Upper School Design Technology Teacher - for August 2025 - Tentative Position

Zurich International School (ZIS) is a learning community of students, faculty, staff, and parents. At ZIS, educational excellence commits us to Learn, Care, Challenge, Lead. We provide a caring environment for the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development of our students. We value diversity and plurality of voices, and are committed to ensuring our students develop the intellect, skills and character to become caring individuals and adaptable and independent thinkers. The most significant impact on student learning is the quality of the teaching they experience - great teachers develop great learners. We are looking for a highly motivated, team-oriented, educator who is aligned with our mission and vision, and is eager to contribute to the ongoing development of our programme. Learner-centered candidates with a growth mindset and a commitment to ongoing professional growth, are encouraged to apply. For more information about our school and our philosophy visit: www.zis.ch

The Position:

We are seeking a passionate and dynamic educator to join our Technology Education Department as an Design Technology Teacher, teaching both elective Design Technology courses and the IB Design Technology course to grade 11 and 12 students. 

As an IB World School, we are committed to fostering an innovative and inquiry-driven learning environment, preparing students to become thoughtful, capable, and ethical global citizens. The successful candidate will be an experienced design technology educator with a deep commitment to developing students’ problem-solving, creative thinking, and design skills.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Curriculum Delivery: Teach Design Technology courses (elective courses and IB DP) to students in grades 6–12, ensuring alignment with the IB and other international curriculum standards and the school’s pedagogical approach.
• Student-Centered Instruction: Create an engaging, inquiry-based classroom environment that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Encourage students to design solutions to real-world problems through hands-on projects and practical applications.
• Assessment and Feedback: Develop and implement formative and summative assessments that measure students’ progress, providing timely and constructive feedback to support learning and growth.
• Collaboration: Work closely with colleagues in the Technology Education department, as well as other subject areas, to plan interdisciplinary units and share best practices. Actively contribute to department meetings and professional development initiatives.
• Technology Integration: Utilize appropriate technology including but not limited to tools for woodworking and metalwork, textiles, laser printers, and computer aided design programs to enhance student learning and ensure that students are exposed to the latest tools in the design and engineering fields.
• International Mindedness: Foster an environment that respects and values diversity, encouraging students to develop an appreciation for different cultures and perspectives.
• Extracurricular Activities: Support extracurricular activities such as design-related clubs, innovation challenges, and student-led projects.
• Professional Development: Engage in ongoing professional growth, including attending IB training sessions, school development days, and workshops related to design technology and pedagogical practices.

Requirements:

Applicants must have at least 3 years experience, preferably at an international school. For non-Swiss/EU applicants, international experience is required. 

• Education: A degree in design, engineering or a related field. A teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE, QTS, or equivalent) is required. An IB teaching certification or experience with the IB curriculum is highly desirable.
• Experience: Minimum of 2–3 years teaching Design Technology or similar courses, ideally within an IB context (MYP/DP). Familiarity with the IB Design Technology curriculum, including its emphasis on inquiry-based learning, project-based assignments, and the design cycle.
• Skills:
• Strong knowledge of design technologies, including both traditional methods (e.g., woodworking, metalworking) and modern technologies (e.g., 3D printing, CAD software, robotics).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with students and staff from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines. This includes managing a busy workshop environment while implementing health and safety protocols.
• Commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for all students.

Personal Attributes:

• A passion for teaching and inspiring students to become innovative problem-solvers.
• Enthusiastic about working in an international, multi-cultural community.
• A collaborative team player, willing to share ideas and learn from others.
• Strong reflective practice and commitment to continuous improvement in teaching.

Please apply to ZIS directly using our online system through the employment page of our school website: www.zis.ch/employment