Early Years Teacher
Job description
Reports to: Head of Lower School
Key relationships: PYP Coordinator, Specialist Teachers, Student Support Services, Teaching Assistants, Parents, Students and the global Dwight community
Position overview
The Early Years Teacher plays a central role in creating a joyful, inquiry driven and concept rich learning environment for students in the Early Years Programme. This role requires a teacher who embodies the Dwight mission to ignite the spark of genius in every child and who fosters a classroom culture in which every learner feels valued, challenged and supported.
The teacher is responsible for the cognitive, social, emotional and physical development of students, delivering high quality learning experiences through transdisciplinary inquiry. The role includes designing units of inquiry, planning purposeful learning engagements, monitoring student progress and using data to inform teaching decisions that support personalised learning.
As a member of a collaborative and forward looking team, the teacher contributes to ongoing curriculum refinement, professional dialogue and the holistic development of the students in their care. Character, attitude, warmth and professionalism are essential. A commitment to reflective practice, strong relationships and global mindedness is critical to success. International experience is a must, and experience in the MENA region is advantageous.
Key responsibilities
Teaching, learning, and classroom environment
Plan and deliver high quality learning in line with the school’s expectations for teaching, learning and assessment
Foster a learning environment that promotes inquiry, exploration, shared thinking and conceptual understanding
Ensure that unit planning, lesson planning and learning engagements align with the PYP framework
Integrate balanced literacy approaches (such as Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop) where appropriate
Use a wide range of strategies to support student agency, independence and ownership of learning
Recognise individual differences and provide differentiated learning experiences that support personalised learning
Ensure high standards of behaviour, punctuality, presentation and readiness for learning
Maintain a class culture that supports wellbeing, belonging and respectful relationships
Assessment, documentation, and reporting
Use formative and summative assessment strategies to monitor and support learning
Use assessment data to inform planning, teaching and interventions
Maintain accurate records of student progress to support learning conversations and reporting
Provide timely and constructive feedback to students
Prepare high quality reports for parents that reflect student progress, next steps and achievement
Participate in moderation processes to ensure consistency of assessment practices
Collaboration and curriculum development
Collaborate with colleagues to develop and refine transdisciplinary units of inquiry
Participate actively in planning meetings, professional learning communities and reflection sessions
Contribute to the review, development and articulation of curriculum documents
Work with specialist teachers to ensure coherence across subject areas
Support the development of vertical and horizontal alignment within the PYP
Engage in ongoing professional learning to maintain a strong understanding of the PYP philosophy and expectations
Students and families
Build trusting relationships with students that promote confidence, curiosity and responsibility for learning
Support the personal and social development of students
Communicate regularly with parents regarding student progress, wellbeing and school life
Lead or participate in conferences with students and families
Ensure that parents are well informed about PYP developments and class related activities
Contribution to school life
Participate in school events, trips, celebrations of learning and community activities
Contribute to extracurricular activities, after school programmes or enrichment offerings
Supervise students according to duty schedules and support the safe operation of the school day
Collaborate with the wider Dwight and IB community to support continuous improvement
Professional responsibilities
Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and a positive attitude in all aspects of school life
Engage in professional development and reflective practice
Support colleagues and contribute positively to team culture
Undertake reasonable additional duties as assigned by the Head of Division or school leadership
Person specification
Qualifications and experience
Bachelor degree required and teaching qualification preferred
Experience in an international school environment is required
Strong understanding of inquiry based learning and PYP principles
Familiarity with balanced literacy and holistic learning approaches
Experience using assessment data to support student growth
Commitment to continuous professional learning
Personal qualities and disposition
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
Warmth, approachability and strong personal integrity
A positive and collaborative mindset
Strong interpersonal communication skills
A calm and supportive presence in the classroom
A commitment to cultural sensitivity and global mindedness
Curiosity, reflective practice and a passion for childhood learning
Joy, enthusiasm and genuine care for students
Safeguarding statement
At Dwight School Cairo, the safety and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff, volunteers and members of the community to share this commitment. Rigorous safeguarding checks, including reference verification, criminal background checks and ongoing safeguarding training, are required for all employees. Any adult working with or on behalf of the school must follow all safeguarding policies, uphold the highest standards of professional behaviour and ensure that every student is safe, respected and valued.