TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR A STEP TEACHER
POSITION: The role is of a “Secondary Religious Education Teacher” is a positon that requires at the one level an individual who can strategically conceptualise various delivery models for the delivery of RE within the various geo-political, cultural and urban/rural populations in which the Jamat live in; and on the other level an individual who is willing to implement the delivery of the IIS secondary curriculum within these models.
This position is ideal for a STEP teacher who wished to extend their practice beyond their “regular classroom” to diverse settings/contexts as well as be willing to develop “on the job” skills in leadership and educational management.
Terms of Reference (ToRs) for the role are as listed below but are also subject to change from time to time during the employment tenure. Changes in the duties and responsibilities and the circumstances necessitating the changes would be communicated by the line manager.
DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT: Open ended contract with a 6-month approbatory period starting in January 2021. However, given the current pandemic crisis, this position may begin with the engagement of teaching the students, particularly in the urban areas on a virtual platform.
JOB SUMMARY
The STEP teacher will have a multidisciplinary role in the religious education of students. Besides teaching classes, s/he will be a manager and administrator for the efficient functioning of the program. He/she will elaborate strategic development through creative thinking and a thorough analysis and understanding of the context to access more students in different cities of the jurisdiction within Mozambique.
In the role of a STEP teacher s/he will be responsible for providing professional services in shaping and inspiring diverse Ismaili students (living in Mozambique) through teaching the Secondary Curriculum developed by The Institute of Ismaili Studies. It involves contributing expert assistance to ensure effective planning and implementation of a sound Secondary Religious Education program through appropriate educational responses that would address the needs of students.
This position also includes teaching assignments, training and mobilizing the community and stake holders for participation in religious education of students. It calls upon providing professional knowledge and expertise in supporting other educational endeavors of The Shia Imami Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board for Mozambique (ITREB Mozambique). Additionally, it also encompasses continuous development of content knowledge, pedagogical skills, practices, competencies and one’s understanding of the Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) curriculum to meet the diverse needs of all students through self-study and/or institutional initiated programs or activities.
WORKING HOURS
a) Standard working hours of 40 hours per week (once face to face teaching begins).
b) Working hours will comprise of curriculum delivery 2-3 classes a week (up to 9 hours of teaching time per week) of different levels (beginners or intermediate or students who have some know-how of STEP) with varied number of students per class.
c) STEP being a supplemental education stream will be taught at non-traditional times, such as week- ends and evenings. Teaching to be done as per the schedule provided by ITREB.
d) Since the Jamat in Mozambique is highly dispersed, the position involves travel to at least two to three centers within Mozambique to deliver the curriculum or support other educational endeavors of ITREB Mozambique.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
1. Curriculum Implementation:
a) Be responsible for implementing the IIS Secondary Curriculum through regular classes for Mozambique students (including face to face and online teaching); create Lesson Plans, Unit Plans and Annual Plans ensuring that the plans include appropriate areas of curricula, instructional design and assessment of learning outcomes, effective and in line with educational aims, values and outlooks of the IIS Secondary Curriculum.
b) Continuously explore innovative and creative ways of facilitating students’ ability to acquire knowledge, skills and values to ensure effective and efficient implementation of the curriculum.
c) Use multiple sources of feedback in classroom practice to meet professional learning goals.
d) Manage the organization and coordination of student excursions and evaluate them for educational merit and improved planning for future trips.
e) Prepare and deliver the curriculum through episodic programs such as residential/non- residential camps or holiday classes for currently enrolled students and youth.
2. Classroom Management:
a) Ensure that policies and procedures set down by ITREB Mozambique, and other stakeholders are implemented and followed.
b) Ensure that the classroom environment is safe and conducive to promote effective teaching and learning and secure physical and emotional space is created to encourage students to express themselves through discussion and activities.
c) Develop professional and appropriate relationships with the students, such that the students respect and recognize the teacher-student relationship.
d) Maximize exchange of information within the classroom and with other sections of the educational community to develop common understandings.
e) Monitor, evaluate and report student progress in key learning areas.
f) Maintain records of class attendance and records of student progress.
3. Developing strategies to increase access and quality of RE within the jurisdiction:
Develop a strategic development plan through creative thinking and a thorough analysis and understanding of the context to access more students in the different regions (Beira, Nampula, Chimoio and others) of the jurisdiction through IT and / or face to face classes.
4. Developing supportive environments:
a) Maintain positive, supportive, professional relationships within the educational community.
b) Work collaboratively with professional and volunteer colleagues to improve teaching and learning within ITREB Mozambique.
c) Model exemplary classroom practice.
d) Support ITREB Mozambique, staff and expand their capacity.
e) Developing concepts papers and educational material to help improve knowledge base of staff and teachers within the system and also for the wider Jamat.
f) Actively seek the support of parents and guardians as active partners in religious formation of their children. Devise and implement relevant strategies for the same.
5. Professional Development:
a) Will be partnered with a STEP teacher mentor virtually who will be able to provide on-going mentorship throughout the year.
b) Be part of the larger PLC (professional learning community) of teachers that are involved in the yearlong IIS facilitated professional development
c) Participate in professional development activities initiated or recommended by Chairman, or designated resource;
d) Undertake thorough self-initiated means of continuous professional development in content knowledge as well as pedagogy.
6. Additional ITREB Board Support Responsibilities:
Provide professional knowledge, expertise and support for any other educational endeavors of ITREB Mozambique, or other Institutions as assigned by ITREB Chairman and/or his/her designate.
PROFILE, QUALIFICATION AND EXPEREINCE
a) Teaching experience of 3 years or more within a STEP classroom in the classroom is ideal.
b) Minimal Qualification: A graduate of the Secondary Teacher Education Programme (STEP).
c) Management skills (planning, organizing, implementing, evaluating & reporting).
d) Deep sense of responsibility, sound judgement and ability to perform independently and to multi task.
e) Perfect mastery of MS office and comfortable working with computing, information and communication technology.
f) Ability to travel from time to time within the jurisdiction and internationally as necessary.
g) Excellent Communication, People and Management skills.
h) A willingness to understand and internalize issues, challenges and concerns of the secondary students, parents and the Jamat. Being sensitive to demographic and cultural diversity of the Jamat within the Jurisdiction.
i) Language requirements:
- Proficient in English is essential.
- A working knowledge of Portuguese would be an asset and/or a strong willingness to learn Portuguese.
- Additionally, some know-how of Gujrati and Urdu will be highly appreciated.
Interested applicants should send their CVs with a cover letter to ITREB Mozambique at Ismaili Secretariat Mozambique: [email protected]
The deadline for application is 30th Oct 2020.
NOTE: ONLY SHORT LISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED.
