Teacher of Early Years

Shanghai Huaer Collegiate School

Role: Teacher of Early Years

Location: Kunshan

Start date: August 2020

Contact type: Full-time fixed term

Dipont Education, one of the leading educational service providers in China, is developing a new school in Kunshan, near Shanghai, to open in September 2020. This will be the third bilingual school to be developed by Dipont in a unique partnership model with a leading Chinese school.

About the School

Serving children from ages 2 to 18, the school will open with classes in preschool, elementary and middle schools and grade 10 in upper school. At capacity, the whole campus will enrol 2,800 students.

Shanghai Huaer Collegiate School has been developed in partnership with the No. 2 High School of East China Normal University (Shanghai Huaer). East China Normal University is known as the premier teacher training university in China and its affiliated school has a long-established reputation for its progressive approach to the development of teaching and learning.

A blended Chinese and American curriculum will combine a drive for academic excellence with a whole child education program designed to nurture healthy, well-adjusted young people. Scholars will be encouraged to explore a broad range of interests outside of the classroom while developing the social skills and strength of character that will empower them for a future of resilient, ethical leadership anywhere in the world.

Facilities at the school are outstanding and include state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories and sports complexes, boarding facilities and performing arts center with 800 seat theater. The preschool will benefit from exceptional indoor and outdoor learning and play areas.

About the Role

The preschool will be an innovative hub of outstanding early childhood practice for children aged 2 to 6, that is grounded in evidence-based theories of education using curriculum frameworks from China, England and America. Educators applying for this position will have an interest in pursuing authentically responsive practice, that places the child and adult alongside each other in a co-partnership of inquiry. This is a unique opportunity for those aspiring educators with an interest in being mentored or furthering their existing knowledge of project learning, social constructivism and applying a critical lens to their work.

We are looking for early years specialists who have an image of a strong and capable child. Educators who value the incredible role the environment plays in development and learning. The successful applicant will work in a purpose built preschool that is well provisioned, calming and beautiful. This is a preschool that places equal importance on indoor and outdoor learning environments. The outdoor provision includes areas for games, literacy, gardening and sustainability, construction, motor development, a running track, an outdoor theatre and tricycle path. The indoor space incorporates thoughtfully designed classrooms, a swimming pool, STEM classroom, art room, pottery room, multi-function rooms, library, music room, kitchen and community space.   

Passionate about early childhood, teachers will demonstrate the ability to build relationships with children, co-teachers, families and the wider school community. Each class will benefit from a lead English speaking and a lead bilingual teacher, with additional support from a team of teaching fellows. As a new school, there is excellent opportunity for career progression with pathways to undertake additional responsibilities or coordination roles in the second year of contract.

About Kunshan

Kunshan, home to 2.6 million people, is a highly developed and affluent city located between the booming metropolises of Suzhou and Shanghai, both of which can be reached within 20 minutes by high-speed train. Kunshan has a history of more than 2,000 years and is known for having some of the best-preserved historic water towns in China as well as boasting modern shopping malls, cinemas, sports clubs and restaurants serving various Chinese and western cuisines.

Applications are invited from candidates with:

• A formal teaching qualification and experience in early years or lower primary education
• An interest in progressive early education and a growth mindset 
• The ability to work collaboratively and contribute to the development of an outstanding school

This exciting role commands an excellent salary and benefits package, including high-quality housing; flights for employee and dependents and medical insurance for employee and dependents. Full tuition support will be provided for any successful applicant with school-age children. The position will be offered on an initial three-year contract term.

A comprehensive induction program and ongoing professional development will ensure that all teachers are well prepared and supported in their roles.

Application process

To submit an application, please email a CV to Oliver Knapman, Recruitment Manager: oliver.knapman@dipont.com or please contact Mr Knapman for an information pack and informal discussion. Early application preferred.