Full-Time Assistant Teacher

About Wells International Preschool: At Wells International Preschool, located in the culturally rich and picturesque city of Kamakura, Japan, we are dedicated to igniting and empowering students for lifelong wellness. Our mission is to celebrate and honor each child's unique identity, motivations, interests, and curiosity. We deeply value well-being, mindfulness, openness, curiosity, and exploration. Kamakura, our home, offers a stunning backdrop filled with historical shrines, temples, local cuisine, handicrafts, and natural landscapes of mountains, rivers, and beaches. We integrate this vibrant local heritage into our curriculum, providing our students with enriching experiences both inside and outside the classroom. Collaboration is key at Wells International Preschool, and we have formed partnerships with creative advisors from diverse fields such as art, design, cuisine, and technology. This ensures that our curriculum includes embedded opportunities for real-world exploration and application, enhancing our educational offerings. Furthermore, our commitment to well-being is reflected in our holistic school programs which include a nutritious lunch program, yoga, and meditation. These initiatives help our students develop a balanced lifestyle and an appreciation for holistic health. Wells International Preschool is more than just a school; it is a community where education and well-being are intertwined, providing a foundation for a fulfilling and balanced life. Work Location: Kamakura, Japan About Kamakura: Nestled in the historic city of Kamakura, our campus offers a vibrant blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. This picturesque location is famed for its ancient temples, including the iconic Great Buddha, scenic hiking trails, and sandy beaches along the Shonan coast. Just a short train ride from Tokyo, Kamakura provides a tranquil yet inspiring setting for teaching and learning. It's an ideal environment for those who appreciate outdoor activities, cultural explorations, and a community-focused lifestyle. Join us at Wells International Preschool in Kamakura, where education meets tradition and nature. Access: Our campus is a 15 minutes’ walk from Kamakura Station on the JR Yokosuka and Shonan Shinjuku Lines. About the Reggio Emilia Approach: Originating from the town of Reggio Emilia in Italy, the Reggio Emilia approach is a globally recognized educational philosophy, developed in the aftermath of World War II. This approach views children as competent, active participants in their learning—recognized as individuals with rights, who express themselves and learn through 'the hundred languages.' These languages include a variety of communication forms such as words, movement, drawing, painting, building, sculpture, shadow play, collage, and music, enabling children to interact with the world around them. At Wells International Preschool, we embrace this philosophy, promoting project-based, collaborative learning that engages children with their peers, teachers, parents, and the environment itself. This dynamic interaction fosters a deep, meaningful educational experience and encourages children to grow in relationship with others and their surroundings. Job description overview: Wells International Preschool in Kamakura, Japan, is looking for creative, collaborative, and passionate early childhood educators for full-time assistant teacher roles. This opportunity allows you to join a growing institution striving for an educational program built on student-centered, inquiry-based learning and influenced by the Reggio Emilia approach. Assistant Teachers work under the guidance of and in partnership with our Lead Teachers to provide a high-quality learning experience for our students. Ideal for candidates in the early stages of their educational careers, this role offers significant professional development alongside mentor teachers, with opportunities to lead after-school programs and occasionally step in as a lead teacher. At our preschool, we view children as active participants in their own learning, deserving of rights and capable of contributing to their educational experiences. Our educators are not just teachers but facilitators and co-creators in a dynamic educational community involving learners, parents, and teachers. We embrace a teaching philosophy that learning happens through social interaction and play, supported by stimulating environments and strong relationships. Our campus will pre-open from January 2025. Our ideal candidate is available from September 2024 to support campus planning and preparation for opening, under the direction of the school leadership team. Duties may include learning space set-up, curriculum development, student recruitment, and marketing events. Initial training in our pedagogical approach will be provided. From January 2025, this individual will transfer into a full-time assistant teacher position. If you are an educator who believes in nurturing curiosity and well-being to foster children’s growth and are looking for a chance to impact young lives profoundly, we encourage you to apply to join our innovative team at Wells International Preschool. Who We Are Looking For: Residency Requirements: You must currently reside in Japan with valid work authorization. Language Proficiency: Native, bilingual, or fluent English skills are required. N3 or higher Japanese language proficiency is also required. Experience: A minimum of two years in early childhood education, with a preference for those who have worked in international settings. Educational Qualifications: You have a Bachelor’s Degree in any field and a passion for education. A degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, and/or possession of a Teaching License or a Japanese Nursery School License is highly desirable. Educational Approach: You should have experience with or a strong interest in inquiry-based, project-based, and play-based learning methodologies. Interests: We are looking for someone passionate about creative endeavors and who enjoys exploring arts, sciences, nature, cuisine, and culture. Personal Attributes: We value individuals who are curious, eager to learn, grow personally and professionally, and who can work collaboratively and flexibly within our team. A solutions-oriented mindset is crucial. Communication and Organizational Skills: Excellent communication and outstanding organizational skills are required to manage classroom and school responsibilities effectively. Commitment to Safety: A strong commitment to child safety and upholding the rights of children is mandatory. Engagement with Children: You must enjoy actively engaging with children, supporting their academic, linguistic, social, and emotional development. What We Offer: Salary: Starting from 3,000,000 JPY annually, with compensation tailored to reflect your experience and qualifications. Benefits Package: Comprehensive coverage including Japanese Pension and Health Insurance. Additionally, we offer reimbursement for commuting expenses, subject to specific conditions, to support your daily travel needs. Generous Leave: Paid leave according to our school calendar, approximately 7 weeks in total, in addition to all national holidays of Japan, ensuring ample time for rest and personal matters. Flex Days: 5 flexible days annually for personal necessities such as sick leave, visa appointments, ward office visits, or emergencies, providing additional support when you need it most. School Holidays: Take advantage of scheduled school breaks with 1 week in Spring, 3 weeks in Summer, and 2 weeks in Winter, allowing you to enjoy well-deserved downtime. Professional Development: Participate in professional development sessions focused on inquiry-based, student-centered learning and the Reggio Emilia approach, enhancing your skills and teaching effectiveness. Language Training: Opportunities are available for exposure to and development of Japanese language skills, enriching your professional capabilities and personal growth. Key Responsibilities: Support Educational Delivery: Under the guidance of and in partnership with the Lead Teacher, assist in delivering high-quality early childhood education that integrates inquiry-based learning with the Reggio Emilia approach. Focus on fostering an inquiry-based, project-based, and play-based learning environment. Daycare and Supervision: Oversee and ensure a secure, nurturing environment for children throughout the school day. This includes supervising children during arrival, lunch, recess, dismissal, and in after-school care programs. Documentation: In collaboration with the Lead Teacher, actively document children’s learning processes, capturing significant moments and progress through various media. This involves maintaining detailed records of projects, daily activities, and spontaneous events as part of the Reggio Emilia approach to creating a 'pedagogy of listening.' Inclusive Environment Cultivation: Contribute to creating an inclusive, supportive school culture that nurtures all students, respecting their individuality and developmental needs. Hygiene Management: Manage and support children’s health and hygiene needs, lead routines that ensure cleanliness and health safety, including toilet training. Parent Communication: In partnership with the Lead Teacher, maintain effective communication with parents, providing regular updates on their children’s progress and developments within the Reggio Emilia framework, ensuring transparency and fostering parental engagement. Event and Activity Support: Assist in organizing and conducting school events or special projects, including outdoor activities and community engagement, sometimes extending beyond regular school hours. Professional Collaboration: Work closely with all staff members to enhance the educational program's quality and ensure a safe, enjoyable, and educational environment for the children. Professional Development: Engage in ongoing professional development focused on the Reggio Emilia approach and other educational practices to continually improve understanding and implementation in the classroom.

Language Requirements

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