Senior School Teacher of Portuguese (with the possibility of Head of Faculty)

General

We are seeking a well-qualified, enthusiastic, committed, and inspirational Teacher of Portuguese for the Senior School, with the potential opportunity to take on the role of Head of Portuguese. The successful candidate should possess the necessary educational qualifications (Licenciatura from a Brazilian university) and have experience working with pupils within this age range. Creativity, a passion for teaching, and a pupil-centred approach are essential. All teachers at our school are expected to fully commit to the life of the school, pursue their professional development, and contribute to the school’s continued reputation for excellence.

About us:

St. Paul’s was founded in 1926 and was the first school in South America to receive accreditation from the UK government as a British School Oversees. Fully coeducational, with about 1,000 pupils, aged from 3 to 18, it is a school with history and tradition, but which embraces innovation, contemporary values and the latest in digital learning. We are a world-class school, and an international member of HMC and IAPS, and a member of COBIS and the LAHC. We are proud of our local, national and international reputation and we constantly strive to improve the opportunities for our pupils and staff. Our recent BSO inspection judged us as a leading British School overseas, and you can download the report from our website. Our exceptional facilities place teaching and learning at the heart of the school.

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More details about the school can be found at www.stpauls.br

Role Overview

As a Teacher of Portuguese, you will be responsible for delivering engaging and high-quality lessons that inspire pupils and foster a love for the Portuguese language and literature. You will ensure that pupils develop strong linguistic skills, critical thinking abilities, and an appreciation for Portuguese language culture. All teaching must be conducted in Portuguese, although fluency in English is essential for day-to-day communication.

For candidates with relevant leadership experience and aspirations, there is the possibility of assuming the Head of Portuguese role, which includes additional responsibilities in curriculum development, departmental leadership, and staff mentoring.

Key Responsibilities

Teaching and Learning

• Plan and deliver high-quality lessons tailored to diverse learning styles and abilities, in line with school initiatives.

• Encourage intellectual curiosity and linguistic competence in Portuguese.

• Foster an inclusive, safe, and stimulating learning environment that supports academic and personal development.

• Implement effective differentiation strategies to meet the needs of all pupils.

Professional Collaboration and Development

• Work closely with colleagues to develop and enhance Portuguese teaching across the department.

• Participate in departmental and staff meetings, contributing to curriculum discussions and school-wide initiatives.

• Engage in continuous professional development to stay informed of best practices in language teaching.

Communication and Pastoral Care

• Maintain strong communication with parents regarding pupil progress, curriculum developments, and school initiatives.

• Provide guidance and pastoral care, supporting pupils’ personal and academic growth.

Additional Responsibilities (for candidates assuming the Head of Portuguese role)

• Lead, inspire, and support department members, fostering a collaborative and positive team environment.

• Oversee curriculum planning, ensuring a balanced, relevant, and engaging syllabus aligned with the school’s academic vision.

• Monitor and enhance teaching quality within the department, providing guidance and support to colleagues.

• Manage departmental budgets, resources, and teaching materials efficiently.

• Oversee academic procedures, including report writing, grade predictions, IGCSE and IB options, and extended essays.

• Play a key role in the recruitment, induction, and appraisal of new staff.

• Set and review departmental targets to drive pupil progress and achievement.

• Adhere to the school digital strategies to support effective teaching and learning and management of data and resources.

• Attend and contribute to staff meetings and Head of Department meetings, ensuring effective communication within the school.

• Engage in continuous professional development to stay informed of best practices in language teaching.

• Support the professional growth of department members through mentorship and training.

• Play a key role in the recruitment, induction, and appraisal of new staff.

Our benefits

• Health insurance

• Dental plan

• Pension plan

• Onsite lunches

• Food card

• Transportation tickets

Safeguarding

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. The offer of the role would be made subject to receipt of satisfactory references, proof of relevant qualifications, identification checks and other safeguarding checks (including Internet and Social Media profiles and exposure), an overseas check if appropriate and a pre-placement medical assessment. Proof of entitlement to work in Brazil is also required where necessary.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

St Paul’s is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We recognise the value of diverse environments and strive to promote a culture in which all pupils, staff and members of the school community are welcomed and supported to fulfil their potential, regardless of their background or personal characteristics. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair treatment, embarrassment, discrimination, bullying and harassment.

• A university degree qualification (ideally Letras in Portuguese).

• A certified teaching qualification, e.g. Licenciatura from a Brazilian university.

• High proficiency in English.

• Demonstrated experience in teaching Portuguese at the senior school level.

• A passion for teaching and learning, with the ability to engage and inspire pupils.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Knowledge of effective teaching strategies and curriculum development.

• Commitment to ongoing professional development.

• Strong ICT skills for both teaching and administrative purposes.
  
  For candidates applying for the Head of Portuguese role, leadership experience and the ability to manage and develop a team are essential.

Application Details:

Please ensure your entire application is in English. Applications will be reviewed as they arrive, and the school reserves the right to appoint before the closing date.

Position required for August 2025.