Head of High School Psychology/Teacher of HS Psychology

UNITED WORLD COLLEGE OF SOUTH EAST ASIA - EAST; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international school in Singapore is seeking a Teacher of High School Psychology, with the potential for Head of Department responsibilities. The successful candidate will teach IB Diploma Psychology and UWC Psychology courses, while providing dynamic leadership within the department. A commitment to diversity and inclusive education is essential. Additional expectations include participation in professional development and mentorship programs. The role starts in August 2026.

Qualifications

• Prior experience teaching Psychology to ages 14-18 required.
• Enthusiastic participation in professional development essential.
• Willingness to lead a mentor group.

Responsibilities

• Teach IB Diploma Psychology for Grades 11 and 12.
• Lead curriculum development as Head of Department.
• Support the Personal and Social Education program.

Skills

Effective leadership

Classroom management

Communication skills

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Education

Degree in Psychology or related discipline

Recognized teaching qualification

Job description

UWCSEA has a vacancy for August 2026 at its East Campus for a Teacher of High School Psychology, with the possibility of Head of Department responsibility.

The successful candidate will teach IB Diploma Psychology in Grades 11 and Grade 12, and our UWCSEA Psychology courses in Grades 9 and 10. The ability to teach Theory of Knowledge and/or UWC (Critical) Perspectives class would be an advantage.

The Head of Psychology provides active and dynamic leadership of the High School Psychology Department, consisting of 3 members of staff. The Head of Department takes the lead role in curriculum development, change management and helps develop a positive culture of learning within the Department and Humanities Faculty as a whole. All Heads of Department are members of the broader High School Academic Leadership Team.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate that they are an excellent and inspiring practitioner with the drive to continually develop within the profession. The actual determination of classes will be dependent on the skill set of the appointee, the needs of our students and timetabling requirements.

Main Responsibilities

For the Teacher position:

• Teachers should be willing to contribute positively to the collaborative culture of the Psychology and broader Humanities and High School teams.
• Teachers should construct learning experiences that challenge students, support the diversity of learners in each classroom and demonstrate a strong commitment to concept based teaching and learning.
• Teachers should ensure that assessments support ongoing learning and provide timely, relevant and appropriate feedback to students using formative and summative assessments.
• Teachers should demonstrate effective classroom management that shows an understanding of the academic, social and emotional dimensions of learning.
• Teachers are involved in our Personal and Social Education programme through the support of a mentor group (tutor/home group) of students.
• Teachers should keep parents informed about the learning of their children, and be proactive in their communication with parents.

For the Head of Department position:

Effective Leadership – Leading across all five areas of the learning programme. The Head of Department:

• Puts student learning at the forefront of all decision making and planning.
• Has a clear vision for the department and translates this into practical and achievable plans.
• Ensures that the learning programme in the department is consistent with the UWCSEA Mission, the UWCSEA Learning Principles, the UWCSEA Profile and with the strategic goals of the high school, campus and College.
• Ensures that the learning programme in the department develops and changes as necessary to match developments in technology and educational practice.

Professional Development – Supporting the professional development of staff they lead. The Head of Department:

• Identifies and utilises the full potential of staff in the department by being alert to the professional development needs of their staff.
• Mentors staff within the Professional Learning Programme and coaches where appropriate so that staff can work most effectively and meaningfully.
• Organises and/or runs informal/formal Professional Development opportunities for department staff as individuals or as a whole team.

Collaboration – Working collaboratively within teams. The Head of Department:

• Enthuses and motivates staff and fosters an environment where creativity and collaboration flourish.
• Involves people in decisions, and delegates interesting and challenging tasks.
• Gives, expects and acts on constructive feedback, and acknowledges error.
• Assumes shared and individual responsibility for successes and problems and is happy to be accountable for the outcomes.
• Sets clear boundaries and expectations providing freedom for the team to work effectively.
• Acts and leads ethically and with integrity.

Communication – Communicating effectively within and beyond their team

• Relates well to individuals and deals sensitively with potentially difficult situations with colleagues/students/parents and has effective sensitive and/or difficult conversations when the situation requires it.
• Chairs meetings effectively and ensures opportunities for more informal communication to take place within the department.
• Is clear and articulate in both spoken and written communications with students, colleagues, parents and the wider community.
• Is proactive in making appropriate information available to colleagues, pastoral teams, parents and the College community.

Expectations and Standards

• Follow the UWCSEA Professional Code of Conduct and Safeguarding Code of Conduct.
• Lead in line with the UWCSEA Leadership Standards
• Teach in line with the UWCSEA Teacher Standards

Person Specifications

• A good degree in Psychology or a closely related discipline and a recognized teaching qualification or certification are expected.
• Successful prior experience of teaching Psychology in the 14-18 age range is required.
• Enthusiastic participation in Professional Learning and Development.
• The leadership of a mentor group unless the teacher is exempted due to other responsibilities.
• On average, a yearly contribution of two sessions per week in each season to Activities and/or Service.
• A willingness and eagerness to participate in the five key elements of a UWCSEA education: Academics; Activities; Outdoor Education; Personal and Social Education and Service
• A willingness to participate enthusiastically in the curricular Outdoor Education experiences which are relevant to their students and occasionally volunteer for Outdoor Education trips scheduled during school breaks/holidays.
• A commitment to diversity and inclusion is essential alongside a willingness to adapt and develop pedagogy to meet the needs of our learners.

Applications

The UWC Mission is to make education a force to unite people, nations and culture for peace and a sustainable future. We are committed to creating a community in which all members feel safe and secure, and know that their authentic selves and individual differences are accepted with respect and care. At UWCSEA, we acknowledge that diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ) is an ongoing and evolving process and strive to create and sustain a sense of belonging for all members of our community, past, present and future. All qualified applicants, including those who identify as a part of marginalised group(s) and individuals with (dis)abilities are all encouraged to apply. Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all the students in our care and expects all applicants to share this commitment. We follow safe recruitment practices and all appointments are subject to interview, satisfactory references, identity and criminal record checks.