Teacher in Dumfries

At Greenleaf School, we are excited to offer a rare opportunity to be part of a truly groundbreaking new education provision. If you are passionate about helping learners overcome barriers and trauma to achieve their full potential; if you would love to be part of a new system that truly puts the learner at its heart; if you have the creativity to see education differently; then this is the role you have been waiting for.

We work with small numbers of learners, but we are not a mainstream school on a small scale. We know that, for our learners, learning is non-linear and messy. We know that, through adverse circumstances, trauma and neurodiversity, our learners have developed superpowers which traditional school disguises as barriers to learning. We have developed a revolutionary enquiry-based, interdisciplinary learning model, informed by a 360-degree assessment tool which gives learners and teachers great autonomy in co-creating learning whilst also generating detailed analysis of strengths, needs and progress.

The Role

• You will plan/co-create, deliver/support, assess and record high quality learning experiences for learners aged 8-18 in line with the principles and practice of Curriculum for Excellence.
• You will uphold, foster and promote the ethos of Greenleaf school.
• A key part of the role is developing, implementing and embedding cutting-edge trauma-informed practices.
• You will take on the role of guide, co-creator, facilitator and learning mentor more than the traditional teacher-as-sage style of teaching role.
• You will ensure that the wellbeing of every learner is at the centre of everything we do.
• Teachers will keep detailed records in line with the Assessment and Learning & Teaching policies.
• There is an expectation that all staff take a proactive role in the self-evaluation and improvement process, including leadership of aspects of particular interest.
• You will be supported to innovate practice.
• Teachers must keep up to date with developments in subject areas, new resources, methods and national objectives; but you will be encouraged to go beyond this and seek out new evidence-based from diverse sectors and internationally.
• The role involves liaising and networking with other professionals, care practitioners, parents and carers, both informally and formally.

Responsibilities

• Deliver education across the curriculum.
• Lead the learning of a range of young people of different ages, abilities and behaviours.
• Assess and record learner progress in accordance with school policy.
• Report on learner progress.
• Prepare reports for and attend meetings with other agencies, such as LAC reviews.
• Undertake self-evaluation for improvement activities as outlined in school policies.
• Have an active input into the review and development of the school improvement plan and other school policies.
• Play a key role in the de-escalation and management of challenging behaviour.
• Be aware of some of the barriers to positive learning behaviours and of strategies to support pupils to overcome these.
• Engage and develop pupils through their personal strengths and interests.
• Have a clear understanding of safeguarding procedures.
• Prepare pupils for qualifications and external examinations.
• Undertake pastoral duties and supporting pupils on an individual basis through academic and personal difficulties.
• Participate in and organise extracurricular activities, such as outings, social activities and sporting events.
• Participate in regular in-service training (INSET) as part of continuing professional development (CPD).
• Uphold the GTCS professional standards.
• Ensure the company ethos is promoted and act as a role model.
• Undertake Physical Intervention training.
• Any other reasonable duties as directed by the Head of Education.
• Be flexible in working hours from time to time.

Progression and Career Long Professional Learning

At Greenleaf School, all staff have opportunities to:

• Access high-quality in-house CLPL.
• Undertake external training courses and qualifications which support professional development.
• Develop expertise in areas of particular interest.
• Take on additional responsibility, including leadership of short-term projects or long-term initiatives.
• Grow your career as the school grows.

Working Hours

• 9am until 5pm.
• 60 days annual leave to be taken outwith term time.

Line Management

• This post is responsible to, and under the care of, the Head of Education.

Requirements

• Relevant teaching qualification.
• Full registration with GTCS.
• Demonstrable engagement with Professional Update.
• Member of, or willing to become a member of, the PVG scheme.
• Experience of ASN, Behavioural Support, or Pupil Support role.
• Being open to new or different methods of delivering learning.
• A genuine desire to change the lives of young people with traumatic backgrounds.
• Full UK driving license.
• Right to work in the UK.

• Experience of working in an alternative education setting or special school.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice.
• Experience of delivering an IDL model.
• Additional qualifications in ASN or Pupil Support.
• A sound understanding of behaviour as communication.

Benefits

• A comprehensive wellbeing package, including EAP with a 24/7 wellbeing line and free counselling sessions, a health cash plan, with dental and optical cover, physio therapies, and a 24/7 GP helpline.
• Greenleaf For You platform, which gives you access to a wide range of discounts and savings.
• Free flu vaccinations.
• Annual salary review.