Teacher Mentor at TEACH Rwanda: (Deadline 23 February 2024)

Teacher Mentor at TEACH Rwanda: (Deadline 23 February 2024)

Organisation Overview

TEACH Rwanda (TR) is an International NGO (INGO) in Rwanda and a 501(c)3 in the USA. TEACH Rwanda’s mission is to collaborate with education leaders to implement global best practices in play and project-based learning that will result in a world-class education system that enriches children’s lives. We operate a demonstration pre- and primary school, Bright School, in Muhanga that exemplifies a play-based approach using Rwanda’s Competence-based Curriculum (CBC). We also partner with pre-primary and primary schools in other parts of Rwanda and mentor and coach project and exemplary schools in and around Kigali.

We are a shall but agile team and as such TEACH Rwanda employees are deeply invested in the futures of children and the lives of their teachers.

TEACH Rwanda is recruiting an experienced, innovative Teacher Mentor who is passionate about transforming the lives of Rwandan children through play and project-based learning. Reporting to and closely working with the Country Representative, the Teacher Mentor will provide both individualised teacher mentorship and coaching, along with whole school professional development to support engaging and exciting learning experiences, and inclusive, high-quality education in early childhood and primary schools across Rwanda.

Opportunity

We are seeking an innovative, passionate, self-driven Teacher Mentor to join our team supporting teachers in their professional development and building capacity in our partner schools by advocating for play and project-based learning. The Teacher Mentor role is critical in achieving our vision of a nation of analytical thinkers, confident communicators, collaborative innovators, compassionate leaders, and life-long learners.

This is a key role in our organisation that requires a skilled educator and mentor with expertise in play-based teaching methodologies, a flexible approach and a commitment to life-long learning. At all TEACH Rwanda Exemplary and Project Schools, and with all education partners and governmental leaders, the Teacher Mentor models and advocates for implementation of integrated, engaging, meaningful learning experiences that focus on creativity and development of higher-order thinking and executive functioning skills.

The role will include regular travel to Muhanga and other parts of Rwanda as well as opportunities to work remotely from home. The role also includes some weekend work, usually on Saturdays when co-leading workshops.

Role and responsibilities

Lead Teacher Education Modules

In close collaboration with the Country Representative, the Teacher Mentor will manage all facets of TR’s Module system—the three-tiered programme of mentoring and professional development designed by TEACH Rwanda and implemented across all their partner schools.  They will be responsible for all related learning opportunities for continuous professional development both at Bright School and other partner schools which includes but is not limited to facilitating the following:

• Project School Launch Meetings. Schedule, plan, and lead a one-day session with each new Project School to explain the TR needs assessment and Module process to all teachers and supervisors.
• Needs Assessment. Write a detailed needs assessment.
• Module 1. Arrange Module 1 visits at Bright School. Host teams of observing educators and explain modern teaching philosophy. Lead reflection session at end of visit.
• Module 2. Schedule, plan and deliver four full-day, engaging, professional development sessions using the TR Leader Guide. Tailor modules to meet the needs of enrolled educators.
• Module 3. Schedule and conduct unannounced mentoring observations in partner schools. Lead reflection session to identify strengths and areas for improvement, coach teachers, set goals with teachers and supervisors and submit written report.

Lead Professional Development of In-service Teachers

Provide individualised support to teachers to help schools to achieve TR exemplary standards, focusing on approach to teaching and learning, implementation of curriculum building tools, and classroom learning environment:

• Conduct observations and provide constructive feedback to help teachers adapt their approach to address diverse learning styles and needs.
• Supervise in-service development of teachers and school leadership in all TR Exemplary and Project Schools.
• Facilitate workshops, continuous professional development (CPD) sessions, and reflection sessions to address needs in individual schools.
• Stay updated on current and relevant educational trends and share learning with TR education staff.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive learning community within partner schools.
• Facilitate peer learning and collaboration among teachers.

Advocate for high-quality, research-based education

Locally, nationally, and internationally, act as an ambassador for TEACH Rwanda’s commitment to well-prepared teachers and school cultures that encourage meaningful, active learning experiences and welcome visitors.

• Build family and community support for high-quality play-based education by supporting partner schools with family and community engagement through General Assemblies and other community meetings.
• Support TR expansion by consulting with schools and organizations expressing interest in becoming partner schools, improving teacher education, or otherwise requesting TR expertise.
• Actively participate in RENCP General Assemblies, Teacher Education and ECDE Task Groups, and all related activities. Actively participate on REB’s Early Childhood Working Group and others as available.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Primary Education or a similar field, at least 2 years of demonstrable mentorship experience in the education and/or nonprofit sectors, and 2 years’ classroom experience in ECE or primary education.
• Knowledge and understanding of Learning through Play and Projects (LtPP) and global best practices.
• Commitment to advocate for evidence-based education.
• Effective communicator.
• Adaptability to diverse learning styles.
• Proven leadership and mentorship skills with the goal of inspiring and guiding teachers and educators.
• Open-mindedness and commitment to life-long learning.
• A role model for teachers.
• Fluent in English and Kinyarwanda. French is also beneficial

Salary and benefits

Salary range 350 000 – 500 000 Rwf gross per month plus standard benefits (national holidays, medical insurance, family leave, etc.). TR office in Muhanga and/or in-home in Kigali as convenient. Computer and internet/phone airtime provided. Travel expenses and off-site meals covered. Open-ended contract after successful completion of 3-month probationary period. Annual performance review. 18 days paid leave for the first year, increasing by 1 day per year to 21 days.

Please send CV and letter of application detailing experience relating to the skills and aptitudes outlined here to:

Rachel Walmsley, Country Representative

teachrwanda.countryrep@gmail.com and cc rachel.walmsley77@gmail.com

Closing date: February 23^rd, 2024