English DP Language and Literature

Job Description

Job Description

Safeguarding Statement

Taaleem is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. At Taaleem, we hold ourselves to a high standard of effective practices in relation to child protection and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We expect all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to various background checks including receipt of high-quality references, proof of relevant qualifications, identification and police checks, including overseas checks.

Job Purpose

The IB Diploma Programme (DP) English Language and Literature teacher embodies Taaleem’s ethos of excellence, inquiry, creativity, and compassion. The teacher delivers a rigorous and engaging IB DP curriculum that develops critical thinkers, skilled communicators, and globally minded learners.

Through expert subject knowledge and inquiry-based pedagogy, the teacher inspires students to analyse, interpret, and evaluate a wide range of literary and non-literary texts in English. The role focuses on preparing students for success in IB assessments while fostering intellectual curiosity, intercultural understanding, and a lifelong appreciation of language and literature.

Key Relationships (Internal and External)

Students, parents, colleagues, Head of English, IB Diploma Coordinator, Head of Secondary, and Senior Leadership Team.

Key Accountabilities

• Deliver the IB DP English Language and Literature curriculum with fidelity to IB standards and practices.
• Develop students’ critical reading, analytical writing, and oral communication skills across literary and non-literary texts.
• Cultivate inquiry-based learning that encourages interpretation, evaluation, and global contextual understanding.
• Promote academic honesty in line with IB expectations.
• Use formative and summative assessment effectively, including IB-style assessment criteria.
• Prepare students for internal and external IB assessments (Paper 1, Paper 2, HL Essay, IO).
• Integrate TOK (Theory of Knowledge) links and global contexts into teaching and learning.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners, including EAL, SEN, and high-achieving students.
• Use educational technology effectively to enhance engagement, analysis, and independent learning.
• Maintain accurate records of student progress and provide timely, meaningful feedback.
• Communicate regularly with parents regarding progress, attainment, and areas for development.
• Contribute to collaborative planning within the English department and wider IB team.
• Support school events, literary activities, debates, writing clubs, and enrichment programmes.
• Uphold safeguarding, behaviour, and inclusion policies at all times.
• Contribute to curriculum development aligned with IB philosophy and UAE cultural values.

Teaching Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver well-structured IB DP lessons that develop higher-order thinking skills.
• Teach a range of texts including literature in translation, world literature, and non-literary texts (media, speeches, essays, advertising, etc.).
• Develop students’ ability to analyse authorial choices, stylistic features, and contextual influences.
• Prepare students for both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) requirements.
• Assign, assess, and provide feedback on essays, commentaries, and oral presentations.
• Foster independent learning skills required for IB success, including research and critical inquiry.
• Regularly review and adapt schemes of work in line with IB updates and student needs.

Assessment, Recording and Reporting

• Apply IB assessment criteria accurately and consistently.
• Track student progress using data-informed strategies.
• Provide detailed formative feedback to improve analytical and writing skills.
• Contribute to school reporting cycles with high-quality written reports.
• Support students in setting targets aligned with IB grade descriptors.

Continuing Professional Development

• Engage actively in IB workshops and professional learning communities.
• Stay current with developments in literary theory, language studies, and pedagogy.
• Reflect on teaching practice and incorporate feedback to improve outcomes.
• Participate in DP curriculum review and accreditation processes.

Curriculum Development

• Contribute to the development of the IB DP English curriculum across SL and HL.
• Ensure alignment with IB Subject Guide requirements and learner profile attributes.
• Embed intercultural understanding and UAE cultural context where appropriate.
• Develop high-quality teaching resources and assessment materials.

Taaleem Professional Teaching Standards

(Aligned as per original document with IB-specific emphasis)

Teaching Excellence

• Set high expectations aligned with IB standards of academic rigour.
• Promote inquiry, reflection, and conceptual understanding.
• Encourage students to become independent, critical thinkers and effective communicators.

Subject Knowledge

• Demonstrate strong expertise in English Language and Literature, including literary analysis, linguistics, and media studies.
• Support students in understanding diverse cultural, historical, and global perspectives in texts.

Assessment & Feedback

• Use IB criteria to guide clear, structured, and meaningful feedback.
• Ensure students understand how to improve their analytical and writing skills.

Behaviour & Classroom Environment

• Maintain a respectful, intellectually stimulating classroom culture.
• Encourage open discussion, debate, and respectful exchange of ideas.

Professional Conduct

• Uphold IB Learner Profile attributes and Taaleem values.
• Model integrity, academic honesty, and intercultural respect.
• Respect UAE cultural values and school policies at all times.

Skills Description

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Literature, Linguistics, or related field
• Recognised teaching qualification (PGCE or equivalent)
• IB DP English Language and Literature training preferred

Experience

• Minimum 2 years teaching English at secondary or international level
• Experience teaching IB DP English Language and Literature strongly preferred
• Familiarity with IB assessment practices and standards (HL/SL)
• Experience in international or multilingual school settings desirable

Competencies

• Strong command of English language and literature analysis
• Proven ability to teach critical thinking and academic writing
• Experience with inquiry-based and student-centred learning
• Effective use of ICT and digital learning tools
• Strong understanding of IB philosophy and learner profile
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to motivate and challenge high-achieving students

Attributes

• Reflective, analytical, and intellectually curious
• Passionate about literature, language, and global perspectives
• Committed to student agency and lifelong learning
• Culturally aware and internationally minded
• Flexible, resilient, and solutions-focused
• Collaborative and professionally engaged
• Committed to academic honesty and integrity
• Inspires students to think critically and independently