Early Years/Kindergarten Teacher

Position Overview

Studio Education is seeking qualified Early Years teachers to deliver our custom-designed literature-based curriculum to small groups of students (eight per class) in Shanghai, China.

Junior English is Studio Education’s thematic literature offering for young learners who are building their foundation in speaking, reading, and writing. Each week, the students will explore a new topic or theme. Through interactions with the main text, students will read, discuss, and bring stories to life through drama and engaging activities. The teacher will discuss the day’s topic with the students, introducing and practicing any new vocabulary or sentence structures. While reading the main text, students will be invited to help read, repeat target vocabulary, and share their opinions on the pictures and plot.

Thematic activities such as art and hands-on tasks help students develop fine motor skills, as they draw, fold and cut. Other thematic activities involve exploring different styles of physical movement, reading and reciting poetry, roleplaying, singing, and further exploring the day’s topics through interactive videos and texts. Through a scaffolded writing program, students will practise printing letters and words, learn effective use of punctuation, and improve their ability to express themselves through writing. A structured phonics program enables students to become comfortable with encoding and decoding, gradually unlocking their ability to communicate via reading and writing.

Studio teachers guide their students through three-hour weekly sessions covering reading, discussion, writing, exploration, and drama. Outside of the lessons, teachers will maintain communication with parents and colleagues regarding student progress as well as prepare for lessons according to the provided curriculum. Tasks that teachers are required to complete outside of the lessons can be done flexibly in terms of time and location, as we do not require teachers to keep office hours outside of teaching time.

Responsibilities and Duties

• The teacher will be able to teach our challenging and ambitious curriculum which is different from and more rigorous than commonly-used state, national, and international curriculums.
• The teacher will be a proponent of the philosophy that it is possible to teach non-native English speakers/bilingual students using native-level materials, and that non-native speakers can be guided to perform at levels far beyond what is considered standard grade-level expectations. Ideally, a track record in this area will prove this commitment.
• The teacher will demonstrate outstanding classroom management skills.
• The teacher will be punctual and reliable.
• The teacher will wear professional attire during teaching/tutoring sessions, and at all times when working at our school, whether in-person or online. The complete dress code is detailed in the Teachers Handbook.
• The teacher will follow lesson plans provided by Studio Education and prepare for their lessons accordingly.
• The teacher will be responsive to questions and concerns from parents, as well as questions from colleagues and supervisors about student progress and lessons.
• The teacher will work co-operatively with the teaching assistant, who helps with child supervision and preparing materials for lessons.
• The teacher will adhere to the standards and requirements as described by the Teachers Handbook and level-specific Guidebooks.
• The teacher will ensure that all students maintain high-quality portfolios showcasing their work from each lesson.
• The teacher will guide the students to rehearse and deliver engaging presentations and/or drama performances. 

Working Hours

30 weeks per year (4 days a week):

• Fridays + Thursdays OR Mondays: 4:00 pm-7:45 pm
• Saturdays and Sundays: 8:45 am-7:45 pm
• 15-21hrs group classes per week (maximum eight students per class)
• Additional hours may be available for additional pay.

6-8 weeks per year (5 days a week):

• Mondays to Fridays in Winter School (Jan-Feb 2-3 weeks) and Summer School (Jul-Aug 4-6 weeks)
• 8:30 am-4:30 pm
• 30hrs group classes (maximum eight students per class)

Start Date

The preferred start date is July 31, 2023, but can be flexible for the right candidate.