Job Opening: Teacher
Role Context
As a teacher at SOLA Rwanda, the role is central to the academic and holistic development of Afghan girls in a culturally rich and supportive environment. The teacher will inspire students through high-quality instruction while embracing the school's mission to provide a safe and nurturing space for learning. The teacher will collaborate with other faculty members and support staff to ensure the effective delivery of the curriculum alongside Afghan academic subjects (Dari, Pashto, Islamic Studies). Teachers at SOLA are expected to foster a sense of global citizenship while preserving the students’ cultural identities.
Reporting Line
The role reports to the Academic Director.
Job Dimensions
Curriculum Delivery
Teachers at SOLA are responsible for delivering both the Afghan and international curricula in a manner that is engaging, culturally relevant, academically rigorous, and aligns with SOLA’s curriculum goals. This includes ensuring that lessons are aligned with the learning outcomes specified by the curriculum and adapting materials as needed to meet the individual needs of students. Teachers ensure a balance between the Afghan curriculum (Dari, Pashto, Islamic Studies) and the international subjects offered at SOLA.
Afghan Curriculum: Teachers will deliver subjects such as Dari, Pashto, and Islamic Studies with a focus on maintaining cultural heritage and fostering students’ understanding of their identity while integrating modern educational practices.
International Curriculum: Teachers will also deliver subjects aligned with an international curriculum that promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, global citizenship, internationalism and interculturalism.
Student-Centered Instruction
Develop lessons and teaching strategies that are student-centered, fostering inquiry, creativity, and active participation. Ensure that instruction is differentiated to meet the diverse academic needs of students.
Lesson Planning: Prepare and deliver well-structured lessons that cater to the different learning styles and needs of students.
Interactive Learning: Use a variety of teaching methods, including technology, group work, and project-based learning, to encourage active engagement and deeper understanding.
Student Assessment and Feedback
Create and administer assessments (formative and summative) that measure student progress accurately and fairly. Use assessment data to adjust teaching strategies and provide students with constructive feedback to improve learning outcomes.
Progress Monitoring: Regularly monitor student progress and use data-driven insights to guide lesson planning and targeted interventions.
Grading and Reporting: Keep accurate records of student performance and provide timely feedback through formal and informal assessments.
Pastoral Care and Holistic Development
Contribute to the personal development of students by providing pastoral care. Support students in navigating personal and academic challenges, acting as a mentor, and fostering emotional resilience.
Character Building: Incorporate discussions of ethical values, respect, and responsibility into daily lessons and interactions with students.
Emotional Support: Work with the pastoral team and school counselors to address students' emotional and mental health needs.
Collaboration with Colleagues
Work closely with other teachers and staff to ensure consistent and high-quality instruction across all subjects. Participate in team planning meetings and share best practices for curriculum development and instructional strategies.
Cross-Curricular Collaboration: Collaborate with colleagues in other subjects to integrate learning objectives and projects that encourage interdisciplinary learning.
Professional Development and Reflection
Engage in ongoing professional learning and reflective practices to improve teaching effectiveness. Stay current with educational research and pedagogical trends to continuously improve the quality of instruction.
Workshops and Training: Attend professional development sessions both within and outside the school to enhance your teaching skills.
Peer Observations: Participate in peer observations and constructive feedback sessions to continuously improve classroom practice.
Classroom Management
Foster a positive, inclusive, and structured classroom environment that encourages participation and ensures the well-being of all students.
Health and Safety
Ensure student safety and well-being at all times, adhering to the school’s health, safety, and safeguarding policies.
Essential Functions
Effective Lesson Delivery
Deliver engaging and effective lessons that are aligned with curriculum standards and that foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Preparation: Prepare lessons that are well-organized and use a variety of resources and teaching methods, such as visual aids, interactive technology, and group activities, to enhance student learning.
Engagement: Foster student participation through discussions, hands-on activities, and collaborative projects, encouraging active learning and critical thinking. Teachers may also be called upon periodically to assist in school-wide events and activities that contribute to student enrichment and the broader school culture.
Student Assessment
Develop and administer assessments that accurately measure students' knowledge, skills, and understanding of the material. Provide detailed, personalized feedback to help students improve academically.
Diagnostic Assessments: Use assessments to identify student strengths and areas for improvement, adjusting instruction accordingly.
Continuous Feedback: Offer students regular feedback to guide their learning journey, emphasizing growth and improvement.
Individualized Learning
Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse academic and personal needs of students. Provide targeted support to students who need additional help, and challenge high-achieving students to reach their full potential.
Scaffolding Techniques: Implement scaffolding strategies to ensure all students, regardless of their academic level, can access the curriculum and succeed.
Inclusion: Ensure that students with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) are fully included in all learning activities, working with the SEND team to provide accommodations where necessary.
Extracurricular Involvement
Support and participate in the school’s extracurricular programs, such as clubs, sports, or other student activities. Encourage students to develop skills and interests beyond the classroom.
Activity Leadership: Lead or assist in at least one extracurricular activity that supports student development in areas such as leadership, teamwork, and social skills.
Duty Responsibility: Support the school by serving weekly supervision duties of afterschool and weekend activities.
Performance Responsibilities
Student Achievement
Ensure that all students meet or exceed expected academic progress. Use a variety of teaching strategies and assessment methods to help students reach their full potential.
Student Outcomes: Monitor and document individual student progress, ensuring that each student is making measurable improvements in their academic performance.
Intervention and Support: Implement intervention strategies for students who are struggling academically or socially, offering one-on-one or small group support.
Classroom Environment
Create and maintain a classroom environment that is conducive to learning. Foster a positive, respectful, and inclusive atmosphere where students feel safe and motivated to learn.
Behavior Management: Implement effective classroom management strategies that encourage positive behavior and minimize disruptions.
Positive Learning Space: Ensure the classroom is well-organized and resource-rich, providing a welcoming and stimulating environment for learning.
Collaboration and Teamwork
Contribute to the success of the broader school community by working collaboratively with colleagues, sharing resources, and participating in department and school-wide initiatives.
Shared Goals: Work with other teachers and departments to set and achieve shared goals for student success, curriculum development, and school improvement.
Support and Mentoring: Provide support to new or less experienced colleagues by sharing expertise and resources.
Professional Growth
Demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development. Reflect on teaching practices, seek feedback, and implement new strategies to improve instructional quality.
Ongoing Learning: Stay updated on new educational research, technologies, and best practices in teaching, applying these insights to enhance classroom performance.
Self-Reflection: Regularly reflect on teaching effectiveness and student outcomes, making necessary adjustments to improve lesson delivery and student engagement.
Academic Advisory Role
School Mission and Vision: Uphold the values and ethos of SOLA, Rwanda. Ensure that all teaching and interactions with students and staff, align with the school’s mission of fostering global citizens who value their Afghan heritage.
Cultural Respect: Promote and model respect for Afghan culture and language, while encouraging students to embrace broader global perspectives.
Serve as an academic advisor to assigned students, providing guidance on academic progress, and educational planning
Conduct regular academic advising sessions with students to discuss goals, challenges, and achievement
Guide students in setting and achieving academic goals aligned with their abilities and interests
Communicate with students' Pastoral Advisory to coordinate issues related to dorm
Performs other related duties as required.
Extracurricular Involvement
Extracurricular Participation: Support and participate in school extracurricular programs, such as clubs, sports, and student interest activities, to encourage learning beyond the classroom.
Activity Leadership: Lead or assist in at least one extracurricular activity that promotes student development in leadership, teamwork, creative expression, or problem-solving.
Duty Responsibility: Serve weekly supervision duties during afterschool programs and weekend activities as scheduled.
Support for School Activities: From time to time, teachers may be requested to support school-wide events, including cultural celebrations, community engagement days, school assemblies, field trips, and special projects. Participation in these activities fosters a strong sense of community and shared responsibility across the school.
Language Requirements
English: Strong spoken and written English required (ability to teach, assess, and write reports in English).
Dari or Pashto: Required for teachers delivering Afghan academic subjects (Dari, Pashto, Islamic Studies).
Evaluation
The teacher will be evaluated annually at the end of each academic year by the Head of School and the Academic Director based on the quality of instruction, student progress, and contribution to the school’s mission and values. The evaluation will also take into account collaboration with colleagues, classroom management, professional growth, and involvement in extracurricular activities. The evaluation will be conducted by the Head of School and/or the Academic Director, in accordance with SOLA’s performance management policies, this Job Description and such other criteria as shall be established by the Governing Board.
To Apply
Interested candidates should submit:
CV/resume
Copy of academic degree/certificate
Copy of passport
Relevant professional certificates, if applicable
References or recommendation letters, if available
Please submit all documents to hr@solaschool.org