and promotion of the work of the Science Department at home and abroad.
• Arranging and regularly refreshing effective displays of pupil work both in classrooms and around the school.
• Excellent time-management and organisational skills, including the meeting of all whole school and departmental deadlines.
• Being fully involved in the wider life of the school, including the running of extra-curricular clubs and study sessions.
• Supporting the Science Department with field trips, entering national competitions and awards, and developing a passion for Science-related experiential learning across all year groups.
• Willingly contributing to and supporting whole school events and extra-curricular activities as they arise.
• Positively representing the department and the school in person and online, to parents, visitors, the community, and other schools within the immediate locale and beyond.
• Undertaking any other reasonable duty assigned by the Principal or Head of Secondary.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

Essential:

• Appropriate academic and teaching qualifications.
• A proven record of successful teaching and the ability to assess learning against national standards.
• Good organisational, communication skills, and classroom management.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with pupils, parents, and other teachers in a range of formats.
• Excellent professional knowledge and understanding.
• Knowledge of appropriate safety standards and risk management related to practical experiments.
• Ability to enthuse children and adults.
• Possess a positive attitude and approach to development.
• A willingness to adapt to new approaches to teaching.
• A readiness to contribute to cross-curricular and whole school initiatives.
• Willingness to be involved in extra-curricular activities.
• Flexible and firm with the ability to respond appropriately in both teaching and leadership.

Desired

• Postgraduate qualifications.
• Qualified, or able to be qualified, to teach in a second subject area.
• Successful presentation experience with all appropriate year groups.
• IB Teacher, Marker, or Educator.
• Experience of participating in extra-curricular activities and trips.
• Proficiency in ICT and its use in teaching.
• A commitment to teamwork with a good sense of humour and perspective.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies to support Learning and Teaching.
• Up to date with professional developments in Science.
• Evidence of previous experience in creating a positive ethos.

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. 

School Application Form

Please note that all applicants must complete the IS Monza application form which can be downloaded from TES and uploaded along with a current C.V. and a covering letter detailing why you have the skills and attributes required for this position. All documents must be written in English.