Elementary Associate Teacher

Position: Elementary Associate Teacher 

Reports to: Elementary School Principal

Canadian Academy’s Associate Teacher model supports personalized learning and differentiated instruction while providing an opportunity for aspiring educators to gain invaluable experience at a world-class international school environment grounded in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). 

Associate Teachers, who will generally be newly qualified teachers, will grow their practice, receive high-quality professional development and mentorship, and build their résumé through involvement in a variety of facets of school life. Associate Teachers are expected to be active contributors to the life of the school, participating in lesson planning and delivery, contributing to co-curricular and advisory programs, and helping to ensure a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment for all students.

This is a one-year contract renewable for up to three years. Associate Teachers will also be given priority consideration for any temporary or permanent faculty roles that become available.

Position Summary:

The exact expectations of the role will depend on the interests, qualifications, and experience of the individual teacher, but the basic expectations would look something like this: 

• Teach and/or co-teach 20-40%, and spend the remainder of the time supporting teaching and learning in other teachers’ lessons to promote personalized instruction and flexible grouping. 
• Lead at least one co-curricular Elementary or Middle School club per term, based on interest and experience. This is separate from coaching athletics, which carries an additional stipend.
• Support our residential life program by being on duty in the dorm one evening a week (4 to 10 PM). This means sharing dinner with students and other residential life faculty in the dining hall, overseeing study time and curfew, and being available to students if emergencies arise.
• For teachers with an interest in outdoor education and experiential learning, there are many opportunities to chaperone and lead outdoor education experiences as part of our week without walls, or cultural and enrichment trips throughout Japan.
• Provide substitute coverage for absent teachers on an occasional basis.

Position Responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively with assigned classroom teachers to support the planning and delivery of high-quality learning experiences across a range of grade levels and subject areas.
• Assist in the implementation of instructional strategies, differentiation, and assessment practices that meet the diverse needs of learners.
• Provide small-group and individualized support for students, including academic reinforcement, executive functioning support, and social-emotional check-ins.
• Serve as an additional adult presence in classrooms, helping to maintain a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment.
• Actively participate in the Secondary School’s advisory program, supporting student well-being and pastoral care in collaboration with homeroom advisors.
• Supervise and support students during transitions, breaks, study blocks, and other non-classroom settings as needed.
• Participate in co-curricular activities, such as clubs, service initiatives, and field trips, contributing to a vibrant school community.
• Support learning documentation, classroom organization, and the use of educational technology.
• Communicate respectfully and clearly with students, colleagues, and families, contributing to a positive and inclusive school culture.
• Engage in relevant professional development opportunities to enhance instructional skills and understanding of CA’s educational approach.

All Canadian Academy teachers are expected to:

• Create a vibrant classroom environment that nurtures meaningful connections and cultivates a deep sense of care and compassion
• Design, prepare, and deliver learning activities that promote inquiry and facilitate authentic engagement
• Identify and select instructional resources and methods to meet students' varying needs and are in line with the programs and ethos of the school
• Use relevant technology to enhance teaching and learning
• Design and implement a range of authentic formative and summative assessments to inform instructional decisions
• Maintain accurate and complete records of students' learning data to provide timely feedback, design appropriate learning engagements, and facilitate reporting
• Adhere to and advocate for our Child Safeguarding Policy and best practices in child protection
• Collaborate daily with relevant colleagues to enable effective co-planning, co-teaching, and co-assessment
• Contribute actively and thoughtfully in faculty meetings, collaborating with colleagues to enhance student learning and school initiatives
• Engage enthusiastically in school events and parent meetings, fostering strong connections within the school community and supporting student success
• Lead by example with respectful, clear, and timely communication, fostering trust and meaningful connections with students, colleagues, and parents
• Embrace opportunities for growth by actively engaging in professional development and continually enhancing your skills to inspire and elevate the learning community
• Endorse the school’s mission, vision, and values

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree 
• Teaching credential (e.g. MEd/BEd) or licensure/certification, or equivalent
• Experience working with school-aged students in an educational, childcare, camp, or other capacity.
• Eligible to obtain a visa to work in Japan.

Preferred Experience and Qualities:

• Experience working in international or diverse educational settings.
• Understanding of the IB frameworks.
• Demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in international education.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to fostering student well-being and inclusion.
• Interest in coaching, residential life, or co-curricular program involvement.

Teaching at Canadian Academy: 

Canadian Academy teachers inspire minds and nurture compassion by providing a rich and engaging programme that develops students’ skills, promotes curiosity and love of learning, and prioritizes well-being. All students follow the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) from PK3 to Grade 5 and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Grades 6-10, and most students pursue the IB Diploma Programme (DP) in Grades 11 & 12, although 10-20% each year opt for a more personalized pathway to graduation that includes a mix of DP and other courses and leads to a CA Diploma. Teaching and learning are enriched by opportunities for exploration in the arts, athletics, outdoor education, service, and more.

CA is a highly collaborative professional environment, where innovation is encouraged and student learning and well-being drive everything we do. Subject and grade teams work closely together and learn from one another, and opportunities for professional development abound. A low student-teacher ratio and a stimulating, well-resourced, technology-rich environment make this an exceptional place to teach. Our teachers get to know their students well, both in and out of the classroom, and work together to ensure that every student is appropriately challenged and supported.

What We Offer:

In addition to incredible experience in a well established IB school, you’ll receive:

• A competitive salary paid in Japanese yen.
• Comprehensive medical coverage in Japan
• Access to excellent in-house professional development
• IB workshop training related to your teaching grade/subject–a sought-after credential for many international opportunities
• One-to-one support from a dedicated faculty mentor.
• Round-trip flights to your overseas home of record at the start and end of each annual contract. For Japanese nationals, this may include round-trip transportation by shinkansen.

Associate Teachers who live more than 100km away from Canadian Academy at time of hire will be classified as “distance hires”, while those recruited from within 100km will be classified as “regional hires”. 

For “distance hires”, we also provide:

• Comprehensive support in securing a Japanese work visa and meeting immigration requirements (we cannot support visas for partners/dependents, however)
• Furnished housing, likely in a shared two-bedroom apartment
• An extra baggage and settling-in allowance.