Lead Educator - Foundation Phase (Grades R-3)

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 450,000 - 650,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional development

Supportive school culture

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg, North West, is seeking an experienced Lead Educator for the Foundation Phase (Grades R-3). This role provides pedagogical leadership, mentors junior teachers, and ensures high-quality early childhood education, fostering foundational literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education or B.Ed Foundation Phase, with at least 6 years’ teaching experience (2 in leadership).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or B.Ed Foundation Phase.
• At least 6 years of teaching experience in Foundation Phase.
• CAPS knowledge for Grades R-3 and effective pedagogical approaches.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and guide the instructional program for the Foundation Phase (Grades R-3) ensuring alignment with the national curriculum.
• Mentor, coach, and support Foundation Phase teachers, fostering a collaborative learning community.
• Develop engaging, age-appropriate lesson plans promoting literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional development.
• Establish a positive, safe, and stimulating classroom environment conducive to learning.
• Conduct regular observations and provide constructive feedback and professional development opportunities.
• Collaborate with parents to build strong home-school partnerships and communicate student progress.
• Lead assessment and reporting for Foundation Phase students.
• Curate and manage educational resources suitable for young learners.
• Stay current with early childhood education research and implement innovations.
• Participate in school-wide administrative tasks and community events.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Curriculum development

Assessment strategies

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education

B.Ed Foundation Phase

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and forward-thinking primary school located in Rustenburg, North West , is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Lead Educator for its Foundation Phase (Grades R-3). This critical role involves providing pedagogical leadership, mentoring junior teachers, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality early childhood education. The Lead Educator will be instrumental in developing and implementing innovative teaching methodologies that foster foundational literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional skills in young learners. We are looking for a passionate advocate for early childhood development who can create a nurturing, stimulating, and inclusive learning environment. This position offers a significant opportunity to influence educational practices and student outcomes in the Rustenburg area. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership qualities, a deep understanding of child development, and a commitment to excellence in education.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and guide the instructional program for the Foundation Phase (Grades R-3), ensuring alignment with the national curriculum and best practices in early childhood education.
• Mentor, coach, and support Foundation Phase teachers, fostering a collaborative and professional learning community.
• Develop and implement engaging, age-appropriate lesson plans that promote holistic child development, including cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills.
• Establish and maintain a positive, safe, and stimulating classroom environment conducive to learning and exploration.
• Conduct regular observations of teaching and learning, providing constructive feedback and professional development opportunities for staff.
• Collaborate with parents and guardians to build strong home-school partnerships, ensuring open communication regarding student progress and well-being.
• Lead the assessment and reporting process for Foundation Phase students, ensuring accurate and timely evaluation of learning.
• Curate and manage educational resources and materials appropriate for young learners.
• Stay current with research and trends in early childhood education and implement relevant innovations.
• Participate in school-wide administrative tasks, meetings, and community events.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, with a recognized teaching qualification (e.g., B.Ed. Foundation Phase).
• Minimum of 6 years of teaching experience within the Foundation Phase, with at least 2 years in a leadership or mentoring capacity.
• In-depth knowledge of the South African CAPS curriculum for Grades R-3 and effective pedagogical approaches for this age group.
• Proven experience in curriculum development and implementation for early years.
• Excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with students, staff, and parents.
• Proficiency in assessment strategies and techniques for young children.
• A passion for early childhood development and a commitment to fostering a love of learning.
• Registered with the South African Council for Educators (SACE).
• Must possess a valid South African ID or work permit and a clear criminal record.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience and leadership responsibilities. This includes opportunities for ongoing professional development, access to well-resourced classrooms, and a supportive and collaborative school culture. Being a Lead Educator in Rustenburg provides the chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of young children and contribute to the growth of a respected educational institution in the North West province.