Job description

Terms of employment: Full-time, fixed-term contract

Reporting to: Primary Principal

Proposed commencement date: Immediately  

The International School of Lusaka invites applications from suitably qualified, experienced and inspiring early-years educators for the position of Reception Teacher. Reporting to the Primary Principal and working within the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, the Reception Teacher will create a safe, joyful and stimulating environment in which young children develop confidence, curiosity, independence and strong foundations for future learning.

Key Responsibilities 

1. Plan and facilitate developmentally appropriate, inquiry-led learning aligned with the IB Primary Years Programme curriculum.
2. Use purposeful play, exploration, guided learning and explicit instruction to develop early literacy, language, numeracy and conceptual understanding.
3. Create rich indoor and outdoor learning environments that promote curiosity, creativity, collaboration and independence.
4. Observe, assess, and document children’s progress, and use assessment evidence to adapt planning and to provide appropriate challenge and support.
5. Support children’s social and emotional development, self-regulation, wellbeing and positive relationships.
6. Differentiate learning to meet varied developmental needs, abilities, backgrounds, and languages, working closely with relevant specialists.
7. Maintain active supervision and comply fully with safeguarding, child protection, and health and safety procedures.
8. Establish warm, respectful partnerships with parents and communicate clearly about children’s learning, development and wellbeing.
9. Lead and collaborate effectively with Teaching Assistants, specialist teachers and student-support personnel.
10. Participate actively in PYP collaborative planning, professional learning, curriculum development and wider School activities.
11. Provide at least one after-school activity each week, as required.

Required Qualifications and Experience 

Applicants must meet all the following essential requirements:

1. A bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Primary Education or another directly relevant field.
2. A recognised professional teaching qualification.
3. Current registration with the Teaching Council of Zambia and a valid practising certificate.
4. At least three years of successful classroom teaching experience, including substantial experience at Reception, kindergarten or a comparable early-years level.
5. Sound knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate teaching practice.
6. Demonstrated experience facilitating purposeful play-based and inquiry-led learning.
7. Experience observing, assessing and documenting young children’s progress and using evidence to inform planning.
8. Proven ability to differentiate learning for varied developmental, learning and language needs.
9. Strong safeguarding awareness and a demonstrated commitment to children’s safety and well-being.
10. Excellent spoken and written English, organisation, collaboration, and family communication skills.

Experience with the IB Primary Years Programme, international or multicultural schools, early literacy, early numeracy, English as an additional language, or inclusive education will be an added advantage.

Application Process

Applicants should submit:

1. A cover letter of no more than two pages, directly addressing the essential requirements.
2. A detailed CV.
3. Copies of relevant academic and professional qualifications, current Teaching Council of Zambia registration and a valid practising certificate.
4. Contact details for three professional referees, including a current or most recent direct supervisor. Referees will only be contacted with the candidate’s prior consent.

All documents must be combined into a single PDF and sent to jobs@isl.sch.zm. 

The deadline for receiving applications is 17:00 CAT on Friday, 14 August 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Safeguarding Notice

At the International School of Lusaka, we are deeply committed to the safety and well-being of our students. We have a rigorous safeguarding policy in place and adhere to the highest standards of child protection. As part of our recruitment process, we require all applicants for the position to undergo thorough background checks and provide references. Our school is an inclusive and diverse community, and we expect all members of our staff to share our commitment to safeguarding and to act in the best interests of our students. By applying for this position, you acknowledge your willingness to comply with our safeguarding policies and practices. We prioritise creating a safe and nurturing learning environment for all our students.