Inter-Community School Zurich - Secondary German Language Acquisition Teacher

Secondary School Teachers hold an important role at ICS as they guide our older students on their path to IB exams, university, and future career choices. They have the unique ability to promote learning and personal growth by building on students’ natural talents as they mature through the years and gradually recognize their strengths.

Our Secondary Teachers must demonstrate a strong commitment to maintaining a collaborative culture and a supportive environment within the school. They need to have a thorough understanding of the social and emotional dimensions of learning and encourage students to share their joys and concerns knowing they will always be supported. Naturally, all our teachers need to ensure their practice inside and outside the classroom is in harmony with the educational philosophy of the school.

Job Summary

As a German Language Acquisition Teacher, you play a vital role in facilitating the acquisition and mastery of the German language by students of varying ages and backgrounds. Your primary responsibility is to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that fosters language proficiency and cultural understanding. Your role is essential in helping students become proficient and confident communicators in the German language.

Teaching and Learning

• Teaching German Language Acquisition classes, from Grades 6 to 12.
• Planning and delivery of engaging German Middle Years Programme language and literature classes, with the possibility to also teach Grades 11 and 12 (the Diploma Programme).
• Constructing learning activities that challenge students and demonstrate an understanding of their diverse needs.
• Demonstrating effective classroom management that shows an understanding of the academic, social and emotional dimensions of learning.
• Using technology to enhance learning.

Assessment and Reporting

• Ensuring formative and summative assessments support ongoing learning and providing timely, relevant and appropriate feedback to students.
• Attending Student-Parent-Teacher Conferences as one means of providing feedback on students’ progress, attainment and learning targets.
• Keeping parents informed about the learning of their children, and being proactive in communication with parents.
• Recording and reporting student progress following the procedures established by the school.

Curriculum development

• Planning units of work for MYP and DP classes.

Ensuring curriculum plans are up-to-date.

• Liaising with the Head of Department and IB Coordinators to ensure that programme requirements are met within the classes taught.
• Contributing to the planning and delivery of interdisciplinary curriculum projects.

Social and emotional aspects of learning as a teacher and tutor

• Supporting the social and emotional well-being of students.
• Teaching the Personal Development Programme to the class for which the teacher is a tutor.
• Informing, in a timely manner that allows for early intervention, tutors and the Secondary Pastoral Leadership Team about issues of concern related to student welfare, achievement and behaviour.
• Participating in student recognition processes including assemblies, academic and extracurricular awards ceremonies etc.

Supporting the collaborative culture at ICS

• Contributing positively to the collaborative culture of the school by being an engaged participant in team and Secondary School meetings.
• Supervising Personal Projects and Extended Essays as required.
• Adhering to Secondary School deadlines.
• Assisting, as requested, with the cover of classes for absent colleagues.
• Assisting, as requested, with the administration of exams.
• Contributing to Extra Curricular Activities to enhance the school experience for learners. This includes the Field Trip program and may involve the week-long overnight field trip at the end of the academic year

This is a potential vacancy for the school year 2024 - 25. Please indicate your interest by applying via the ICS website.

Interested candidates should apply via our website with a full letter of application, a statement of personal educational philosophy, a detailed resume/curriculum vitae, and three referees. The Head of School reserves the right to apply directly to the writers of open testimonials for confidential statements.

Applications should be addressed in PDF format to:

Ms. Lucy Gowdie

Head of School

We are looking forward to receiving your online application.