Teacher of Individual Learning Needs (starting in Aug 2027)

For August 2027, we are looking to appoint a skilled and enthusiastic teacher to join our dedicated Individual Learning Needs team at Island School. 

You will join an innovative and supportive learning environment, and will teach motivated students who enjoy their learning and are eager to participate in opportunities beyond the curriculum.

You will teach modified subjects, literacy, numeracy, social thinking and precision teaching intervention programmes, supporting students with learning diversities. Depending on your previous experience and subject specialism, there will also be opportunities to teach mainstream classes in other curriculum areas alongside your ILN timetable.

Island School is committed to supporting all students, recognising that our diverse student body presents a wide range of learning needs. The Individual Learning Needs (ILN) Faculty comprises both specialist Teachers and Educational Assistants. Our ILN teachers work directly with students to provide targeted support and interventions. Educational Assistants collaborate with ILN teachers and classroom teachers to provide support for students in lessons, through withdrawal from lessons for special programmes, and in other school activities, including school trips and extra-curricular activities. The Individual Learning Needs Faculty works with teaching staff across the school to promote Universal Design for Learning (UDL) strategies and support them in effectively applying UDL in their classrooms. The team also works closely with other providers of student support, including Heads of House, Heads of Year, Counsellors, and Exams Administrators, to enable students to reach their full potential within the curriculum and participate fully in school life. The Individual Learning Needs Faculty also plays a crucial role in admissions assessments for students applying to join the school and in supporting the transition of new students.

Key Responsibilities and Requirements 

Role Name

• Main Scale Class Teacher

Role Summary

The primary role of the classroom teacher is to maximise student learning and development through the planning, preparation, and teaching of programs that meet students’ individual learning needs and achieve specific student outcomes. Teachers teach a range of students with diverse abilities and classes, and are accountable for the effective delivery of their programmes. The classroom teacher engages in critical reflection to improve their knowledge and skills, thereby better engaging students and enhancing their learning.

Classroom teachers assume roles beyond the classroom in endeavouring to maximise students’ learning. These roles involve working collaboratively with colleagues and other members of the school community, as well as communicating with parents and caregivers.

The classroom teacher’s contribution to the school goes beyond the classroom. They participate in the development of the school policies and programmes and assist in the implementation of school priorities. All classroom teachers may be required to undertake other duties in addition to their teaching duties.

Main Accountabilities

Teaching and Assessment:

• Plan lessons and sequences of lessons to meet students’ individual learning needs and to ensure students’ progression.
• Utilise a range of effective strategies for teaching, learning, and classroom management.
• Utilise flexible groupings and structured inquiry to deliver high-quality lessons that align with the IBO philosophy.
• Maintain a well-organised and stimulating learning environment.
• Utilise learning technologies to enhance learning.
• Use information about prior attainment to set expectations for students.
• Use a range of assessment and reporting methods that show students’ achievement in relation to learning outcomes.
• Provide clear and constructive feedback to students, their parents and caregivers.

Wider professional roles:

• Plan and engage in professional learning activities that support school and systemic priorities.
• Take responsibility for your own professional development and use the outcomes to improve teaching and students’ learning.
• Make an active contribution to the school's policies and aspirations.
• Ensure that classroom procedures are administered efficiently.
• Collaborate with members of the school community to build a team environment that supports students’ learning.
• Contribute to the school's extracurricular programme throughout the year

Additional responsibilities may include:

• Manage a year level or subject area.
• Assist with or manage an aspect of daily school management.
• Assist year level co-ordinators, curriculum co-ordinators, student management co-ordinators, principal and vice principal with the performance of specific functions.
• Assist with or manage a specialist function such as sport, careers, student welfare, excursions or camp co-ordination.
• Supervise a range of student activities, including support and welfare programmes.
• Develop a school transition programme and facilitate the associated orientation programme.
• Manage and supervise a team of teachers in the planning, implementation and review of teaching and learning programmes.
• Lead the development of curriculum policies and programmes.
• Contribute to the Foundation-wide professional development programme.
• To perform other duties and assume accountabilities as apparent or as delegated, including mutually agreed upon objectives

Minimum typical education

• Bachelor's Degree in Education, or
• Bachelor's Degree in any subject with PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate of Education), or equivalent

Minimum typical experience

• 1-3 years’ teaching experience within a recognised educational organisation

Core professional and transferable competencies required

• Subject, curriculum, and pedagogical knowledge
• Planning & organisational skills
• Translating strategy into individual plans and action
• Valuing & integrating diversity through the personalisation of learning and pastoral care
• Collaboration & team-centred working
• Self-reflection & learning agility
• High level of digital literacy and the ability to adapt to different systems
• Leading & responding to change
• Excellent standards of written and spoken communication, and formal presentation skills
• Creativity, innovation, and a solution-focused mindset
• High standards of professional practice

Notes: Two-Year Finite Contract

Teaching for ESF in Hong Kong

We offer an attractive compensation package to ensure that ESF recruits and retains the highest calibre teachers. 

ESF looks for teachers who have strong communication and technological skills and all teachers will be expected to play a pastoral role. 

Our teachers are very committed to supporting our students, including investing time in extracurricular activities offered by their school.

Find out more about teaching in an ESF school here.

For enquiries, please contact Hilary Hu @ 25247135 or Email: [email protected] 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and offers may be extended prior to the job closing date.  We strongly recommend early applications as we reserve the right to appoint candidates earlier than the closing date.

By applying for this position, your application may be considered for other opportunities (senior-level roles, head of department, etc.) within ESF.

ESF is an Equal Opportunities Employer
 
The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is fully committed to providing equal employment opportunities. ESF will not discriminate on the basis of age, race, colour, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, religion, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, creed, citizenship or any other status protected by local laws or regulations.
 
Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with the ESF's Personal Data Policy, a copy of which will be provided upon request.
 
ESF is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students in our care and expects all applicants to uphold this commitment. We adhere to rigorous recruitment practices, with all appointments contingent upon an interview, identity verification, criminal background checks (including ICPC, SCRC, and other international background checks as appropriate), assessment of social media presence, and positive references.

In accordance with the Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 guidelines, ESF may perform online checks for all shortlisted candidates prior to the interview.

About Us

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is the largest English-medium international school organisation in Hong Kong. Our 22 schools and comprehensive programme of extra-curricular activities bring out the best in every student through a personalised approach to learning and by inspiring curious minds.

There are over 18,000 students from 75 different nationalities in ESF kindergartens, primary, secondary and all-through schools.
www.esf.edu.hk

About the Team

At Island School we do something different. Our focus is on igniting a passion for learning in every student. Teaching students facts and figures is no longer enough for them to succeed once they enter higher education and the workforce. We encourage students to problem solve, question and think creatively with new concepts and ideas. Students are encouraged to become resourceful, adaptable and confident learners.
Our academic record is excellent with students going on to many of the foremost universities and colleges in the world. You will find details of the curriculum and qualifications on offer on our website. In the senior years students can choose to study IB Diploma, IB Careers and BTEC courses. Island School prepares students for these qualifications with a broad-based middle school curriculum including IGCSEs and a wide range of exciting options in our unique Futures curriculum. Our aim is to help students develop a passion for learning in a range of areas, whether it be law or robotics and coding or music production.
https://island.esf.edu.hk