SCALE:  Professional Scale
CONTRACT:  Professional Staff Contract
SUPERVISOR: Upper School Principal
DIVISION: PreK-12

JOB SUMMARY 

At Taipei American School Aquatics Specialist plays a pivotal role in shaping the educational experience of students by demonstrating an in-depth understanding of the curriculum, subject content, and the developmental needs of students.

Responsibilities include systematically planning instruction, utilizing a variety of research-based strategies, and assessing student progress through data-driven practices. Additionally, the Aquatics Specialist will foster a positive and safe learning environment, promote professionalism, and engage in continuous growth to enhance TAS’ mission, values, and schoolwide learning outcomes.

REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

• Three or more years of teaching experience
• Bachelor's Degree - major in Education/Teaching
• Experience in swimming teaching, certification is preferred
• Current First-Aid and Lifeguard certification, or willingness to certify/update
• Knowledge of swimming in terms of skills, safety standards, facility requirements and operations.
• Be available for aquatics activities that take place outside of regular school hours
• Fluent in English.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Sensitivity to the cultural differences between Western and Asian staff and a willingness to work for constructive change in a multi-cultural setting.

IDEAL TRAITS / CHARACTERISTICS:

• Passion, joy, and enthusiasm for teaching and learning.
• Empathy and understanding of diverse family and student needs.
• Patience, kindness, and a student-centered teaching approach.
• A strong commitment to the TAS mission and a willingness to go above and beyond for students and the school community.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and creative problem-solving skills.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Professional Knowledge:

• Demonstrates an understanding of the curriculum, subject content, and the developmental needs of students by providing meaningful, relevant, and engaging learning experiences.
• Addresses relevant curriculum standards and schoolwide learning outcomes while linking present content with past and future learning experiences, other subject areas, and real-world experiences and applications.
• Demonstrates an understanding of methodologies or practices to promote surface, deep and transfer learning.

Instructional Planning:

• Plans using TAS’ mission, schoolwide learning outcomes, standards, and data, alongside engaging and appropriate strategies and resources to meet the needs of all students.
• Plans consistently using differentiated learning experiences (e.g. content, process, product, and learning environment) that support diverse populations of learners (e.g., multilingual learners, students with learning needs, etc.).
• Plans accordingly for pacing, sequencing, content mastery, transitions, and application of knowledge.
• Plans using the UbD framework and works collaboratively with teammates, collaborating teachers and/or instructional leaders to enhance teaching and learning.

Instructional Delivery:

• Uses a variety of research-based, developmentally appropriate instructional strategies relevant to the content area to engage students in active learning, to promote key skills, especially those outlined within the schoolwide learning outcomes, and to meet individual learning needs.
• Uses appropriate instructional technology to enhance studnet learning. 
• Consistently checks for understanding using multiple levels of questioning, provides regular feedback, and adjusts instruction accordingly.

Assessment of/for Learning:

• Systematically gathers, analyzes, and uses formative and summative data to measure student progress, guide instructional content and delivery methods, and provide timely feedback to students, parents, and stakeholders.
• Uses assessment as a means to support students in developing a growth- mindset while involving students in setting learning goals and monitoring their own progress.

Learning Environment:

• Uses resources, routines, and procedures to provide a respectful, positive, safe, student-centered environment that is conducive to learning and collaboration.
• Arranges the physical space and structures the classroom to maximize learning while providing a welcoming and safe environment.
• Promotes respectful interactions and an understanding of students’ diversity, including language, culture, race, gender, and special needs.

Content-Specific: K-12 AQUATICS SPECIALIST

The aquatics specialist is responsible for assisting in the planning, implementation and teaching of a high-quality and safe K-12 curricular and co-curricular aquatics program.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently, and in collaboration with Physical Education faculty, teach Lower, Middle, and Upper School Aquatics Physical Education classes as required
• Collaborate with the Aquatics Director and other school departments in the planning, set up and operations of Aquatics Physical Education classes and other after-school programs such as Swimzone and Tigersharks
• Coach and help coordinate the various Aquatics programs that take place seasonally or year-round on weekends and after instructional hours..
• Assisting in supervising the day-to-day operations of the pool facility, staff, supplies and equipment
• Be able to effectively teach the aquatics curriculum to a wide range of ability, and developmental levels within a class
• Be able to effectively teach a wide range of aquatic activities 
• Be open to assisting Physical Education personnel in developing their swim instruction skills
• Ensure that students are always learning in a safe and effective environment
• Ensure that the appropriate safety standards are always being met and respond quickly to emergencies
• Demonstrate commitment to personal continuous professional growth and development
• Other duties as assigned by the Aquatics Director

Professionalism:

• Maintains a commitment to professional ethics, collaborates and communicates appropriately, and takes responsibility for personal professional growth that results in the enhancement of student learning.
• Identifies and evaluates personal strengths and weaknesses and sets goals for improvement of professional knowledge and skills.
• Engages in activities outside the classroom intended for school and student enhancement.
• Works in a collegial and collaborative manner with administrators, other school personnel, and the community to promote students’ well-being and success.
• Builds positive and professional relationships with parents through frequent and appropriate communication concerning students’ progress.
• Uses precise language, correct vocabulary and grammar, and acceptable forms of oral and written communication.

To Apply

Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references through the online link below. Please note that direct applications via email or other channels will not be considered.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as Taipei American School reserves the right to close the selection process at any time.