Temporary Junior School Teacher – Grade 5 (1-year term)

School Overview

SJS is a leading independent, all gender K-12 IB school in Vancouver, Canada. At SJS we prioritize enriching education that nurtures learning competencies, agency, love for learning, and student well-being. Teachers at SJS encourage students to engage thoughtfully in their learning, to be risk-takers in their learning and strive to achieve their highest potential.

In the junior school we offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP) to all students in Grades JK-5. We offer a holistic programme to all students that consists of experiential opportunities for students to engage in learning in the arts, athletics, outdoor education, leadership roles, and community service.

Position Purpose & Overview

St. John’s School (SJS) is seeking a qualified and experienced IB Grade 5 Teacher. The candidate may be required to teach courses in another PYP subject, based on experience, qualifications, need, and interest. The IB Grade 5 Teacher will be a collaborative member of the Junior School and will contribute to the development of the curriculum and teaching experiences at SJS. Teachers at SJS are expected to exemplify excellent professional practice and high standards of teaching and learning. The teacher will provide inclusive learning opportunities differentiated to the needs, abilities and stage of development of each student. The successful candidate will be adept at monitoring, measuring, documenting, and reporting on learning. The successful candidate supports student wellbeing, participates in co-curricular commitments of the school, and is reliable in exercising their daily responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

Typical responsibilities and duties are inclusive of, but not limited to:

• Endorse the school’s mission, vision, and values.
• Model and promote the IB learner profile attributes and SJS values.
• Facilitate and deliver engaging and effective Grade 5 lessons in the Junior School.
• Collaborate with the Curriculum Leaders and other Junior School teachers to develop an innovative PYP Grade 5 curriculum.
• Design, prepare and deliver learning activities that facilitate insightful engagement and utilize inquiry-based learning strategies to enhance student understanding and engagement.
• Assess, record, and report on the growth of student success in alignment with the PYP grade objectives, criteria, guidelines, and the school’s assessment policy and practices.
• Create a safe, effective, challenging, ethical and organized learning environment.
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of and passion for the subject areas.
• Practice a universal design for learning approach to teaching, providing differentiated instruction for all learners to establish an inclusive learning environment.
• Maintain relevant understanding of and be active in using appropriate and effective technology to enhance instruction and learning.
• Participate in faculty, student, and parent meetings and special events.
• Model respectful and timely communication with students, colleagues, and parents, in line with the school’s Mutual Respect policy.
• Attend professional development programmes, participate in “on campus” professional learning, attend professional meetings which relate to curricular, administrative or organizational matters as required, attend relevant meetings and training as scheduled by the Head of Department, Curriculum Leaders and Senior Leadership Team.
• Engage or offer co-curricular activity(ies) for Junior School students.
• Demonstrate reliability in and understanding of implementation of risk and student management strategies.

Required Qualifications and Key Skills

Education & Work Experience

• A valid BC Certification of Teaching.
• Completion of a Bachelor of Education degree.
• Need to be legally entitled to work in Canada.
• A Basic First Aid certificate is considered an asset.
• Knowledge and understanding of the International Baccalaureate programmes.
• Experience and adept understanding of teaching IB PYP grades, and/or BC Elementary School courses in a Junior School setting is an asset.
• Knowledge of the PYP course content and curriculum framework is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of PYP core components is considered an asset.

Qualities and Skills

• A motivated, adaptable, and enthusiastic team player.
• Commitment to universal design for learning,  inclusion and fostering a supportive learning environment.
• Proven experience leading or contributing to co-curricular and/or outdoor education programs is an asset.
• Dynamic ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Demonstrate and pursue excellence in practice and professional growth.
• Strong organizational, administrative, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Positive attitude, growth mindset, and strong emotional intelligence (EQ).
• Proficient in providing support for diverse learning needs.

This role will require working hours outside of school office hours: often evening events; occasionally going offsite to document student programs; and occasional morning and weekend commitments.

This job profile outlines the key responsibilities for the roles and is not meant to be exhaustive. This will include performing the administrative and related tasks or any other responsibilities required to reasonably meet the needs of St. John’s School, including, but not limited to the general duties outlined in the position profile. 

It should be understood that the activities, responsibilities and obligations of this position may be modified from time to time, through discussion between the direct supervisor and the employee, in order to effectively meet the requirements of the School. On rare occasions where there are urgent needs at the School, an employee may be assigned to temporarily backfill role(s) critical to the school’s operations and business continuity.

Conditions of Employment

• The candidate must have a valid BCCT.
• The successful candidate will be required to complete child abuse prevention training, concussion training, Level 1 first-aid training provided by St. John’s School and provide consent for a criminal background check for the vulnerable sector.
• Clearance on criminal record checks for vulnerable sector is a condition of employment
• The ability to legally work in Canada, in an educational setting is a condition of employment.

Job Information

• Temporary (one-year) full-time contract from August 21, 2025 to June 30, 2025.
• Work location: on-site.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Annual Salary ranges from $68,229 to $116,773 based on the school’s teacher 2024/25 salary grid. The annual salary ranges will be updated with the 2025/26 salary grid before the contract begins. Placement on the grid is assigned in accordance with level of education and years of teaching experience. Annual salary is prorated based on the length of the contract.

Reporting Structure

• Reports To: Junior School Principal
• Direct Reports: None
• Department: Junior School
• Key Interactions:
  • Internal: Faculty, non-teaching employees, payroll administrator, School Principals, and Vice-Principals.
  • External: Parents, Alumni, and Teacher’s Regulation Branch

Applications

All interested candidates should include the following items in their application:

• Resume & Cover Letter
• Copies of any relevant certificates and diplomas.
• Three Professional References with contact details.

All interested candidates should submit their complete application at the following link:

Temporary Junior School Teacher – Grade 5

The posting will be active until filled. If you are having any problems submitting your application, please email [email protected]

St. John’s School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. St. John’s School is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring a barrier-free work environment. We welcome applications from all qualified job seekers, from BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of colour), persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ (persons of all sexual orientations and genders). If you are an applicant with a disability, we will work with you to make reasonable workplace accommodations you may need for your best work performance.