English/EAL Teacher - Post Primary

Overview

Reports to: Principal

Regulatory framework: Teachers’ (Terms and Conditions of Employment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1987, Schedule 3, Regulation 5

Responsibilities

• Exercise of general professional duties as a teacher, including planning and preparing courses and lessons, teaching to meet pupils’ educational needs, and assessing, recording and reporting on pupil development, progress and attainment.
• Promoting the general progress and well-being of pupils and providing guidance and information to pupils and their parents on education, career options, and sources of advice.
• Communicating and cooperating with parents, and with persons or bodies outside the school as approved by the employing authority and the Board of Governors.
• Participating in meetings related to curriculum, administration, pastoral arrangements, and school activities.
• Providing or contributing to oral and written assessments, reports and references for pupils and groups of pupils.
• Engaging in staff development and reviewing teaching methods and programmes of work; advising and cooperating with the Principal and other teachers on curriculum development, teaching materials, methods, assessment and pastoral arrangements.
• Maintaining good order and discipline among pupils and safeguarding their health and safety on site and during school activities elsewhere.
• Participating in safeguarding, assemblies, examinations preparation, and managing related administration as required.
• Contributing to the review, development and management of curriculum, organisation and pastoral functions of the school, including management of other teachers and support staff where applicable.
• Organising and coordinating administrative tasks, budget considerations for the department, and records related to resources, equipment and pupil progress.
• Carrying out any other duties appropriate to the post as directed by the principal.

Key Tasks (EAL/Newcomer Provision)

• Lead, coordinate and manage the overall newcomer / EAL provision within the school.
• Teach allocated newcomer / EAL classes for approximately 10 periods per week, providing targeted English language instruction.
• Coordinate admission and induction of newcomer pupils in liaison with senior leadership, pastoral staff and external agencies.
• Carry out initial language assessment and track pupil progress; design and review the structure of newcomer provision (withdrawal, in-class support, small group teaching, transition to mainstream).
• Advise teaching staff on EAL strategies and inclusive practice; line manage newcomer teaching and support staff.
• Organise interpreters/translators for parent meetings and key communications; liaise with external agencies and support services.
• Promote whole-school awareness of EAL and inclusive practice; participate in professional learning and networks related to EAL provision.
• Hold annual review meetings with the principal regarding newcomer policy, progress analysis, targets and improvement plans.
• Coordinate activities/clubs and lead regular department meetings; manage the annual delegated departmental budget for newcomers.
• Maintain necessary records (resources, equipment, class progress, etc.).
• Carry out any other duties appropriate to the post as directed by the principal.

Qualifications and Experience

• Essential qualifications: A teaching qualification that meets the requirements to teach in grant-aided schools in Northern Ireland; a degree or equivalent Level 6 qualification prepared to teach English as the main subject; registration with the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI).
• Experience: Experience of teaching English to achieve positive learning outcomes with a range of teaching strategies; ability to monitor, evaluate and plan in the subject area.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Northern Ireland Curriculum; knowledge of Key Stage 3 English and GCSE specifications; knowledge of effective strategies to teach and support newcomer / EAL pupils.
• Ability to implement effective classroom management, work collaboratively, and promote inclusive learning environments.
• Ability to work as part of a team and to motivate self and others; ability to engage with pupils, parents and the wider community.

Desirable Criteria

• Honours degree (2.2 minimum) or equivalent in English or a subject appropriate to teaching English; experience of teaching EAL/newcomer pupils.
• Experience assisting with or coordinating curriculum and/or pastoral areas.

Other Provisions

• Disclosure of criminal background: Enhanced Disclosure may be required for roles involving regulated activity; you may be responsible for costs associated with obtaining the Disclosure.
• The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.