Effective teachers who continually learn and set high expectations are the key to student academic and holistic success. In addition to the traditional roles excellent teachers assume outside of the typical school day, a Bloom KKCA Academy teacher is also expected to embrace the exciting responsibilities and challenges of starting a new school. The candidate must have proven teaching ability and be able to act as a pedagogical leader as the program grows.
The Math Specialist is responsible for enhancing the teaching, learning and assessing of mathematics in order to improve student achievement and raise the quality of instruction. S/he will require a deep and broad knowledge of mathematics content and expertise in utilizing and helping others, both students and other teachers, use effective instructional practices to support the learning of mathematics across all primary grade levels. This will include content and pedagogical knowledge and skills. The Math Specialist will coach other teachers for supporting effective primary mathematics instruction, develop and map the math curriculum and teach students in the classroom.
The Math Specialist will also teach and work to support our STEM program. In Bloom KKCA Academy’s STEM program, we follow the true spirit of an innovator as we venture into the unknown and create stimulating experiments with Hong Kong as the backdrop and experimental ground. Our projects collect raw data and contribute original knowledge to the scientific community as we participate in citizen scientist projects. We believe the power of science goes far beyond a grade: it transforms human discoveries, and leveraged by technology and engineering, equips us to solve pressing human problems in this place, for this generation.
Bloom KKCA Academy’s STEM program features standards-based structured learning, curriculum localization through incorporating topical events, real-world problem-based learning and pathways for STEM fields and occupations.
Reports To
- Founder and Head of School
- Director of Teaching & Learning
- Director of STEM Program
Key Responsibilities:
Teaching
● Teach math not only as abstract theory, but also as a living subject relevant to current issues and problems
● Carefully monitor student progress, provide student feedback and make necessary adjustments that optimize learning
● Coach and strengthen teachers’ understanding of mathematics content and help them develop more effective instruction and assessment
● Work with fellow teachers to implement a range of assessments (formative, benchmark, and summative) to guide data-driven instruction
● Be familiar with different math programs and standards for grades 1-6, especially the US Common Core Standards for Mathematics, and also local Hong Kong Curriculum Framework and standards
● Support the bilingual learning of math; if you are not fluent in Chinese, be committed to supporting this goal through collaboration with other teachers
● Positively manage mixed-aged and mixed-stage classrooms
● Co-plan and implement regular field trips and real-world learning opportunities
● Develop curriculum that is in alignment with Bloom KKCA Academy’s STEM curriculum
● Utilize technology to improve classroom instruction
● Relate math to the 10 core technological competencies of:
● AI
● Material Science & Engineering
● Space
● Environmental Engineering
● Computer Graphics and User Interface Design
● Science and Data Acquisition
● Project Management
● Robotics and Control Technology
● Internet of Things and Digital Media Literacy
● Data Modeling and Simulation
Communication & Community
● Communicate regularly with families as partners in their children’s education
● Be an exemplary model to students by arriving to school on time, being prepared to teach and consistently reflecting our school values and Positive Education approach
● Maintain strong cordial communication lines with colleagues and regularly collaborate
● Foster and participate in and initiate productive student-centered discussions
● Help create a positive, collaborative work environment
● Attend and contribute during all professional development and staff meetings
Documentation
● Maintain up-to-date documentation of student progress, including regular informal observations, running records and quarterly reports
● Lead the team in the development of curriculum mapping and actively support colleagues in their own documentation
● Participate in the formation of the school’s strategic development
● Perform clerical duties, as required
Key Requirements:
Knowledge, Abilities, Strengths, and Interests
● Knowledge of:
○ Grade 1-6 math and its everyday life application
○ Child growth and development
○ Current STEM trends, research and best practices
○ Differentiation and how to support a wide range of learner profiles
○ Deep and broad understanding of mathematical content, including specialized knowledge required for teaching and pedagogy related to mathematical content and delivery
○ Skills for working with adult learners
● Ability to:
○ Create a positive and engaging learning environment
○ Motivate students, colleagues and key stakeholders
○ Employ varied teaching methods
○ Plan, establish priorities and implement “activities” for maximum effectiveness
○ Confidently and competently communicate with students, parents and other stakeholders verbally and in writing
○ Use a range of assessments to gauge student achievement and analyze results to devise ways to improve
○ Work effectively with peers, administrators and others
○ Handle problems and concerns with sensitivity and tact
○ Respect and value unique perspectives, experiences and personalities to build relationships
○ Use and help others use effective instructional and assessment practices
● Personal Attributes:
○ Organized and efficient
○ Critical and creative thinker
○ Inter-culturally sensitive with well-developed interpersonal skills
○ Approachable and positive
○ Innovative, flexible and receptive to feedback
○ Comfortable working and flourishing in an ever-changing environment
○ Self-starter, proactive and an active learner
● Interested in:
○ Technology
○ Creativity and innovation
○ Hands-on learning
○ Positive education
○ Multiculturalism
○ Professional development
○ Collaboration
Required Qualifications
● Minimum five years of documented classroom (or similar) teaching experience
● Bachelor’s degree
● Native fluency in English
● Current teaching certification or licensure
● Demonstrated academic excellence
● Satisfactory criminal background check
Preferred Qualifications
● Math specialist certification or a Master’s Degree
● Experience teaching PYP, project-based learning, Reggio Emilia or similar programs
● Experience with developing and managing makerspaces and STEM / STEAM experience
Qualified candidates will be remunerated with a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. qualifications and experience
To apply, please email your cover letter, resume, and educational philosophy to recruitment@bloom.edu.hk. Optional: please create a 2-minute video answering the following questions:
1. What makes you passionate about teaching the next generation of students?
2. Give an example of how you have implemented project-based learning and/or demonstrated innovation in your practice.
3. In 3 words, describe how one of your current / former students would describe you.
4. Tell us something cool about yourself that reflects your personality!
Personal information will be used for recruitment purposes only. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Successful candidates will be expected to begin by August 2022.