MYP English Teacher (Maternity Leave Coverage)

Location:  Metropolitan School of Panama

Reports to: Secondary Principal, Head of Department and MYP Curriculum Coordinators 

Job Purpose 

The Secondary Teacher at The Metropolitan School of Panama is responsible for delivering consistently high‑quality teaching and learning that enables all students to achieve ambitious academic and personal outcomes. Informed by the International Baccalaureate (IB) philosophy and aligned with the Nord Anglia Education Teacher Standards, the teacher designs and facilitates learning experiences that are inquiry‑based, conceptually focused, and internationally minded. 

Central to the role is the purposeful application of the IB Approaches to Teaching, ensuring that learning is inquiry‑driven, conceptually grounded, contextualised, collaborative, and differentiated. Teachers are expected to explicitly develop students’ IB Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills, supporting the growth of thinking, communication, social, research, and self‑management skills that enable students to become reflective, independent, and lifelong learners. 

The teacher applies Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to ensure equitable access, engagement, and challenge for all students, using evidence and reflection to adapt practice to diverse learner needs. Working collaboratively within the department and alongside Curriculum Coordinators, the teacher contributes to curriculum coherence, assessment integrity, and a culture of continuous improvement, while demonstrating professional behaviours aligned with the EmpowerUs Framework. 

Key Responsibilities 

Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum Implementation 

• Plan, prepare, and deliver well‑structured lessons and learning sequences that are engaging, challenging, and appropriately scaffolded. 

• Demonstrate strong pedagogical and curriculum knowledge, using this expertise to design learning that develops understanding, skills, and learner independence. 

• Implement Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to remove barriers and ensure that:  

         -Learning is accessible to all students, 

         -Multiple pathways exist for engagement, representation, and expression, 

         -Students experience choice, flexibility, and appropriate challenge. 

• Create classroom environments that promote curiosity, intellectual risk‑taking, positive behavior, and respectful relationships. 

Assessment, Feedback, and Student Progress 

• Design and use a range of formative and summative assessment strategies aligned with school and programme expectations. 

• Use assessment evidence and data to:  

          -Monitor student progress over time,

          -Identify patterns, strengths, and areas for intervention or extension, 

          -Inform next steps in planning and teaching. 

• Provide timely, specific, and actionable feedback that supports student reflection and improvement. 

• Maintain accurate records of achievement and contribute professionally to reporting and parent communication processes. 

Collaboration and Professional Contribution 

• Work collaboratively within the department to support:  

      -Shared planning and curriculum consistency, 

      -Assessment moderation and professional dialogue, 

       -Continuous improvement of teaching and learning. 

• Engage constructively with Curriculum Coordinators to support curriculum alignment, programme requirements, and ongoing review cycles. 

• Contribute positively to interdisciplinary learning and school‑wide initiatives when appropriate. 

Professional Practice and Growth (NAE Teaching Standards) 

The teacher is expected to demonstrate professional practice aligned with the Nord Anglia Education Teacher Standards, including: 

• High expectations for all learners, promoting ambitious outcomes and excellent progress. 

• Effective adaptation of teaching to meet individual student needs. 

• Strong classroom leadership and positive behavior management rooted in mutual respect. 

• Ongoing reflection on practice and active engagement in professional learning through:  

        -School‑based development opportunities, 

        -Nord Anglia University (NAU), 

        -IB and external professional learning, where appropriate. 

Student Wellbeing and Pastoral Responsibility 

• Establish and maintain a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. 

• Actively support student wellbeing, belonging, and positive identity. 

• Fulfil pastoral responsibilities as assigned, including advisory or homeroom roles. 

• Communicate professionally and proactively with parents and guardians in support of student learning and wellbeing. 

Contribution to School Life 

• Participate in the wider life of the school through:  

      -Co‑curricular activities and experiential learning opportunities, 

      -School events, workshops, and community initiatives. 

• Act as a positive ambassador for The Metropolitan School of Panama and Nord Anglia Education. 

EmpowerUs Framework – Professional Behaviors 

All teachers are expected to demonstrate the following EmpowerUs behaviors in their daily work: 

Collaborate with Empathy 

• Build respectful, trusting relationships with colleagues, students, and families. 

• Value diverse perspectives and adapt practice to meet the needs of others. 

Communicate with Impact 

• Communicate clearly, professionally, and with purpose in all contexts. 

• Foster dialogue that supports collaboration, understanding, and positive outcomes. 

Make Considered Decisions 

• Use evidence, assessment data, and professional judgment to inform practice. 

• Act in the best interests of students, the school community, and the organisation. 

Embrace Change 

• Engage positively with innovation, feedback, and evolving educational practice. 

• Demonstrate flexibility and resilience in response to change and ambiguity. 

Drive Growth 

• Take ownership of professional development and performance. 

• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and high expectations. 

Professional Expectations 

• Adhere to all Metropolitan School of Panama and Nord Anglia Education policies and procedures. 

• Maintain high standards of professionalism, punctuality, attendance, and communication. 

• Participate fully in meetings, workshops, and appraisal processes. 

• Follow agreed protocols for communication, administration, and professional conduct. 

• Undertake other reasonable duties as directed by the Head of Department or senior leadership. 

Safeguarding 

The Metropolitan School of Panama is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All teachers are required to: 

• Complete Nord Anglia University safeguarding training, 

• Actively promote student safety and wellbeing, 

• Report safeguarding concerns promptly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). 

 Qualifications and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline or Education (Master’s degree preferred). 

• Valid teaching qualification or certification. 

• Experience teaching at the secondary level; experience in an international or IB context is an advantage. 

• Proficiency in English is required.