Nova Pioneer is looking for a superstar Literacy Specialist to support Nova Pioneer Schools in Johannesburg, South Africa! This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic teacher to empower students using an enquiry-based learning approach and to be a part of an innovative network of schools that is developing generations of innovators and leaders who will shape the African Century and be a part of building a foundation in a new school.

About Nova Pioneer

Imagine a world in which every young person across Africa attends a school that truly sets them up for success in the 21st century. A school that cares about individual students and allows them to explore the world around them. A school that focuses more on developing skills than on memorizing content. At Nova Pioneer, we have done more than just imagine this future, we are bringing it to life. Nova Pioneer is a pan-African, independent network of schools offering high quality, accessible education from pre-primary through secondary school. Nova Pioneer uses a unique, enquiry-based learning approach that encourages students to ask “why” instead of telling them the “what”. It allows them to form their own thinking through exploration, investigation and collaboration. Nova Pioneer currently has 15 schools in South Africa and Kenya with a vision to launch 100 schools and reach tens of thousands of students across the African continent in the next decade. To learn more visit www.novapioneer.com.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for an exceptional Literacy Specialist. The Literacy Specialist will work across all Nova Pioneer Schools in South Africa to ensure all students receive the academic care needed. The aim of this role is multifold, including directly teaching intervention groups and assisting teachers and leadership with the systems and supports needed to support learners in need of extra support. A secondary goal is to challenge those students functioning above grade level. The Specialist will not only support teachers but will also train them to build systems of support in their classrooms to meet the need of all learners. We are open to considering senior primary or lower secondary specialists.

The Literacy Support Specialist will report to the Director of Schools and the Learning Support Team.

Key responsibilities for the role include:

• Splitting time across Nova Pioneer campuses to provide direct intervention support to learners (Excluding school holidays)
• Provide direct intervention to pre-identify learners
• Plan, run and organise Professional Development sessions for each campus monthly and once to twice a year for all schools
• Meet with the Student Support Team on each campus bi-monthly
• Analyze student data with Student Support Team, Leadership, and teachers
• Coaches teachers on how to plan support for students with learning barriers, students that are below grade level, and students that are above grade level
• Observe teachers and students as needed
• Ability to respond to the needs of the students and Nova Pioneer and growth with the role over time
• Work closely with school teams and Educational Psychologist

ABOUT YOU

• Education Level: Masters (in Education) Degree Preferable or Bachelors (in Education) with strong experience
• Experience and/or understanding of Cambridge orIEB curriculum objectives ideal
• SACE registered (Kindly provide registration number and certificate in application)
• You have an understanding of and passion for enquiry based, student-centered learning
• You have a deep understanding of children and you know how to connect with the specific age group that you teach
• You are a team player and you enjoy group problem solving
• You are adept at using technology for instruction

Core Skills And Competencies

• Hands-on experience supporting students with a variety of learning barriers is a must
• Providing support in literacy with a wide range of learning barriers (i.e. dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD ADD, Autism, etc.)
• Has experience with non-English proficient and non-English Home Language students as well as ELL practices
• Specific skills: understand how to implement remedial support and is familiar with a variety of remedial support programs for Literacy
• Personal characteristics: can work collaboratively with a team, can receive feedback and give feedback in a positive manner

Additional Skills And Requirements

• Certifications: Ideally coursework in Inclusive Learning, Learning Support and Remedial Training are preferred
• SACE Certificate
• Must have a valid driver's license and car in a safe operating condition
• Valid Police Clearance (no older than 6 months)
• ID/ Passport
• Work permit (if applicable)

HOW TO APPLY

Does working at Nova Pioneer excite you? If so, then apply now!

To apply, please complete the form on the right hand side of this page. We cannot process applications that are emailed to us.

Please note: Where a copy of your resume is required, copying and pasting from a formatted document e.g. Microsoft Word may not result in the formatting transferring correctly to the final resume. You are encouraged to attach your resume in Microsoft Word® or PDF format to protect formatting.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the right candidate is identified. Only qualified candidates will be invited for interviews.

About Teaching at Nova Pioneer

Nova Pioneer teachers don’t lecture, they lead discussions and facilitate projects that help students engage deeply and think critically about course material. There are two types of teachers at Nova Pioneer: Resident Teachers and Apprentice Teachers.

Resident Teachers are able to lead classrooms and, depending on the grade level they are teaching, have strong content knowledge. Resident Teachers are typically qualified teachers with classroom experience or have a strong ability to lead a classroom independently, lesson planning supports teachers to enable them to deliver rigorous enquiry-based learning and to engage deeply with students to help them on their individual learning journeys.

Working at Nova Pioneer

Nova Pioneer is committed to the achievement and maintenance of diversity and equity in employment. Nova Pioneer is a place where our people experience tremendous growth, fast! We invest heavily in the growth of our people because it leads to greater mastery in both us and our students. “Novaneers” work harder and work longer hours than most schools but as a result, the growth they experience is extraordinary. We offer consistent and ongoing personal development and provide clear career pathways that ensure that our people are always achieving their personal and professional best. Nova Pioneer has a highly energetic, entrepreneurial environment where our people get to bring their creative and innovative ideas to life. We look for people who are flexible and who are able to adapt and respond quickly to adversity with a positive, can-do attitude (there are no problems, only solutions!). We welcome challenges and roll with the punches because it makes us, and our students, better. There is no problem too big for us! We work hard but we also have a lot of fun together. We bring infectious energy and enthusiasm to everything we do because joy fuels the hardest work and learning. Read more about our culture principles here.

Please Note:

• Nova Pioneer may appoint and/or expire the posting of this advertisement at their own discretion.
• If you have not been contacted within 30 days of the closing date of this advertisement please consider your application as unsuccessful.

Nova Pioneer, in line with the POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act) will attempt to ensure the confidentiality of all applicants for this role. All reasonable measurements will be in place to protect personal information but it will be used for recruitment and employment purposes. By submitting your application with Nova Pioneer, you are recognising and accepting this disclaimer.

Nova Pioneer will never request an application fee from candidates. If you are contacted with a request to pay a fee from someone claiming to be a Nova Pioneer Talent or Recruitment representative, please do not pay them and report it to us immediately on [email protected] or [email protected] .

Nova Pioneer will never request an application fee from candidates. If you are contacted with a request to pay a fee from someone claiming to be a Nova Pioneer Talent or Recruitment representative, please do not pay them and report it to us immediately on talent.ke@novapioneer.com or talent.sa@novapioneer.com.