K-8 Design Technology Integration Teacher

• START DATE: 27 July 2025
• POSTING DATE: 11 November 2024
• CLOSING DATE: 15 January 2025

Inspire Learning to Build Our Better World. At the American International School of Johannesburg (AISJ), we are committed to providing an exceptional education that empowers global citizens to fulfil their future purpose. Our vision is to inspire learning to build a better world. We seek a dedicated and passionate professional who aligns with our commitment to excellence and believes in the transformative power of education. Every team member is crucial in creating a supportive and nurturing learning environment. At AISJ, we value every employee as a learner and expect them to embody and support the AISJ Portrait of Learner (Resilience, Mindful, Thinker, Globally Connected, Curious, Contributor) through their work. We are dedicated to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion within our school community.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Design Technology Integration Teacher facilitates inquiry-based learning experiences that empower students to explore, create, and take action through innovative design processes and thoughtful technology integration. This role champions hands-on, transdisciplinary learning where design thinking, digital literacy, and maker education converge to develop creative problem-solvers. Leading the implementation of a comprehensive design and technology program that includes physical computing, digital creation, robotics, and maker experiences, the position requires expertise in managing a dynamic makerspace environment while supporting the integration of these elements across all curriculum areas. Through authentic design challenges and meaningful technology integration, the teacher supports students in becoming ethical, globally minded innovators who can positively impact their world

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Educational Technology, or related field; Master’s degree preferred
• Valid teaching certification with technology/design endorsement
• Minimum of 5 years teaching experience in elementary education settings
• Demonstrated experience in design technology instruction and integration in an international school context
• Experience with design thinking, maker education, coding, robotics, and digital creation tools
• Strong background in concept-driven, inquiry-based learning approaches and authentic assessment practices
• Familiarity with adaptive learning environments and collaborative school cultures

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

Instructional Leadership

• Facilitate design thinking and problem-solving experiences across the curriculum and support students in taking authentic action through design solutions
• Develop and implement the Technology and Information Literacy (TILS) curriculum
• Model effective integration of technology across subject areas
• Support the implementation of digital citizenship and academic integrity initiatives

Collaboration and Support

• Co-plan and co-teach units of inquiry that integrate design and technology
• Provide demonstration lessons and instructional coaching to support faculty
• Partner with teachers to differentiate instruction using technology
• Participate in curriculum review and development processes
• Plan and deliver professional development workshops for faculty
• Stay current with educational technology trends and best practices
• Share knowledge and resources with the school community

Resource Management

• Manage and coordinate the school’s Makerspace, ensuring appropriate resources and safe learning environments
• Evaluate and recommend technology resources and tools
• Create and maintain resource guides and documentation

Teacher Competencies

Planning for Learning

• Curriculum Design: Creates personalized, challenging learning sequences that build on prior knowledge while ensuring knowledge transfer and regular reflection opportunities.
• Collaborative Planning: Partners across disciplines and specialties to create cohesive learning experiences that connect global contexts while anticipating student needs.
• Inquiry-Based Learning: Designs flexible conceptual units that honor student choice, pace, and multiple pathways to demonstrate understanding.
• Student Agency & Critical Thinking Creates self-directed learners who think critically, set goals, and drive their own learning journey.
• Research-Based Instructional Excellence Implements proven teaching strategies that adapt to individual student needs through continuous assessment and adjustment.
• Connected Learning Design Weaves together global perspectives, real-world applications, and cross-disciplinary connections to create meaningful learning experiences.
• Collaborative Leadership Builds a learning community where students develop leadership skills through structured collaboration and personalized engagement.

Reflecting as Practitioners

• Student Agency: Builds student capacity for self-assessment through modelling, tools, and targeted feedback that drives individual growth.
• Data-Informed Practice: Analyzes student achievement data to align curriculum, refine teaching strategies, and measure instructional effectiveness.
• Professional Growth: Engages in collaborative reflection and data analysis with colleagues to continuously improve teaching practices and student outcomes.

Promoting Relationships, Community, & Culture

• Builds strong community-school partnerships and actively participates in community initiatives to enrich the learning environment.
• Adapts teaching practices by staying informed of educational and societal changes while understanding each learner’s unique cultural background, learning style, and needs.
• Creates an inclusive learning environment that embraces diversity, challenges stereotypes, and connects learning to students’ real-world experiences and cultural contexts.
• Fosters a growth mindset by encouraging calculated risk-taking and developing students’ autonomy, personal responsibility, and ownership of learning.

All community members are expected to be committed to the AISJ Community Principles.

• We are better when we act together.
• Our differences make us stronger.
• Every team needs individuals.
• Every individual needs a team.

Work Hours: Monday through Friday – 188 (one hundred and eighty-eight) days per school year

APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, please complete the electronic form please click here . Information captured will be securely stored and used for a reference check on the candidate’s compatibility. AISJ reserves the right to appoint the strongest candidate before the closing date if required.

SAFEGUARDING & CHILD PROTECTION
AISJ maintains robust child protection policies to ensure a safe, secure, and caring environment for our students. All employees must undergo criminal background checks, attend annual training, and sign a safeguarding agreement.

PRIVACY
By submitting your CV, you consent to AISJ processing your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy, accessible at AISJ Privacy Policy , and under the Protection of Personal Information Act of 2013.