Upper Elementary Homeroom Teacher Job

The American International School of Johannesburg (AISJ) is seeking a dedicated Upper Elementary Homeroom Teacher to join its Johannesburg campus, with a start date of 01 August 2026. This exciting opportunity invites educators to contribute to a vibrant, diverse international community, focusing on the holistic development of students through the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework. If you’re passionate about shaping young minds and ready to inspire learning, this is one of those exciting teaching jobs you won’t want to miss, but be sure to apply quickly as applications close on 25 November 2025.

Detailed list of vacancy key details

• Job Title: Upper Elementary Homeroom Teacher
• Campus: Johannesburg Campus, American International School of Johannesburg (AISJ)
• Supervisor: Elementary Principal
• Start Date: 01 August 2026
• Posting Date: 11 November 2025
• Closing Date: 25 November 2025
• Position Overview: This role focuses on delivering exceptional educational experiences within a diverse community, aligning with AISJ’s vision to inspire learning and build a better world. The teacher will utilise the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework, applying developmentally appropriate practices to facilitate play, inquiry, and conceptual transfer. A key aspect is cultivating student agency and ensuring the holistic growth and well-being of every student through collaborative practice with specialist and grade-level teams.
• Educational Requirements: A Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field is mandatory, with a Master’s degree in Education being highly desirable.
• Certification/Licensure: Valid teaching certification or licensure from an accredited body in the country of origin, or an equivalent international certification, is required.
• Professional Experience: A minimum of three years of full-time professional elementary teaching experience is essential. Experience in an international school environment and leading PYP Exhibition is preferred and highly desirable, respectively.
• Specialised Training: Demonstrated knowledge and experience in teaching within the IB PYP framework is crucial, with prior PYP Category 1 and 2 training being highly preferred.
• Work Schedule: The role is for 188 days per school year, Monday to Friday. Work hours are 7:10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and 7:10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Elementary Teachers will have student contact time between 65% to 75% daily.

Simple summary of the vacancy

The American International School of Johannesburg (AISJ) is looking for an Upper Elementary Homeroom Teacher to start in August 2026. This role is based at their Johannesburg campus and reports directly to the Elementary Principal. This is a fantastic chance to join an international school environment and immerse yourself in the IB Primary Years Programme.

As an Upper Elementary Homeroom Teacher, you will be responsible for creating engaging and challenging learning experiences that adhere to the IB PYP framework, promoting inquiry, play, and conceptual understanding. You will be expected to use teaching methods that are suitable for children’s development, ensuring every student grows holistically and feels well-supported. Building a positive, inclusive classroom where students feel empowered and foster strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues is also a key part of the job.

Collaboration is central to this position, requiring you to work effectively with specialist and grade-level teams, using data to inform your teaching and differentiate instruction for various student needs. You’ll also model academic and personal competencies, contributing actively to the broader school community through supervisory duties, school events, and extracurricular activities. AISJ places a strong emphasis on continuous professional learning and reflective practice to maintain high pedagogical standards. This role is among the rewarding teaching jobs in an international setting that requires a commitment to the school’s community principles, which emphasise teamwork, diversity, and individual contribution.

How to apply for this post

• To apply, please complete the electronic form available by clicking here.
• All information provided will be securely stored and used for reference checks regarding candidate compatibility.
• The American International School of Johannesburg reserves the right to appoint the strongest candidate even before the official closing date, so early application is encouraged.
• Be aware that all employees must undergo criminal background checks, attend annual child protection training, and sign a safeguarding agreement, as AISJ upholds robust child protection policies.
• By submitting your CV, you consent to AISJ processing your personal information in line with their Privacy Policy and the Protection of Personal Information Act of 2013.

Questions and answers for a potential candidate

• Q: What are the absolute must-have qualifications for this role?
  A: You absolutely need a Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field, along with a valid teaching certification or licensure. You also need at least three years of full-time teaching experience in an elementary setting.
• Q: Is experience with the IB PYP framework truly essential?
  A: Yes, demonstrated knowledge of and experience teaching within the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework is essential. Having prior PYP Category 1 and 2 training is highly preferred and will certainly make you a more competitive candidate.
• Q: How can I stand out if I don’t have international school experience?
  A: While international school experience is preferred, you can still stand out by highlighting your adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and any experience you have with diverse student populations or global learning initiatives. Emphasise your commitment to the IB PYP philosophy and your willingness to integrate into a new cultural context.
• Q: What does AISJ mean by “holistic growth and well-being”?
  A: AISJ is looking for a teacher who considers all aspects of a student’s development – academic, social, emotional, and physical. This means creating a supportive classroom environment, promoting student agency, and ensuring learning activities contribute to their overall happiness and development, not just academic achievement.
• Q: How important is collaboration in this role?
  A: Collaboration is extremely important. The job description highlights working effectively with specialist and grade-level teams, adhering to the “Seven Norms of Collaborative Work,” and fostering strong collegial relationships. Be prepared to discuss your collaborative experiences and how you contribute to team success.
• Q: What should I include in my application to show I’m a preferred candidate?
  A: Highlight your Master’s degree in Education if you have one, any experience leading a PYP Exhibition, and specifically mention any PYP Category 1 or 2 training you’ve completed. Show evidence of your commitment to inquiry-based learning and fostering student agency.
• Q: How flexible are the work hours and duties?
  A: The standard work schedule is provided, but the job description also mentions “Other Duties As Assigned,” implying flexibility is required for operational reasons and tasks beyond the core teaching responsibilities. Be prepared to engage in wider school life, including extracurricular commitments.
• Q: What are the “AISJ Community Principles” and how should I address them?
  A: These principles (e.g., “We are better when we act together,” “Every voice counts”) are foundational to AISJ’s culture. You should demonstrate how your teaching philosophy and personal values align with these principles, perhaps by providing examples of how you foster teamwork or inclusivity in your classroom.
• Q: What kind of professional development opportunities can I expect?
  A: AISJ expects teachers to engage in continuous professional learning, reflective practice, and professional coaching cycles. This indicates a supportive environment for growth, so highlight your own commitment to ongoing learning and improvement.
• Q: Since the school can appoint before the closing date, how quickly should I apply?
  A: Given that AISJ reserves the right to appoint the strongest candidate before the official closing date of 25 November 2025, it is highly advisable to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure you are considered.

For more details about the American International School of Johannesburg, you can visit their website: www.aisj-jhb.com. The school is located at 40 Huddle Park Rd, Linksfield West, Johannesburg, 2192, South Africa.

You can find the original vacancy source here: Upper Elementary Homeroom Teacher Vacancy.

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