Teacher - Primary 7 in Portadown

Reports To: Principal

Professional Duties of a Teacher

• General Professional Duties: Exercise general professional duties as directed by the Principal or the Board.
• Particular Duties: Perform duties reasonably assigned by the Principal or by the Board. Provide teaching in accordance with directions from the Principal. Assist in staff development, performance review and professional development arrangements.

Planning:

• Plan and prepare courses and lessons.
• Teach pupils according to their educational needs, setting and marking work under the school's guidance.
• Assess, record and report on pupils’ development, progress and attainment.

General:

• Promote the progress and well-being of pupils.
• Provide advice and guidance on educational and social matters, including future careers.
• Record and report on personal and social needs of pupils, respecting confidentiality.
• Communicate and consult with parents.
• Co-operate with external bodies approved by the Authority and Governors.
• Participate in meetings related to the above responsibilities.

Assessment/Reporting:

• Provide oral and written assessments, reports and references for pupils and groups.

Staff Development / Professional Development:

• Participate in staff development schemes and performance reviews.
• Review teaching methods and programmes.
• Co-operate with colleagues on curriculum design, teaching materials and pastoral arrangements.

Discipline / Health and Safety:

• Maintain order, discipline and pupils’ safety in school premises and authorised activities elsewhere.
• Attend meetings concerning curriculum, administration and pastoral arrangements.

Public Examinations:

• Prepare pupils for public examinations and assess them for exam purposes.
• Record and report examination assessments.
• Supervise pupils during examination.

Review and Development of Management Activities / Administration:

• Assist in the selection and training of other teachers, including probationary staff.
• Coordinate or manage other teachers’ work.
• Participate in administrative tasks related to curriculum, organisation and pastoral functions.
• Manage or supervise support staff and ordering of equipment and materials.
• Attend assemblies and register attendance of pupils.

Staff Cover:

• Supervise and teach pupils when another teacher is unavailable, subject to enrolment limits.

Number of Days / Hours of Work:

• A full-time teacher shall be available for work on 195 days in any year, not more than 190 days teaching in a classroom.
• Maximum teaching hours per week are 25 hours in a primary or special school and 23.5 hours in a secondary school.
• Teachers must have a break of at least 30 minutes between 12 noon and 2 pm, with extended break times for nursery schools.
• Staff cover arrangements apply as described for eligible pupil numbers.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria – Shortlisting Stage:

• Qualifications / Professional Membership: Hold a teaching qualification recognised for grant-aided schools in Northern Ireland.
• Experience: Minimum of 1 year’s demonstrable experience teaching Key Stages 1 or 2 pupils. Experience of using effective classroom strategies for all abilities, including those with SEN. Experience using digital media/technology to enhance teaching. Registration with the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI) before taking up post.

Essential Criteria – Interview Stage:

• Knowledge: Knowledge of the Northern Ireland Curriculum and the SEND Code of Practice. Understanding of safeguarding and child protection policy/practice. Knowledge of assessment methods, information technology systems and digital classroom tools.
• Skills / Abilities: Effective teaching and classroom management skills to inspire and challenge pupils. Ability to provide a supportive, inclusive learning environment. Problem-solving, initiative, flexibility and collaborative working. Leadership abilities to motivate self and others as a team member. Ability to promote positive relationships with pupils, colleagues, parents and the wider community.
• Values / School Ethos: Evidence of alignment with the school’s values/ethos as described on the school’s website.

Desirable Criteria – Application Stage:

• Qualifications and Experience: Minimum of 3 years’ demonstrable teaching experience at Key Stages 1 or 2. Experience monitoring pupil progress, target setting and intervention. Experience supporting after-school clubs/programmes. Experience teaching pupils with English as a second language.

Disclosure of Criminal Background: Essential for regulated activity; the candidate will be required to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer. All applicants are considered in line with equality legislation.