If you're a teacher looking for new opportunities and challenges — and you're interested in trying Beijing on for size — one of that city's leading IB schools is hosting a recruitment fair for the 2023/24 school year on September 17 with lots of great, high paying positions for teachers of all specializations now open. The recruitment fair is an opportunity for prospective teachers to get your foot in the door, meet WAB's leadership, and visit their beautiful campus in China's capital. The one-day event features information sessions and tours held alongside individual interviews for shortlisted candidates.

WAB is looking for teachers across all school sections. Salary and benefits information can be viewed here.

SmartShanghai talked to WAB to get a little more information on the school background, teaching philosophy, and expected workload.

To attend the recruitment fair, you must register in advance before August 17. You can do so right here.

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SmSh: Can you introduce WAB to people in Shanghai that might not have heard of the school?

WAB: Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) is a leading non-profit, independent IB World School. With an innovative approach to learning, WAB's highly qualified teachers welcome 1,250 students from more than 50 countries to our state-of-the art campus. In our learner-centered atmosphere students are encouraged to take their place as responsible citizens of the world.

WAB aims to empower open-minded seekers, builders, and users of knowledge while developing skills, knowledge, and attitudes that will meet the needs of the 21st century.

WAB has exceptional academic opportunities for students of all ages and backgrounds and promotes an inclusive community of students, staff, and parents that support not only the WAB community, but also the school's local, national and international networks.

SmSh: What can you tell us about the teaching philosophy at WAB?

WAB: Our students are at the heart of all teaching and learning at the Western Academy of Beijing. WAB teachers are internationally experienced professionals committed to educating open-minded dreamers, critical thinkers and users of knowledge. As an IB World School, our highly motivated students acquire the skills and attitudes that meet the growing demands of an international 21st century.

Our definition of learning is: Learning at WAB is a transformative process which is intentional and iterative, challenging and joyful, and serves an authentic purpose.

SmSh: What is the teacher profile you are looking for?

WAB: The Western Academy of Beijing is proud of our talented, caring and professional staff and faculty. Success in any teaching position depends on realizing many synergies. Teachers who are successful at WAB typically match closely with the characteristics listed below.

In terms of professional experience, we're looking at candidates with experience/training in working with English as Additional Language (EAL); IB PYP, IB MYP, and IB Diploma programs preferred; and experience with authentic assessment practices.

Generally speaking, we're looking for professional, positive, innovative, child-focused, community members who can join and contribute to our warm, caring, and supportive community.

SmSh: What is the duration of the school year and what are the teaching hours?

WAB: Western Academy of Beijing is a progressive school and has a dedicated community with high expectations – excellence in teaching, full involvement in the school's development and with extracurricular activities. Candidates considering working at WAB should be prepared to meet these expectations in addition to the regular teaching load. A standard workload is outlined below:

School Year

Each school year has approximately 190 contact days, between August 1 and ending July 31. The winter break in December is usually 2 or 3 weeks, and the summer break is usually 6 to 8 weeks, from June to August. In the fall, the students normally start school in mid-August right after the Teacher's Planning Week. New Staff Orientation starts around August 1.

School Hours

School hours normally start at 8:30am, and end at 3:30pm. Teachers are expected to be at the school before 8:00am and be in the classroom by 8:20am. Teachers should remain in the school for at least 15 minutes after school is dismissed. Yard duty on a rotating basis is a part of a teacher's routine.

Teaching Hours

Our school schedule is based on 40 periods of 40 minutes per week in the Elementary School, and 20 blocks of 80 minutes per week in the Middle and High Schools. A full teaching load in a week is generally 30 or 12.5 periods/blocks respectively. The non-contact periods/blocks are allocated for planning, preparation, classroom management, and general meetings with colleagues and parents, as well as the PSE, Personal Social Education in the Middle and High Schools.

SmSh: What is the application deadline?

Before Aug 31, but the earlier the better as we will be prescreening and interviewing early applicants over the summer.

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To find more about the school, check out wab.edu.cn. To find out more about the open positions, check out wab-edu.cn/join/employment.